Judo
The University of Galway Judo Club was founded in 1965. We are the oldest and most successful martial arts club at the University of Galway. We are a team of a mix of experienced and beginner judokas.
Judo is a modern martial art and combat Olympic sport. It is one of the most popular martial arts in the world. Judo is a martial art based around throwing and submitting your opponent. Its most prominent feature is its competitive element, where the object is to either throw or takedown one's opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue one's opponent with a grappling maneuver, 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).
NUI Galway Judo Club was founded in 1965. We are the oldest and most successful martial arts club in University of Galway.
Why Join Judo? (According to past students)
"I started judo in my 2nd year of university. I was instantly welcomed when I joined my first class. University of Galway Judo Club is a place where you can become fit, make friends and learn how to protect yourself. There's something for everyone: whether it's representing your university at national and international level or being a committee member! Both of which are a great addition to any CV. I got my first job thanks to the connections I made through judo. It's more than just a sport!
Some of my achievements include:
3 x All Ireland Judo University Champion,
2 x University of Galway Individual Sports Award Winner
University of Galway Club Captain 2012-2013"
- Darren Friel
"One of the best choices I made during my year abroad at University of Galway was to join the Judo club. I really enjoyed my time with these great folks and hope to see them again in future. Even though I've never done this type of martial arts before, I felt comfortable learning and trying new things in a safe environment. Normally Erasmus students mostly stay with other Erasmus, but through these Irish lads I got to experience real Irish craziness and way of living. Not to mention our great training including birthday throws but also taking part in the annual Judo Intervarsities. As a woman I can say this sport is a great way to gain confidence. They plan on a lot of activities even outside of training like trips, hikes and so on. Never would I have thought that I be doing a survival hike in bad weather conditions, but once they set their mind on something they are determined to do it even when exposed to wind and weather. I really am sad that I only got to know the Judo Club in the Second Semester but in that short time, I experienced so much. Intervarsities, Irish cancer walk, hike, get together after training.
I want to say thank you guys for making my year abroad unforgettable! I miss training with you. Hope you guys are doing great. Even if not for joining this fun club, I can highly recommend not to miss out on joining a club or society. You will not regret having a fantastic year!"
- Nora Ma, Erasmus 2015/16
"I joined the Judo club in my first year of college. I immediately got taken in and met new friends. We didn't only travel to get to competitions all over the country but also had a lot of fun on surfing and hiking trips. Judo is an amazing sport and full of amazing people that are easy to connect with. I was new to Judo but learned and achieved a lot throughout my time there. Everyone was super welcoming and supportive and I'm glad I was a part of the Judo Club."
-Sarah Muth, International Student 2017-20
"Why join judo?". My first answer would be: because judo is a great sport. It is a martial art that teaches you how to defend yourself, but also it teaches you respect and how to give the best out of yourself. Respect, friendship, courage, honour and self-control are part of its moral code (among other virtues). Judo helped me a lot, it made me who I am, and it made me meet some truly amazing people and it also made me travel (for the competition).
My second answer would be: join University of Galway judo club, because it's a good club, you're going to feel supported and be part of a team. As an international student, I am thankful to University of Galway because I met my friends at the judo club. I was a black belt when I arrived, and I had the chance to teach judo sometimes and this experience was a gift: I taught, but I learned a lot at the same time. Thank you everybody, for your friendship and your trust! PS: you can access the sauna, you can add that to the pros!"
- Michaud, Erasmus 2018/2019
History
Achievements
2025 Intervarsities
We competed in the 2025 intervarsities, which were held in Cork. The club took home 22 medals in total, consisting of 8 gold, 6 silver and 8 bronze. We also came first in the mens' team event and 2nd in the womens' team event. The University of Galway team won the most medals of all colleges present, marking an incredibly successful performance.
2024 Intervarsites
The club took home 19 medals in this year's intervarsities, which were held in Ulster. Medals were won in 10 different categories, totalling 6 gold, 3 silver and 5 bronze. The Mens team also reached the final in the team event, narrowly missing out on a 1st place result.
2023 Intervarsities
The college competed in the 2023 intervarsities, held in Ulster. This year the club claimed a total of 27 medals, with 5 golds, 5 silvers and 7 bronze in the individual events. The Womens' team took bronze in the womens' team event, with the mens' team taking silver.
Meetings
Monday: 8.15-10 (located in Kingfisher Sports Complex, Hall 3)
Tuesday: 5:00, Strength and Conditioning (located in Kingfisher training room)
Wednesday: 6-8 (located in Kingfisher Sports Complex, Hall 3)
Thursday: 5:00, Strength and Conditioning (located in Kingfisher training room)
Friday: 6-8 (located in the Kingfisher Squash Court)
Contact Us
Contact us @ugjudo on Instagram
