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 training in Copenhagen.
We took a team of 10 judoka, aged between 8 and 15 years old, along with two families, travelling from Thursday through to Monday. The trip included two days of international competition followed by a large-scale judo training camp.
For many, this was their first experience of competing abroad.
And it’s exactly the kind of experience that accelerates development—not just in judo, but in confidence, resilience, and maturity.
Competing on an International Stage
The competition took place across Friday and Saturday, with our team stepping onto the mat against unfamiliar opponents from across Europe.
On the Friday:
- George Skillcorn earned a silver medal, winning two matches before narrowly losing in the final.
- Maisie Chang secured a bronze medal, winning three matches in a strong division.
Eric Skillcorn, Pablo Moreno, and Ben Frankum all competed with determination. While they didn’t come away with medals this time, they gained something far more valuable—experience under pressure that simply cannot be replicated in a normal class environment.
On the Saturday:
Jack Candassamy, Ben Griffiths, Satu Berdahl, and Will King all stepped up to compete. Again, no medals, but a clear improvement in how they approached their matches—more intent, more belief, and a greater willingness to engage.
At this level, that progress matters.
Why Competition Matters in Children’s Judo
For parents considering martial arts for their child, competition often raises questions.
But done correctly, it provides one of the most powerful learning environments available.
In competition, children learn to:
- Manage nerves before stepping onto the mat
- Deal with both winning and losing
- Perform under pressure
- Take responsibility for their performance
These are not just “sports skills”—they are life skills that carry into school, exams, and future challenges.
The Real Development Happens at Training Camp
After the competition, the team—joined by Ben Worker—took part in an international judo training camp.
This is where the biggest growth occurred.
With hundreds of judoka on the mat, the sessions are almost entirely randori (sparring). There is no easing into it. Children are expected to step on, face different opponents constantly, and continue training even when they are tired.
This environment does something important.
It teaches children very quickly that they are capable of far more than they thought.
They learn to:
- Push through fatigue
- Reset after difficult rounds
- Keep going when things feel uncomfortable
This is resilience in its truest form—not something talked about, but something experienced and developed.
Building Confidence That Transfers Beyond the Mat
One of the key benefits of judo training—especially at this level—is how directly it impacts life outside the dojo.
Experiences like this help children:
- Build real confidence, not just surface-level self-esteem
- Handle pressure more effectively in school
- Develop focus and discipline
- Improve their ability to deal with setbacks
When a child has faced a full day of international training, stepping into a classroom or sitting an exam feels very different.
They know they can cope.
Judo Is an Individual Sport… But a Team Environment
Although judo is technically an individual sport, trips like this highlight how important the team environment is.
The support between the group—encouraging each other, helping each other through difficult moments—plays a huge role in their ability to keep going.
Without that, the experience becomes much harder.
With it, children grow faster.
Proud of the Team—and Looking Ahead
We were extremely proud of how every member of the team conducted themselves across the trip.
Not just in terms of results, but in attitude, effort, and resilience.
While many children were taking a break over the holidays, this group was investing in their development. That standard will now carry back into our classes as we continue to build their skills and confidence.
Looking for Martial Arts Classes in Woking or Guildford?
At Fighting Fitness Judo, our goal is not just to teach techniques—but to develop confident, resilient young people.
Opportunities like international competitions and training camps are part of a clear pathway that allows children to grow, challenge themselves, and reach their potential.
If you’re looking for kids martial arts classes in Woking or Guildford that focus on discipline, confidence, and real personal development, we’d love to welcome you.
