The European Judo Union Advanced Coach Award was delivered in Athens, Greece in partnership with the Hellenic Judo Federation. Fifteen coaches took part in the 4-day practical block delivered by Nikos Iliadis and Dr Mike Callan of the Judospace Educational Institute and EJU Judo Knowledge Commission. The coaches covered modules related to Principles of Teaching Gokyo, Culture of Judo (Ethics, Etiquette and Safety), Planning and Physiology, History & Development of Judo, Communication and Competitive Judo.
The 4-day seminar required the coaching students to complete 6 different assessments including a 15 minute master class on a technique drawn at random. The coaches found the seminar both challenging and rewarding. Some of them working through the night to ensure their assessments met the required standards.
The qualification is also accredited by Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, to ensure the quality assurance of the course. The qualification serves as an Access course to the EJU Performance Coach Award, which is also a degree in Sports Coaching (European Judo Union) offered through distance learning by Anglia Ruskin University. Recently the quality of these courses was reviewed by EJU Vice President Franco Capelletti and EJU Presidential Advisor Ezio Gamba.
Commenting on the Advanced Coach Award practical block, Mr Iliadis said “This is a great course.” On the final evening the Judospace Educational Institute hosted a celebration dinner under the shadow of the Acropolis. Dr Mike Callan used the occasion to remind the coaches of their responsibility to create a legacy for Hellenic Judo, following the success of Ilias Iliadis winning his 3rd Gold medal in Chelyabinsk.