Every Friday morning at Harlow Judo Club, a group of older adults are learning how to fall over… safely.
Land on Your Feet is a free 12-week course designed to improve balance, mobility and confidence, while reducing both the risk and impact of falls. It’s offered free thanks to funding from Sport England with Active Essex.
In the UK, where falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospital admissions among older people, initiatives like this are more important than ever.
The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) reports that falls are the number one reason older people are taken to A&E, with unaddressed fall hazards in homes costing the NHS an estimated £435 million annually.
A fall rarely impacts only the body. The fear of falling again can create a vicious cycle – reduced activity leading to poorer balance and an increased likelihood of further falls.
Barbara, 71, a participant of the Land on Your Feet sessions in Harlow shares how she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2023. Although she knew that staying active was important, the idea of starting something new felt overwhelming.
“When I first came in, I wouldn’t do any of the exercises,” she explains. “I just sat and watched. I thought, I can’t do that. I can’t bend like that. I can’t get on the floor and get up on my own.”
“However, the support of the group was so much that they willed me to do it,” she says. “They helped me if I couldn’t get up – and some days I can get up on my own now.”
Barbara credits the class with making a real difference to her physical ability and confidence. “It’s one of the best things I ever did.”
For 53-year-old Tara, her journey with judo began after two serious falls that resulted in broken wrists.
Although physiotherapy helped to a point, it was when she joined the Land on Your Feet sessions that she started to notice real improvements – not just physically, but mentally too.
“It brought my confidence back,” Tara explains. “I feel much more confident to get out and do things and try other things again.”
Recently, Tara passed her red belt grading and has officially joined the club to continue her progress.
At Harlow Judo Club, participants practise adapted techniques at their own pace, in a supportive environment. The emphasis is on learning how to move well, fall safely and increase confidence.
One of the most common misconceptions about judo, Tara says, is that people think it isn’t for them.
“One of our ladies is 82 years old, and we’ve got people who couldn’t get down on the floor before who now can.”
“Come and give it a go. You can do it at your own pace. There’s no pressure. You can sit and watch until you’re ready. The support is amazing – anyone can do it.”
Land on Your Feet is a free 12-week course designed to help older adults improve balance and reduce the impact of falls. It takes place at Harlow Judo Club every Friday from 10.00am. To find out more or to book a place, email [email protected] or call 07976 955905.
