Applying for the            

Judo Aotearoa           

Development Squad

Entry to the Judo Aotearoa Development Squad is by application. Successful squad members will be seleceted from applicants who meet our criteria below

Application Criteria

  • Applicants must be aged 12-20 years as of 1 January for the year they are applying

  • Applicants must have a minimum of 1 year competition experience at a regional level

  • Training workshops are located in Auckland and attendence at all workshops is expected

  • Parent/Guardian permission is required to apply

Further Information

Our pathways programme is tailored for young athletes striving for international recognition.

This involves providing assistance for:

  • Advancement in technical and tactical skills;

  • Enhancing physical capabilities;

  • Fostering a winning mindset and psychological strength;

  • Creating an environment conducive to growth and development.

Judo Aotearoa's athletes, whether part of the Development Squad or identified as emerging may be classified as Cadet, Junior, or Senior, based on their  achievements and level of commitment.

Research indicates that successful athletes typically spend 8-10 years progressing through the pathway to achieve senior international success. This journey depends on consistent training, yearly competition, and facing age-appropriate challenges.

WORKSHOPS

The Judo Aotearoa Training Squad meet for Training Workshops approximately 4 times in the year. Training workshops are located in Auckland and held over a weekend. Each workshop is different from the last and contains a mix of Judo technique and supplementary disciplines such as conditioning, nutrition and mental wellbeing. Whilst the workshops are a lot of fun, squad members are expected to work hard.

COSTS

Judo Aotearoa covers the cost of workshops and has accomodation options through a local Judo club. Squad members cover their meals, and travel to and from the workshops. There is limited funding available to help support those travelling to workshops from outside of Auckland, please contact us to learn more. Squad members are also eligible to be considered for scholarships to assist with International opportunities.

INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Selected squad members may have the opportunity to train or compete overseas. We highly recommend taking these opportunities if they arise but this is not a mandatory part of being in the Judo Aotearoa Development Squad.

TOURNAMENTS

Tournaments are a vital part of development and it is one of our criteria that our squad members have tournament experience and are competing in their regional tournaments and preferably national tournaments.

Coa

Applications for 2025 are now closed. Join Judo Aotearoa and follow us on Instagram to be advised of when applications for 2026 open.