The FFJ Blog

Insights, Stories & Advice

Expert tips on raising confident children, competition reports, community news, and everything judo — from our coaches in Woking and Guildford, Surrey.

20 Members Begin Our Coach Development Programme — and Why It Matters
Club News8 September 2026

20 Members Begin Our Coach Development Programme — and Why It Matters

Twenty Fighting Fitness Judo members have started our Coach Development Programme: a leadership pathway that develops communication, confidence and future coaches.

Coach Development ProgrammeJudo Coach DevelopmentJunior Leadership
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“I Don’t Want to Go to Judo”: Why the First Wobble Matters
Child Development8 September 2026

“I Don’t Want to Go to Judo”: Why the First Wobble Matters

When a child says they want to stop judo, how should a parent respond? A practical, evidence-informed guide to early setbacks, confidence and healthy support.

children's judochild confidenceyouth sport
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Why Great Children’s Judo Classes Look Like Play
Child Development3 September 2026

Why Great Children’s Judo Classes Look Like Play

Games in children’s judo are not a break from learning. They build balance, safe movement, confidence and decision-making — when they are coached well.

children's judochildren's judo classes Wokingkids martial arts Woking
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Seven in Ten Children Quit Sport Before They're Thirteen. Here's What the Research Says About the One That Keeps Them.
Child Development2 July 2026

Seven in Ten Children Quit Sport Before They're Thirteen. Here's What the Research Says About the One That Keeps Them.

Seven out of ten children quit organised sport before they turn thirteen — not because of injury or time, but because it stopped being fun. Here's what the research says about the activity that actually builds the character to last.

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Child Development & Sport Science17 June 2026

Why the Summer Holidays Are the Most Important Weeks for Your Child's Physical Development

What the six weeks of summer quietly do to your child's body — and why the choices you make now determine whether they stay in sport at fourteen, and at forty.

summer holidays children sportchild coordination growth spurtjudo children Surrey
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Judo & Lifestyle16 June 2026

Why Adults Are Joining Judo in Woking — And Why It Has Nothing to Do With Fitness

A black belt asked if we'd been doing more adult marketing. We hadn't. Here's what Vince Skillcorn thinks is actually driving the quiet surge of adults walking into FFJ — and why it has everything to do with the collapse of Britain's third places.

adult judojudo wokingthird places
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Child Development1 June 2026

There’s No Such Thing as Perfect (and the Sooner Our Kids Know It, the Stronger They’ll Be)

Somewhere in your house this week, there is probably a child at a kitchen table.A book is open. Maybe a past paper. And a feeling in the room — you know the one — that the next few weeks really…

children's confidenceresilienceexam stress
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Judo & Lifestyle19 May 2026

Why You Keep Quitting The Gym Isn't What You Think It Is.

You Don’t Have A Discipline Problem. You’ve Just Been Doing This Alone.I want to start with a sentence that, for a lot of adults reading this, has been quietly

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Child Development13 May 2026

Six Is Too Young To Decide She's Not Sporty

Forty-two percent.That’s the share of British six-year-old girls getting the recommended amount of physical activity each day. The figure for boys at the same age is sixty-three percent. So before…

children's sportgirls in sportjudo for girls
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Parenting Advice11 May 2026

Your Child's iPad Meltdowns Aren't A Discipline Problem. They're A Play Problem.

Most weeks I’ll have a parent at our club say some version of the same sentence. They’ll mention it casually, half-laughing, usually while we’re standing by ...

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Community24 April 2026

Fighting Fitness Charity Golf Day Raises Over £2,500 for Park Lane Stables

What started as an idea to bring our community together has turned into something truly special. On Friday 24 April 2026, we hosted our first Fighting Fitness Charity Golf Day at Pyrford Lakes.

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Child Development20 April 2026

When Talent Becomes a Cage

A podcast, a conductor, and what it really means to find your own way. One of our members, Paddy, sent me a podcast last week and asked what I thought of it.

talent vs effortgrowth mindsetjudo coaching
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Competition13 April 2026

What Our Young Judoka Learned Competing in Copenhagen (And Why It Matters)

Last week, while many children were enjoying time off during the school holidays, a group of our students at Fighting Fitness Judo were doing something very different. They were competing and…

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Parenting Advice6 April 2026

Why Kids Need Mud, Challenges, and Connection (More Than Another Hour on a Screen)

On Sunday, 14th September, our club came together for something a little different. We swapped the dojo for mud, ropes, and obstacles at the Nuts Challenge obstacle course —a family-friendly event…

outdoor playscreen timechildren's wellbeing
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Community23 March 2026

Fighting Fitness Judo Hosts a Rainy but Resilient Community Celebration in Knaphill

Despite the rain, the spirit of the Woking and Knaphill community shone through. On Saturday 19th July, Fighting Fitness Judo hosted the Knaphill Community Day to mark its 10-year anniversary.

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Parenting Advice16 March 2026

15 Screen-Free Summer Activities for Kids in Woking

Discover 15 screen-free summer activities for kids in Woking, designed to keep children aged 5-12 active, engaged, and confident. Reduce screen time and increase real-world fun with these local ideas.

summer activities Wokingscreen-free kidsthings to do Woking
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Parenting Advice9 March 2026

Is the Minecraft Movie Harming Your Child’s Focus? What Every Parent Needs to Know

The Minecraft movie and similar content may be harming children's focus. This article explores the impact of overstimulation on developing minds and offers insights for parents.

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Community2 March 2026

Fighting Fitness Judo Raises £600 for Woking Hospice at Dragon Boat Race and Takes 3rd Place

Fighting Fitness Judo's team took 3rd place at the Woking Dragon Boat Race, raising over £600 for Woking Hospice. The event highlighted teamwork, community spirit, and the club's commitment to local…

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Child Development23 February 2026

How to Build Confidence in Shy or Quiet Kids: A Parent’s Guide to Raising Resilient Children

Supporting Shy, Sensitive & Quiet Kids in a Loud World. A guide for parents whose children feel deeply, think carefully, and need something a little different to grow.

shy childrenconfidence buildingquiet kids
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Child Development16 February 2026

Why Kids Quit Things (and How to Help Them Stick With It)

What judo teaches children about perseverance, progress, and showing up — even when it gets hard

children quittingperseveranceresilience
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Parenting Advice9 February 2026

Helping Your Child Handle Big Emotions: A 5-Step Plan for Parents

Discover a 5-step plan for parents to help children aged 3-12 handle big emotions and develop emotional regulation skills, fostering confidence and resilience.

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Child Development2 February 2026

“I’m Proud of You, Even If You Were Nervous”

Over 150 Fighting Fitness Judo students, aged 5 to 14, faced their nerves and stepped up at the Judo Festival at Woking Leisure Centre, demonstrating courage beyond their years.

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Child Development26 January 2026

5 Hidden Confidence Drains Affecting Kids Aged 5–7 — And How You Can Reverse Them at Home (Without Nagging or Bribing)

If you’ve found yourself asking this question lately — you’re not alone. Maybe they’ve become a little more moody. Maybe they’re glued to a screen again.

confidence drainschildren aged 5-7self-esteem
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Child Development19 January 2026

Woking Martial Arts: Helping Your Child Avoid the Pitfalls of Popularity

In today’s world of likes, shares, and social status, many children chase popularity at the cost of their values. As a parent in Woking, you’ve likely seen this play out—whether in your child’s…

martial arts Wokingpopularitypeer pressure
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Competition12 January 2026

Fighting Fitness Judo Shines at Bishop’s Stortford Competition

This weekend, our young team from Fighting Fitness Judo headed to Bishop’s Stortford for another exciting children’s judo competition—and they did not disappoint! With determination, teamwork, and…

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Parenting Advice5 January 2026

Why Winter is Hurting Your Child’s Activity Levels – And How to Fix It

As February rolls in, the days are still short, the weather is cold, and spring feels like it’s a long way off. If you’ve noticed your child spending more time indoors, glued to screens, and less…

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Child Development22 December 2025

How to Help Your Child Stop Giving Up Too Easily

If you’ve ever seen your child start something new and exciting only to give up at the first sign of difficulty, you’re not alone. As parents, it can be incredibly frustrating to watch.

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Community15 December 2025

Discover the Excitement of Judo: Fighting Fitness Judo Visits Bisley C of E School!

Fighting Fitness Judo visited Bisley C of E School, introducing students to judo through their Schools Partnership Judo Programme, combining physical activity with essential life lessons.

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Community8 December 2025

Fighting Fitness Judo Festival: A Celebration of Courage, Teamwork, and Community Spirit

On Sunday, 17th November, Fighting Fitness Judo hosted one of our most exciting events of the year—a club team competition that brought together over 150 children, families, and friends in a…

judo festivalFighting Fitness Judocommunity
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Competition1 December 2025

Fighting Fitness Judo Shines at Breda Open in Holland

Fighting Fitness Judo Pathway Squad, coaches, and parents travelled to Holland for the Breda Open, an international competition that fostered independence, confidence, and resilience in young…

Breda Openinternational judoHolland
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Community24 November 2025

Halloween Fun and Confidence-Building for Kids in Woking & Guildford

As Halloween approaches, parents around Woking and Guildford are looking for engaging, fun, and beneficial activities for their children over the half-term break. And while there are plenty of local…

HalloweenWokingGuildford
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Child Development17 November 2025

What to Do When Things Don’t Go to Plan: A Lesson in Resilience and Confidence

Discover how martial arts classes in Woking and Guildford can help children build confidence, resilience, and life skills. Learn how Fighting Fitness Judo empowers kids to overcome challenges,…

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Parenting Advice10 November 2025

How to Help Your Child Become Bully-Proof: Essential Skills & Tactics for Bully Awareness

As a parent, few things are more worrying than the thought of your child being bullied. Bullying can significantly impact a child’s confidence, self-esteem, and overall well-being.

bully-proofanti-bullyingchildren's confidence
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Parenting Advice3 September 2025

7 Red Flags Your Child May Be a Target for Bullies (And What You Can Do Right Now)

Worried your child might be bullied? Discover 7 warning signs parents must spot early—and how judo builds confidence, focus & resilience in school.

bullying preventionchildren's confidenceself-defence
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Child Development21 January 2025

How Fighting Fitness Judo Helps Children Increase Their Focus with the 4 Principles of Focus

Discover how Fighting Fitness Judo helps children improve their focus with the 4 Principles of Focus. Learn how focusing their eyes, ears, mind, and body builds confidence, discipline, and life-long…

children's focusconcentrationjudo for focus
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Parenting Advice22 March 2024

Is a child having a smartphone very smart?

This article discusses the growing concerns around children's smartphone and social media use, highlighting issues like lack of boundaries, algorithmic influence, and negative consequences on mental…

smartphones for childrenscreen timeparenting
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