JUDO CANADA REGIONAL TRAINING CENTRE (RTC)

 Judo Canada has partnered with the Lethbridge Kyodokan Judo Club and Judo Alberta to open the first regional national training center in Western Canada. All athletes wishing to pursue their athletic dreams from Western Canada are welcome to participate in Judo Canada’s RTC program.

The training center’s is to provide U16 and U18 athletes with a higher volume of training and advanced technical/tactical skills in an effort to make their transition onto the international competitive stage and to the National Training Center in Montreal easier. The RTC provides young athletes with international level coaching, weight training, fitness training, mental training and goal setting. The RTC provides a world class training environment for U16, U18 and U21 athletes.

 What to Expect

Judo Canada RTC Lethbridge Program 2026-2027

Maintaining Status as an RTC Athlete

 Year one of the RTC program allowed athletes to come and go as they wish with limited accountability for attendance.

Year two and beyond of the RTC program will have specific expectations set on the athlete’s attendance and participation in the full program. The goal of the program is to build high level athletes that can perform at the international level.

•  U18 & U21  - 4 Nights Randori, 3 Technical Sessions, 3 Strength Sessions per week (90% attendance)

•  U16 4 Nights Randori, 2 Technical Sessions, 3 Strength Sessions per week (90% attendance)

• U14 (2 nd year only) 3-4 Nights Randori, 2 Technical Sessions, 3 Strength Sessions per week (85% attendance)

IMPORTANT: IF PARENTS ARE FEELING THEIR ATHLETE CAN NOT FULFILL THESE COMMITMENTS, THEN IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THEIR ATHLETES REGISTER FOR THE NORMAL LETHBRIDGE JUDO CLUB PROGRAM 4 X JUDO A WEEK. 

Important: If there are time to time specific conflicts (work, school, family) that will happen in the training program these commitments need to be communicated and talked about. It is required that 24hour notice is sent to Ewan Beaton: e.beaton.judo@gmail.com. The goal is to have an individual program for everyone that works within a team developmental concept.

If you cannot make the commitment and follow the training program, then maybe the RTC Lethbridge is not for you. The training requirements are based on the volume that is needed for each age group so they will be able to have the training habits needed to be an international athlete.

International Development

One of the goals of the RTC Program is to develop athletes to a high level of international judo. It is important that athletes gain international experience as they head down the high-performance pathway. We want to place athletes on World Championships Teams (U18/U21) but we also want to ensure they are prepared and have confidence in their abilities when they compete at this level.

The international developmental program does not take priority over inter-provincial and national events. Athletes who are travelling internationally are expected to follow and attend the Judo Canada national competition circuit. 

 U14 starts only second year unless authorized by Head Coach (Russ Gallant)

BILLETING

Every year, Judoka are invited to train at the Lethbridge Kyodokan Club Club (LKJC) in Judo Canada's Regional Training Center (RTC) High Performance program. The RTC can be a judoka's initial introduction into elite level judo, creating a pathway for athletes who aspire to represent Canada on the international stage.   

LKJC/RTC brings athletes together from many locations creating challenging and rewarding training environments. During training, athletes are exposed to the methods and systems utilized by the Canadian Men’s and Women’s National Team, strength and conditioning, sports science, and psychology. In addition, athletes are not only given the opportunity to train and develop with other elite athletes, but also with some of the best coaches AB and Judo Canada has to offer. Training takes place throughout the year and this is where the billeting family becomes an important piece in the development of these athletes.  

What is Billeting? 

Billeting is when a family welcomes a visiting athlete(s) into their home during the duration of training. This Host Family offers a safe place for athletes to call “home.”  A thoughtful, caring family is important for each athlete coming into a home. Athletes can be overwhelmed being so far away from home, especially if it is for the first time.

Why Billet? 

Billeting offers a rewarding and exciting opportunity to families willing to open their homes to visiting athletes. Key benefits to your family and the RTC Program when you volunteer to billet are:

• Build lifelong relationships with athletes and their families;

• Assist young athletes by providing a safe and comfortable environment as they train for elite judo;

• Assist the aspiring judoka by making participation in the RTC more accessible; and

• Show support for Judo Canada, allowing the RTC High Performance Program to be successful.