Judo for Juniors

There are two classes for children at Sydney University Judo Club.

Our classes focus on learning and developing motor skills and gradually learning the technical aspects of judo in a safe and fun environment.  Children will learn essential skills such as break falls, throws, hold downs and self-defence, along with both general and judo related games and progress to more technical judo at their own pace.

Older children may advance to the cadet age sessions where the learning emphasis is on more advanced techniques and technical skills.  They have the opportunity to transition to the adults’ and women’s classes as their skills develop.

Class Times

The SUJC Kids Program takes place for 10 weeks during school term time, in the dojo at Sydney University Sport & Aquatic Centre.

Junior club training schedule

Juniors – Ages 5 – 11 years
Saturdays during term time
11.30am – 12.45pm

Older Juniors – Ages 11 – 16 years
Saturdays during term time
1.15pm – 2.45pm

About Kids Judo

Judo was developed by Jigoro Kano from his experience in various schools of jiujitsu. Kano developed a new style which was founded on the principal that one must give way to your opponent in order to beat them – yield to overcome. Judo has continued to develop and is now practiced both as a martial art and Olympic sport.

Judo is the perfect activity for improving one’s physical fitness, as training in judo improves aerobic capacity, flexibility and strength, and is an excellent activity to complement other sports.

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Why do Judo

Judo, the gentle way, consists of throwing and grappling techniques to suit all shapes and sizes. It is a real fighting sport where you actually come to grips with your opponent, specialising in close-in fighting – just what you need for effective self-defence.

It emphasises free-form practice rather than rigid and repetitive routines. This freedom of expression provides interest, enjoyment and a challenge for any budding tactician.

The benefits of judo are numerous. Apart from having a lot of fun and meeting people, the ‘judoka’ develops:

• confidence
• coordination and balance
• falling skills
• efficiency of movement
• self defence skills

The principles of judo can be applied not only to other sports, but also as a way of approaching and living life.

Grappling 
Grappling is offered in conjunction with traditional judo. It involves a number of wrestling techniques. It will develop their musculoskeletal system in combination with Judo like no other, and in the process teach them to grapple safely and develop their fighting spirit. It will improve their confidence, strength and endurance, and in the process they will have great fun.

What to Wear

We recommend the traditional Judo uniform, a “gi”.  A judogi is made of thick cotton and helps protect the skin from impacts and grazes. The judogi is used in a number of techniques and is the required uniform for competition. Sydney University Judo Club offers children’s size judogis for sale.

Our Coaches

Our coaches are fully qualified, with current NCAS level 1 coaching accreditation, working with children accreditation, First Aid and CPR certification.

Catriona Maciver

Catriona Maciver is our Junior Club Head Coach and co-ordinator. She is a 2nd Dan in Judo, Accredited Level One Judo coach (AUS & UK) and holds a Self Defence Instructor’s certificate.

• Scottish U18 Judo team, 1983
• Scottish Junior and Senior, British and World Masters judo medalist

Nick Forbes

Nick achieved his 1st Dan in 2021 and is an accredited judo coach.

** SUSF require that any person joining a Sydney University club must be a member of SUSF ($20 annually for juniors).
** After a free 4 week trial, JFA fees are paid to the Judo Federation of Australia (NSW) which provides insurance and administers judo in NSW.

If the child withdraws, this forfeits SUSF and JFA membership. SUSF and JFA membership fees are non-refundable.

If the child misses classes due to illness, a medical certificate may be required in order to credit missed classes.