The Sheffield University Judo Club is part of Sport Sheffield (Sheffield University sports body). It is for students, staff and alumni of the University.

We are open to student members from complete novices right through to experienced graded fighters. Students can come to us to just learn a little Judo and keep fit, or to become a competitive fighter representing the University at a variety of events around the country.

The choice is yours!

Judo, meaning 'gentle way', is a modern martial art, combat sport and Olympic sport created in Japan in 1882 by Jigoro Kano.

Its most prominent feature is its competitive element, where the object is to either throw one's opponent to the ground, immobilise or otherwise subdue them. This is achieved through a grappling manoeuvre, or forcing an opponent to submit by joint locking or by executing a strangle hold or choke.

Strikes and thrusts by hands and feet as well as weapons defences are a part of Judo, but only in pre-arranged forms (kata) and are not allowed in judo competition or free practice (randori).

Judo is a great sport to get into whether you're looking for a casual and fun way to keep fit or a competitive sport to take seriously. Joining the Judo club will help you meet new people and make new friends as well as to keep fit and learn new skills.

We are a friendly club that accepts judoka of all experience levels. We have a good reputation among other university Judo clubs and British Judo as a whole, hosting big annual competitions.

These include SUKT (Sheffield University Kyu-Grade Tournament - for less experienced players who want to have a try at competing!) as well as the famous international competition USIST (University of Sheffield International Student Teams).

USIST sees hundreds of highly skilled players from all over Britain and Europe come to our dojo to fight for the honour of joining the list of tournament champions that goes back over 20 years! Not to mention the all-important trip to Pop Tarts in the evening as well.

Your time at university gives the perfect opportunity to try new activities with lots of other folks who have never tried that activity before. Judo is no exception.

Yes.

While our focus in training sessions is on the sport and competitive elements of Judo, to suggest a contact sport like Judo is not useful for self defence is big mistake.

As well as increasing overall fitness and strength, Judo teaches effective defence to protect yourself, escape difficult situations and even subdue a threat without bringing them to harm.

Normal club training times

If you have tried judo before, feel free to turn up to one of our regular training sessions. If you cannot attend a timetabled GIAG session you are more than welcome to come try judo at any one of our regular Thursday night sessions.

Tuesdays 20:00 - 22:00, the studio - Goodwin Sports Centre. Graded players or by invite (of coaches)

Thursdays 20:00 - 22:00, sports hall - Goodwin Sports Centre. All abilities training session