Our club is part of Sport Sheffield (Sheffield University sports body) and hence 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.
What is Judo?
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 with a grappling manoeuvre, or force 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).
Why should I start Judo whilst at university?
Judo is a great sport to get into whether you're looking for just a casual and fun way to keep fit or a competitive sport to take seriously. Joining the Judo club will help to 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 and we have a good reputation among other university Judo clubs and British Judo as a whole, hosting big annual competitions such as 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) that 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 is the perfect time to try new activities with lots of other folks who have never tried that activity before. Judo is no exception.
Is Judo good for self defence?
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.
Sounds great! When can I start?
If you're a complete beginner at Judo or haven't trained in a while and not sure what level you're at, come along to one of our Thursday evening sessions, held in the main hall at Goodwin Sports Centre 8-10pm. These sessions are for both graded players and beginners, so you won't be on your own if you're new to the sport but will also have lots of experienced judoka to help out and show you the ropes. Your first session is free!
If you've done Judo before and have already graded, feel free to come to either the Thursday evening session or on Tuesday evenings in Activity Room 1, 8-10pm. These sessions are more technical and are designed for players with previous Judo experience, so they are only open to beginners once they have achieved their first grade.
So what are you waiting for? Come and try Judo!
