Marshalling the Arts: Online Judo with GB Athlete Danny Williams

GB Olympic Athlete and Coach, Danny Williams, is no stranger to Leighton Park. In the Spring Term he bestowed us with his first-rate knowledge and fine skill in the martial arts, teaching Judo as part of our Co-Curricular Programme.

Now, in a bid to continue this unique partnership with the School remotely, Danny will impart his expertise by working with students of the Judo hobby for free, through interactive Google Meet classes. But not only this, the renowned Coach is even generously extending his invitation to learn the martial art, to all members of the Leighton Park community; staff, students and their families.

Danny’s fundamental course in Judo and Free Grappling will supercharge the already popular Get Fit Programme, currently being delivered by the Sport and Wellbeing team, as a supplement to the PE curriculum whilst we operate from home. Get Fit has been well received by students and staff alike, as they get together to take part in workouts; from strength and conditioning to plyometrics to stretching and yoga.

Danny commented “It’s really great to be continuing with LP Judo, especially after such a well-supported and successful first term.” He continued “No previous experience is necessary. Enough space to move, a device to watch and listen from and a willingness to learn is all that’s needed.”

Throughout his time as an athlete, Danny has competed at seven major events including the London 2012 Olympic Games and the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where he became a Gold Medallist. As well as winning various other international titles and medals, he is also a qualified coach at Camberley Judo Club with a degree in Sports Coaching from Anglia Ruskin University.

Danny is an expert in his field, from teaching technical stand ups in the time it takes to boil a kettle on his Twitter page, through to expressing his more astute thoughts on the craft in in his blog, his coaching is accessible for all ages and abilities.

In his blog Danny writes “I have found that working with younger children has definitely helped improve my own understanding of the small details of the things that I would do but, perhaps, took for granted their importance or was ignorant to the fact that I was unaware of how to break down the very basics.”

Director of Sport, Jez Belas, remarked “He is one of the best coaches and practitioners of the martial art in the country and beyond. I cannot stress how hugely fortunate we are to be working with him. He feels so passionately about the students and the School and wants to continue working with them very much.”

Jez continued “Those who took part in his Judo sessions last term showed huge progress. The last few weeks have shown how important it is to move your body and connect with other people. Simply put, this is sport and these sessions will help the LP community both physically and mentally.”