Southampton Samurai Judo Club

Our Wednesday sessions start tonight!
OASIS ACADEMY

Judo has been an Olympic sport since 1964, showcasing discipline, respect, and technical excellence on the world stage.

Our club has already produced a British Champion — and who’s to say the next Olympic champion isn’t training here right now? The same principles you see at the Olympics are taught in our dojo every week: balance, timing, control, resilience, and respect for your opponent.

Whether the goal is to compete at the highest level or simply to enjoy training and grow in confidence, judo offers a pathway into a global sport with deep values and a powerful history.
The only way to find out how far it can take you… is to join.

Did you know we have a club merch shop?

Every hoodie, t-shirt, or bit of kit you buy helps support what we do behind the scenes — maintaining equipment, supporting competitions, and keeping sessions accessible for our members. As a non-profit club, everything goes straight back into the dojo and the people who train here.

It’s also a great way to show club pride, whether you’re at training, competitions, or just out and about. Thank you to everyone who supports us — it genuinely makes a difference.

Let’s play a judo game.

Can you name a judo throw or technique without using its Japanese name?

Extra points if you can explain it in one sentence and make it sound dramatic, funny, or completely ridiculous.

We’ll start:
“The one where you politely borrow someone’s balance… and don’t give it back.”

Your turn.

Meet Samurai Sam, our legendary judo tiger mascot.

Sam has been part of the club for years — cheering from the sidelines, popping up at competitions, and keeping a watchful eye on proper judo manners.

When he’s not making surprise appearances at events, he’s usually off saving endangered tiger species or training his own perfect throws.

If you’ve been around the club for a while, you’ve definitely met him… and if you’re new, keep an eye out — he has a habit of showing up when you least expect it. 🥋🐯

Our Wednesday sessions start in February 2026!

Judo is more than a sport. It’s a form of self-care in motion.

Training builds strength, balance, coordination, focus, and confidence, while giving your mind a break from everyday pressures. On the mat, you’re fully present. Phones disappear, worries quieten, and your body takes the lead.

Regular judo practice helps release stress, improve sleep, and build emotional resilience.

You learn how to fall safely, get back up, and try again, a skill that applies far beyond training.

For children, it supports confidence, self-regulation, and a healthy outlet for energy. For adults, it offers structure, community, and time carved out just for yourself.

Judo helps you feel stronger in your body, steadier in your mind, and more grounded in everyday life.

Happy New Year!

Why not make 2026 the year you try judo?

We’re welcoming new members to our NEW Wednesday sessions:
• 6–7pm Primary
• 7–8:30pm Juniors & Seniors

We still run our usual Saturday session too.

No matter your age, experience, or if you’ve trained at another club before, you’re welcome here.

We’re friendly, supportive, and focused on helping everyone enjoy judo at their own pace.

Come and give it a go.

Today we’re taking a moment to reflect on what “peace” really means — and we found some inspiring words from Melika and Habiba of the IJF Refugee Team.

Melika shares:
“In Iran I didn’t feel alive and I certainly wasn’t free. In Scotland, in the IRT and with judo itself, I found hope and with hope I found peace.”

She goes on:
“If you have any chance to bring light to someone’s heart, do it — especially through sport and judo in particular. Many people did this for me and I now live to do the same.”

Their journey reminds us that judo isn’t just about throws, locks and belts — it’s also about community, strength, respect, and being part of something bigger than ourselves.

So today, whether you’re on the mat or off it:

Be the teammate who lifts others up.
Respect every opponent (because everyone’s got a story).
And remember that peace starts with us – in the dojo, in our lives, in how we treat each other.
Oss to courage. Oss to unity. Oss to peace.

Our next Judo Competition is on Sunday, 9th November — and it’s time to get those entries in!

All the details have been sent out by email, so please check your inbox and make sure to enter before the cut-off date to secure your spot.

We can’t wait to see our team back on the mat showing off their hard work, spirit, and best throws. Let’s go, team — Oss!

Heads up, Judoka — the club will be closed on Saturday 25th October for a top-secret staff training session (translation: the coaches are off practising how not to get thrown by you lot).

Don’t worry, we’ll be back the following week, slightly more bruised but much wiser — and ready to put our new ninja-level techniques into action.

See you back on the mat soon… if we survive.