Paul Murphy: Performance Coach
Jean-Paul Bell: British Judo Olympic Programme Coach
This Revalidation Judo Course is designed to support coaches in developing more effective, athlete-centred practices through a blend of technical insight and performance coaching principles. Led by Olympic coach Jean-Paul Bell and performance coach Paul Murphy, the course explores how to move beyond isolated techniques and build integrated systems that enhance decision-making, adaptability, and performance under pressure.
Across the day, coaches will engage with modern approaches to skill acquisition, transition and groundwork systems, and competition preparation, while also developing their ability to support athletes through reflective coaching and improved communication. The course emphasises practical application, ensuring that all learning can be transferred directly into the coaching environment.
Skill Acquisition & System Development (Jean-Paul Bell)
Principles of skill acquisition in judo
Developing systems rather than isolated techniques
Structuring practices to build:
Combinations
Decision-making
Application under resistance
Progression from drills to randori‑based application
Performance Coaching (Integrated Section) Paul Murphy
Introduction to performance coaching principles – player and coach
Links to ICF coaching aspects, including:
Evokes Awareness – using reflective questioning
e.g. “What did you notice?”
“What else are you noticing?”
Facilitates Growth – supporting athlete reflection, ownership, and decision-making
Maintains Presence – responding in the moment and avoiding over‑instruction
Recognising emotional cues (e.g. frustration)
Creating space for athlete responses rather than filling silence
Competition Preparation & Tapering (Jean-Paul Bell)
Principles of tapering into competition
Managing training load and athlete readiness
Psychological considerations for competition preparation
Supporting athletes in understanding the demands of competition
Transition Work (TW) Systems (Jean-Paul Bell)
Developing effective standing‑to‑ground transition systems
Recognising transition opportunities in contest situations
Structuring drills to embed transitions
Linking throwing actions into groundwork sequences
Ne‑Waza (NW) Systems (Jean-Paul Bell)
Development of effective groundwork systems
Control positions, turnovers, and submissions
Sequencing techniques into repeatable systems
Application under resistance and competitive scenarios
Review & Close
Key learning recap
Reflection on application in the coach’s own environment
Questions and discussion
