Louise Renicks is now a coach at Kanokwai Judo Club

Louise Renicks retired in July 2015 after a few injuries. During her career Louise won 8 World Cup medals starting in Birmingham in 2008 continued from 2012 in Pan America, Oceania and Africa. She won the British senior title in 2013. Her crown was the Commonwealth Games title in Glasgow 2014. She is now a coach at Kanokwai Judo Club.

What is your judo background?

I started judo recreationally at the age of 10 and later went on to represent Scotland and Great Britain at international events. I have been to European Championships, World Teams, Commonwealth Games and made the reserve list for the London 2012 Olympic Games. Not only did I train to compete, since the age of 14 I helped out as a volunteer with my clubs under 8 judo class. This is where I learned how to teach and be patient with my coaching.

How did you get into coaching?

From a very young age I remember being active at school, outside of school, with my family and with friends, and just loving the way it made me feel as a person. My parents always encouraged education and fitness at home. My dad was always talking about giving back and helping others. When picking my high school subjects I focused on subjects around physiotherapy, coaching and teaching. I was very lucky to have school teachers that wanted you to improve on your ability and always made the sessions hard but fun. My club sports coaches all installed discipline and hard training, but there were always times within the class that were fun. Seeing how many people you can engage with in one session, I always liked how sport had the pupils and parents coming together as an extended family or bigger team.

What is your coaching role?

I see myself as a coach with many hats. I give back, free of charge, to my community club where I teach recreationally to lower competitions. I am the personal coach to my sister who is still competing on the elite circuit. I work as a supply coach for other club, to support them in various roles within their club development groups with planning, and coaching.

What is your coaching philosophy?

Since I attended university many years ago, I had a specific coaching philosophy. However, as I have grown and developed, I find that a-lot of my core philosophy comes from my family upbringing of respect, discipline, love, honestly and hard work. With my core values comes fun, laughter and understanding your team.

What motivates you as a coach?

Passion, love, impact and challenges motivate me in my coaching. The constant discovery of individuals, families and clubs is always a learning day, personal with coaches, parents, athletes and yourself.

What has been your most memorable moment(s) as a coach?

Oh this is a hard one to answer. When you work with children who have a story to tell in many different aspects, the reward of seeing them achieve their grading, compete, visit another club, tell their school stories about the club. This always brings a wee gulp in my throat as that is a milestone to those children and a proud moment that I’ve done something good for them.

When you work with athletes closely and you know the full rollercoaster journey of ups and down and the personal struggles they go through, to then see your athletes stand on the podium or win fights when the odds are against them, I feel very proud of them. My yearly club competition always stands out to me as I feel very respectful to all the children who take part and fight, and put themselves out there.

What are your coaching ambitions going forwards?

One day I want to be a head coach, with an outstanding support staff. I want to be the sport and coach that people want to come to us to train with and share ideas.

What advice do you have for anyone wanting to be a coach?

I came from a club were the coaches were organised, planned and adaptable, and you were taught the full package, not just the good parts. Don’t take short cuts, put in the hours, learn, challenge your thoughts respectfully and work to your strengths and discomforts. Start off slowly and enjoy what you do.

What three words best describe coaching to you?

Growth. Challenge. Laughter.