Judo at RNC, a surprising journey by Ana Vindberg

Ana Vindberg arrived at the College with preconceptions about her limitations. Now, she's proving herself wrong – one Judo throw at a time. In the latest 'Talking Point' column for the Hereford Times, Ana reveals how she discovered a sport that transcends sight, builds confidence, and empowers her in ways she never imagined

Pictured: Ana, third from right, with fellow coaches Rico, Kieran and Carol

'Before coming to RNC, Judo was the last thing I ever imagined myself doing. I doubted my parents would like the idea of their blind child taking up a martial art, and honestly, I didn’t think I would grow to love it as much as I do. But like many things, that changed as soon as I started at RNC.

'I’ve now been practising Judo for almost half the academic year, and the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that my eyesight has nothing to do with how good I can be at a sport. Judo isn’t about seeing - it’s about feeling. I’ve learned to follow my partner’s movements, adapt to different throwing combos, and react quickly. More than that, it’s a fantastic way to stay active, even if it’s just once a week.

'Judo has become more than just exercise for me. It’s an outlet to burn off stress, build confidence, and be part of a supportive group of people who understand the challenges of visual impairment. It’s proof that my ability isn’t defined by sight, but by practise, and a willingness to try something new.

'What excites me most is seeing how much I’ll improve over my three years here. Beyond that, learning a martial art gives me a sense of reassurance—I know that if I ever need to, I can defend myself.

'All in all, I would absolutely recommend for anyone to give Judo a shot. At the very least, it’s a fun thing to tell your friends about.'