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One of the other parents at the Geneva school drop-off looked sideways at me, “So you’ve decided to start teaching martial arts to this bunch?” he asked. “On top of your job?”. He patted my shoulder in mock sympathy. I grinned. “I’m just continuing the family tradition,” I said.
And that’s true. I started judo when I was just four years old. Of the three coaches in my club, two were my parents, they had met on the judo mat at university – with my mum having represented Ireland internationally in the sport. By the age of 4 I was training with them, and I just loved it. The physicality, the techniques, the introduction to Japanese culture and language, but most of all the fun.
Fun is something that is often overlooked by coaches in many walks of life. I was lucky that when I was taught, it was understood that kids’ activities should be fun first. If kids are having fun and enjoy coming, then skill development and performance will naturally follow over time. Too many people teach as if the opposite were true. And it really isn’t.
The fun-first approach worked for me; and by my mid 20’s I had gone on to become a full-time elite athlete in judo, representing Wales and Great Britain internationally for six years. Getting to train every day alongside world- and Olympic-level athletes at a Team GB performance institute (at Bath University) was an incredible and defining experience. I eventually became Irish National Champion (following my mum’s footsteps) and later won a Commonwealth silver medal.
When I became a dad myself and settled in Geneva, I felt the time was right to pass on what I have learnt – just as my parents did to me. I believe Judo is like swimming – it more than just sport. Learning to protect yourself is a critical life skill. Learning to fall safely, learning respect, mindfulness, and self-confidence – these are all important things.
So, two years ago I opened SWIFT – the Swiss International Fight Team to serve Geneva;s international community. I teach primarily in English to provide an English language activity for children outside school (mais j’utilise le français quand ça aide les enfants).
Classes are on Friday afternoons for primary school-aged children. Places are very limited because I want to be able to offer high-level coaching – that means small class sizes, where everyone gets the attention they deserve.
About Head Coach Fergus Dullaghan
Fergus is a life-long martial arts enthusiast, beginning his training in judo at the age of just four. He was awarded full university colours from the University of Wales, Bangor for sport (judo and aikido). Particularly after securing a silver medal at the British University Judo Championships (BUSA).
SWISS INTERNATIONAL FIGHT TEAM (SWIFT)
at: Elite MMA Academy
Rue Rothschild 22
1201 Genève
Contact Fergus Dullaghan
www.swiftacademy.ch
info@swift academy.ch
This article was a slight update of the original version. to see the original post on why martial arts are so valuable for children.
