On Thursday 24 September 2026, Fighting Fitness Judo had the pleasure of visiting Knaphill Junior School for a full morning of judo workshops.
Samantha Skillcorn was joined by coaches Abbas Khan and Hayden Scruton to introduce 240 children to judo across eight 30-minute classes. It was a busy, energetic morning and a brilliant chance for pupils to experience what judo is about: moving with purpose, listening well, working with others and having fun while learning something new.
For many children, it was their first experience of judo. That is exactly what makes school workshops so valuable. A short, well-led session can help a child discover that they enjoy being active, that they can try something unfamiliar, and that progress often begins with the confidence to have a go.
What did the children experience?
Each workshop was designed as a lively, age-appropriate introduction rather than a condensed version of a normal class. Across the eight sessions, pupils took part in coach-led movement activities and simple judo-based challenges that encouraged them to focus, follow instructions, work respectfully around classmates and keep trying when something felt new.
There was plenty of energy in the room, but there was also a clear purpose. Judo gives children a practical way to practise self-control, awareness of other people and positive behaviour in a group. Those are skills that matter just as much in the classroom, playground and home as they do on the mat.
Our coaching team was particularly proud of how enthusiastically the children joined in. We were also grateful to hear the positive feedback from school staff about the way Samantha, Abbas and Hayden kept the classes fun, engaging and well managed for every group.
More than a martial art
A first introduction to judo should leave a child feeling included, capable and curious to learn more. The techniques are important, but the wider values are where judo can make a real difference.
At Fighting Fitness Judo, we use structured coaching to help children build confidence, respect, resilience and self-control. In a school workshop, those values show up in simple, practical ways: taking turns, listening to a coach, supporting a partner, responding well when an activity is challenging and celebrating effort as well as success.
That is why our workshops are not just about giving children a fun active session. They are about showing pupils that sport can be a positive place to learn, contribute and grow.
A short journey from Knaphill Junior School to our Woking dojo
For families whose children enjoyed the workshop, the next step is close by. Our Woking dojo at Baltic House is around five minutes by car from Knaphill Junior School in typical conditions, and it offers programmes from Tigers for children aged three to four through to SuperKids, Juniors, Teens and Adults.
We gave every child a school taster invitation so families can see what a regular Fighting Fitness Judo class feels like before making any decision. The invitation starts with a free trial class. The school-taster page explains the current family offer and the enrolment benefits that apply if you choose to join afterwards.
Knaphill Junior School families: claim your school taster pass and choose a time for your child’s first class at our Woking dojo.
Watch: Sam explains the school taster offer
The short video below explains the school taster invitation for Knaphill families.
A short introduction to the Knaphill school taster invitation from Samantha Skillcorn.
Knaphill Infant School is next
We do not want younger siblings to feel that they have missed out. Next week, the Fighting Fitness Judo team will visit Knaphill Infant School to deliver introductory workshops there too.
We are looking forward to meeting more young people from the Knaphill community, sharing the same values-led introduction to judo and welcoming families who would like to continue the journey at our nearby Woking dojo.
Could Fighting Fitness Judo visit your school?
We believe school workshops work best when they are purposeful, well organised and designed around the children in front of us. Our team can deliver engaging, age-appropriate judo introductions that give pupils a positive first experience of martial arts while reinforcing values such as respect, confidence, resilience and teamwork.
If you are a teacher, school leader or parent governor interested in discussing a workshop for your school, we would be pleased to start a conversation. Visit our contact page and let us know about your pupils, timetable and what you would like the session to achieve.
Thank you to Knaphill Junior School for welcoming us so warmly. We are proud of Samantha, Abbas and Hayden, and we are excited to see where this first introduction to judo takes the children next.