Life Skills Programme

Life Skills
Programme

Building the whole child — not just the judoka.

Judo builds the body.
This programme builds the person.

At Ely Dojo, we believe the greatest gift we can give a young person is not a medal — it is character. Our Life Skills Programme runs alongside every judo class, teaching children the values, habits, and mindset that will serve them for the rest of their lives. Your child does not just become a better judoka. They become a better person.


Ely Dojo Life Skills — Building Champions For Life

The 12 Core Values

Each value is its own module — a workbook, real-world challenges, and a certificate.

Health
Responsibility
Self-Control
Sincerity

Courage
Respect
Determination
Politeness

Honour
Modesty
Friendship
Leadership

Ely Dojo Life Skills adventure The Programme

On the mat.
And in life.

The Life Skills Programme is not a reward chart. It is a structured, module-by-module journey through 12 core values — each explored through activities in the dojo, at home, and at school.

Every module includes a personal workbook, real-world challenges, and a formal Ely Dojo certificate awarded on completion. This is character development taken seriously.

Beyond the Dojo

Adventures that
make memories.

The programme takes children beyond the dojo walls. Forest adventures, scavenger hunts, team challenges, and community events — every experience is designed to put the values into practice in the real world.

When a child earns their certificate and sees their own growth, that confidence stays with them for life. These are not just judo memories. These are life memories.

 Children on a Life Skills adventure in the woods

How It Works

A clear, structured journey from first class to Champion in Life.

01

Receive the Workbook

Each child receives a beautifully designed workbook for their current value — packed with activities, reflection prompts, and challenges.

 02

Complete the Challenges

Children complete activities in the dojo, at home, and at school — putting the value into real practice across every area of their life.

 03

Earn the Certificate

On completion, children receive an official Ely Dojo certificate — a formal recognition of their growth, awarded in front of the whole club.
04

Go for Champion

Children who go above and beyond can earn the Champion bonus level — an extra challenge that pushes them to truly embody the value.

 05

Progress Through All 12

Over time, children work through all 12 value modules — building a complete foundation of character, one value at a time.

 06

Champion in Life

The ultimate goal is not a judo belt. It is a young person who carries these values into every part of their life, for the rest of their life.

Life Skills Programme workbooks filled in by children

What Your Child Receives

  • A personal workbook for each of the 12 values
  • Structured activities for dojo, home and school
  • A Champion bonus challenge per module
  • An official Ely Dojo certificate on completion
  • Recognition in front of the whole club
  • Invitations to Life Skills social events and adventures
  • A permanent record of their character journey

Ely Dojo Life Skills children

“Judo gives children confidence on the mat. The Life Skills Programme gives them confidence in life. That is what we are really here to build.”

— Stuart, Head Coach, Ely Dojo