Team Kaizen Judo Academy

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 COMMONWEALTH GAMES SELECTION 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

A massive congratulations to our very own Ashleigh Barnikel, who has been selected to represent Team Wales at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in the -48kg category 🥋

This will be Ashleigh's second Commonwealth Games, a testament to the incredible consistency, commitment and professionalism she has shown over the last four years.

During the qualification period, Ashleigh produced some outstanding performances, winning two Continental Open bronze medals and adding a 5th-place finish, earning her place on the team through hard work and results.

As a self-funded athlete living in the far south-west of Wales, Ashleigh faces challenges that many never see. Regularly travelling hours just to access the level of training required, often attending international camps and competitions alone, she has continually pushed herself to become the best Judoka she can be.

Anyone who knows Ashleigh knows how dedicated she is. Whether it's the intensity she brings to training, the standards she sets for herself, or the time she gives to help and support others, she is a fantastic role model both on and off the mat.

Selection for a Commonwealth Games doesn't happen by chance. It is the reward for years of commitment, sacrifice and doing the right things day after day.

We're incredibly proud of you, Ashleigh.

Not only for representing Wales on one of the biggest stages in sport, but for representing Judo in the way it should be represented.

Pob lwc in Glasgow 2026. Get after it. 👊🔥

🔥 Great session Monday night! 🔥

Same high-intensity warm up to get everyone going before moving onto Ken Ken Uchi Mata 🐰

We then finished the session with some tough situational randori 💪

A huge well done to Adam, who completed his first grading and earned his 6th Kyu! A great achievement and well deserved 👏🔴

Another brilliant night on the mats with plenty of hard work and progress all round.

Looking for Judo in Sheffield? Come and join us at Team Kaizen. New players are always welcome 👊

Back on the mats tonight 🔥

Great training, great people, and plenty of opportunities to challenge yourself.

Everyone is welcome, from complete beginners to experienced judoka.

📍 Unit 15 Devonshire Business Park, Eldon Street, Sheffield S1 4GT
🕖 18:00–19:30
👤 Ages 14+

Looking for Judo in Sheffield? Come and join us.

"Aim for continuous progression, not perfection."

Another opportunity to get 1% better tonight at Team Kaizen 🥋

Whether you're completely new to judo or have years of experience, there's a place for you at Team Kaizen 👊

🥋 BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY - WE'RE OPEN!

No rest for Team Kaizen! While everyone else is putting their feet up, we'll be on the mats 💪

Join us this Bank Holiday Monday for a session — it's going to be a hot one ☀️🔥

🧊 Cold drinks & ice lollies provided to keep you going!

📅 Monday 25th May
⏰ 18:00 – 19:30
📍 Unit 15 Devonshire Business Park, Eldon Street, Sheffield S1 4GT
👥 Ages 14+

👇 Looking for judo in Sheffield? Just turn up, no booking needed! Everyone is welcome, beginners included. Come and see what we're about!

See you on the mat! 🥋

Great session Monday night with some good numbers on the mat 👊🥋

Lots of hard work and good energy throughout the session.

Special mention to Sam, taking the title of The Pllank Champ with an impressive 5 minute hold 🔥💪

Great Bank Holiday Monday session at Team Kaizen 👊🥋

Strong warm up full of gymnastics before moving onto drop kata guruma variations without the leg grab.

Finished the night with 10 hard rounds of randori 🔥

Massive well done to Alex on achieving his 4th Kyu 🟠 and Tom on achieving his 6th Kyu 🔴👏

To finish the evening, some of the team headed up to for a post-session meal — great food and even better company.