Northampton Judo Club welcomes new IJF-Level coaching expertise to the Tatami

Northampton Judo Club is celebrating a significant achievement for both the club and its members following the successful completion by Imi Baricz of the International Judo Federation (IJF) Technical Course for Coaches.

Imi Baricz At The British Judo Centre of Excellence, Receiving His IJF Coaching Certificate placeholder image
Imi Baricz At The British Judo Centre of Excellence, Receiving His IJF Coaching Certificate | I do

Imi, who is already a highly experienced judoka and coach, has now added the prestigious IJF coaching qualification to his credentials — meaning Northampton Judo Club can proudly say that IJF coaching expertise is now present on its tatami.

The achievement represents another important step in the continued development of the club, which has a long history of promoting quality coaching and technical excellence.

Imi Baricz: Ex Hungarian Olympic Judo Squad & Jeonghwan An: 2009 World Judo Champion 
Both Receiving Their IJF Coaching Certifications placeholder image
Imi Baricz: Ex Hungarian Olympic Judo Squad & Jeonghwan An: 2009 World Judo Champion Both Receiving Their IJF Coaching Certifications | I do

The IJF's technical coaching programmes are designed to develop coaches' understanding of Judo at a high level, covering technical detail, methodology and the principles required to help athletes develop their Judo effectively.

For Northampton Judo Club, having this expertise available within the club provides an exciting opportunity for members of all levels.

Raising the standard

Imi's achievement comes at a time when Northampton Judo Club is continuing to develop its coaching structure and expand the opportunities available to its members.

From beginners taking their first steps onto the tatami to experienced judoka looking to refine their competition Judo, the club believes that continued coach development is essential.

"Having Imi complete the IJF Technical Course for Coaches is a fantastic achievement," the club said.

"It's not just a personal achievement for Imi — it's something that benefits the whole club. Our members now have access to another level of technical knowledge and experience right here on our own tatami."

The club's approach is firmly centred on developing good Judo fundamentals while ensuring that coaches continue to learn and improve themselves.

Building for the future

Northampton Judo Club, one of the area's established Judo clubs, has continued to invest in coaching and development while maintaining its traditional values.

The addition of IJF technical coaching expertise strengthens that commitment and gives the club another valuable resource as it looks towards the future.

For Imi, the qualification is recognition of his continued commitment to Judo and coaching — and for Northampton Judo Club, it represents another milestone in its ongoing development.

From grassroots Judo to high-level technical development, the message from Northampton Judo Club is clear:

The standard of coaching on our tatami continues to rise.

Congratulations, Imi Baricz — and welcome to the next chapter of your coaching journey.

News you can trust since 1931
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice