Quarter 4 2025 Highlights from Northampton Judo Academy
The final quarter of 2025 was a special one for our club, as we celebrated our first-year anniversary. Reaching this milestone was a proud moment for everyone involved in building Northampton Judo Academy from the ground up.
Alongside the anniversary, we also organised our first-ever competition under the NJA name, made possible by the incredible support of our community. From volunteers and parents to visiting clubs and coaches, the level of support showed just how far the club has come in its first year.
We closed 2025 with a quarter packed full of events and competitions, while also welcoming new members into our judo community. Q4 was a mix of celebration, growth, and setting strong foundations for the year ahead.
Monthly Randori Is Here to Stay
After trialling monthly randori sessions in Quarter 4, we’ve now added them permanently to our calendar. These sessions will take place every second Monday of the month and are open to visiting clubs.
Our monthly randori is open to teen and adult players aged 12+ of all levels, with a 1.5-hour training slot focused purely on practice fights and learning through live situations. These sessions are free to attend and are designed to give players valuable mat time outside of their regular club environment.
This format allows our Judokas to put their techniques into their own game plans, think for themselves under pressure, and improve fast decision-making in contest-style situations. It’s an important step in bridging the gap between technical training and real competition scenarios, while also giving players the chance to train with and learn from others in the local judo community.
11 October – One Year of Northampton Judo Academy
Although we weren’t able to fit in our Family Day activity during Q4, we still had plenty to celebrate on the mats. October marked one full year since Northampton Judo Academy opened its doors.
Over the past year, we’ve delivered a full year of coaching built on passion, commitment, and consistency. What started as a small club has grown into a strong and supportive community, shaped by the hard work of our three founding coaches, the help of our younger assistants, and the continued support of the parents and adults who push us to be better every week.
To celebrate, we organised a two-hour open session for all members on Saturday, filled with judo, team challenges, and sweet treats at the end of the session.
Reaching our first anniversary was an important milestone for the club. It reflects the effort that goes into every session, every competition, and every decision made to build a positive and high-quality training environment for our players.
1 November – Coventry Minimon (Boys & Girls)
Eight of our Judokas travelled to Coventry to compete in the Minimon Boys & Girls competition, a Level 1 development event focused on giving young players safe and supportive competition experience.
These events allow players to test their judo against new opponents, apply what they practise in class, and build confidence under contest conditions.
We’re proud of all eight players who represented the club. Competing away from home and facing unfamiliar opponents is a big step in development, and everyone took valuable experience from the day.
See our results from the Coventry Minimon Competition >>>
15 November – Northampton Autumn Championships 2025
On Saturday, 15 November 2025, we reached a major milestone by hosting our first-ever competition as Northampton Judo Academy. The Northampton Autumn Championships brought together four local judo clubs, with 46 medals awarded across the day.
The event was split into two parts: an Under 8 Development Festival and a Junior competition. This structure allowed us to create a supportive environment for younger players while still offering meaningful contest experience for our junior Judokas.
The standard of judo, behaviour on the mat, and overall atmosphere were exactly what we aimed for. There was strong competition alongside great sportsmanship, mutual respect between players, and a positive, encouraging environment throughout the venue.
We’re proud to have taken this step as a club and to provide a well-run competition that supports development and fair, enjoyable judo for all involved.
See results from our Northampton Autumn Championships 2025 >>>
16 November – Outdoor Workout
Riding the post-competition buzz, we took the energy outdoors for a group workout with our players and family members. It was a great way to keep the momentum going, mix training with fresh air, and bring the community together outside the dojo.
22 November – NHC Regional Schools Championships, Brentwood
Five of our Competitive Squad Judokas competed at the NHC Regional Schools Championships in Brentwood, a Level 3 event with a higher standard of judo and more experienced opposition.
Level 3 competitions demand more from players, with tougher brackets, longer matches, and less room for mistakes. Our players handled the day with focus and persistence, working through multiple contests against strong opponents.
We’re proud of everyone who stepped up to compete at this level. All five represented Northampton Judo Academy brilliantly. This event also closed off our 2025 competition calendar, with December easing into lighter training sessions and a short holiday break for recovery and reset.
See our results from the NHC Regional Schools Championships >>>
20 December – Holiday Break Special Session
Our second special session of the quarter marked the final training before the holiday break. We wrapped up the year with a fun session on the mats, team challenge races between four groups of Judokas, and a well-earned pizza night afterwards.
It was a great way to finish the year together, celebrate the work everyone put in across the season, and head into the break on a positive note before returning refreshed in the new year.
Wrapping up Q4 2025 – Year in Review
The final quarter of the year is always a moment to reflect on the bigger picture. 2025 was a huge year for Northampton Judo Academy, both in terms of activity and growth.
⏱ 468 hours of judo delivered
Hundreds of hours of coaching, learning, falling, getting back up, and developing on the mat.
🏆 16 competitions · 118 medals
From first-time competitors to experienced fighters, each event added valuable experience and confidence.
🎉 4 special event sessions
Team challenges, open sessions, and community-focused training days alongside regular classes.
📈 84 grade progressions
Belts earned through consistent training and steady development.
2025 was a special year for the club. We hosted our first-ever competition, continued building a strong team culture, and kept training moving even on bank holidays with outdoor sessions. The Scotland camp was another highlight, with four of our Competitive Squad Judokas taking part and gaining valuable experience.
Most importantly, we saw friendships develop across all age groups – on and off the mat. Building those connections is a big part of what makes the club what it is.
Looking ahead to 2026, we’re planning to organise more competitions, continue investing in our Competitive Squad with dedicated workout stations and training equipment, and fit in more family days and outdoor training sessions as our calendar fills up.
Thank you to every player, parent, volunteer, and coach who was part of Northampton Judo Academy in 2025.
Buckle up for 2026. 🥋🔥
