About Us
SOAS Judo Club
SOAS Judo Club(University of London Judo Club) is an established and welcoming club, catering to all from beginners to black belts (male and female). We're lucky enough to have both a spacious and easy-to-reach gym, and a former GB squad members as coaches. For the uninitiated: Judo involves throws, hold downs, and locks, rather than strikes. It's an effective and fun form of exercise with opportunities for competition, graded progression, and of course after session drinks!
Free Trial Session!
We offer one free trial Judo session to any student interested in giving the Club a try. If you are not a student, just pop along anyway and you can come train with us.
What We Do
A typical session begins with a solid warm-up followed by some ne-waza (groundwork). We then do some standing uchi komi (technique repetition and throw practice) and then work through specific techniques, followed by 30 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 are welcome!
- Friday 7:30pm - 9:30 pm - Location: Holborn Community Association - Holborn House, 35 Emerald St, London WC1N 3QW
- Sunday 11:00am - 13:00pm - Location: Holborn Community Association - Holborn House, 35 Emerald St, London WC1N 3QW
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: Holborn.
Who are the coaches?
Joe Doherty - World Masters medalist, 6th-Dan black belt.
Niccolò Salvatori - Besides Joe there are a plethora of top judoka who are kind enough to demonstrate their favourite techniques or fill in when necessary, including (but not limited to): Niccolò Salvatori, 3rd-Dan and UKCC Level 2 Coach; or
Oliver Tang, 2nd-Dan and UKCC Level 2 Coach, multiple times GB Masters Champion.
Costs and Memberships (2026/2027)
How to become a member
Feel free to contact us at ulujc@yahoo.co.uk.
Free Trial pass (if you are a student and want to try our Club for the first time).
Judo Club Membership and Session Fees
Student Costs
Student Membership Costs - £40 (annual).
Mat fees - £5 per session.
£10 mat fees if not a member
If you have any questions about this, get in touch with us at ulujc@yahoo.co.uk.
