We are changing the minimum number of judo mats required for floor-based techniques from 9 (3×3 square) to 16 (4×4 square). This will apply to all group sizes and all types of floor-based techniques including drops to the floor. This will simplify the rules for trainers and venues and remove the need for two areas of mats for larger groups. You will just need one 4m x 4m square of mats in future. There have been a small number of near misses witnessed over the past few years when staff are practicing techniques which require them to get back to their feet and move away. A larger matted area will address this. Trainers should always identify the optimal area for practice on the matted area to reduce or prevent the risk of anyone falling off the matted area when moving away. The new requirement has been added to section 10.6 of the training agreement v7.  We have also made a small amendment to section 10.4 to add a minimum room size of 16 sq m. The updated training agreement is located in the care staff pre-training section.

The change will become mandatory for all training from 1st July 2023 in order to provide time for organisations to increase the number of mats they currently have, should they require more.