About Us

Birkbeck Judo Club

Birkbeck club, is welcome to all from beginners to black belts (male and female). We're lucky enough to have a former Olympic squad member as our coach. For the uninitiated: Judo involves throws, hold downs, and locks, rather than strikes. It's an effective and fun form of exercise with opportunity for competition, graded progression, and of course after session drinks!

What We Do

A typical session begins with a solid warm up followed by some ne-waza (ground work). We then do some standing uchi komi (technique repetition and throw practice) and then work through specific techniques, followed by 15/20 minutes of randori (free practice).

If you are a beginner, our coach will look out for you and ease you into the sessions, at times dividing the class in two to cover different levels, so our Club is the perfect place to start if you have never done Judo!

If attending your first session don't worry about having a Judo-Gi (the white suits): standard long-sleeved gym clothes are fine, and make sure to trim nails, remove jewellery and tie back any hair. Don’t forget your water bottle and a pair of flip-flops to get from the changing rooms to the mats!

When and Where We Meet

Sessions (training continues throughout the Summer Break):

Beginners and advanced players welcome!

• Friday 7-8.30 pm
• Sunday 1:30-3 pm 

Location: YMCA, 112 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NQ
We usually gather 15 minutes earlier by the main reception, and head down to the badminton courts before practice to start putting out the mats.

Nearest stations: Goodge Street/Tottenham Court Road.

1 minute walk from Tottenham Court Road station or 5 mins walk from Birkbeck University.