The University of Wolverhampton has launched a brand-new judo programme to encourage students to rediscover the sport at the state-of-the-art British Judo Centre of Excellence, based at its Walsall Campus.

Judo is an Olympic sport and has a broad competition base from social participation through to the elite. Since British Judo relocated its Head Office to the University’s Walsall Campus, their long-standing relationship has continued to thrive with the University hosting BUCS Judo Championships and students competing in worldwide competitions. 

 

Elite judo athletes, Jemima Yeats-Brown, Kelly Petersen-Pollard and Sam Hall, who study at the School of Sport at the University, all won medals for Team England at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Following the success at the Games, the University is set to launch a brand-new ‘WLV judo club’ for all students and staff to either return to judo or trial a new social activity.

From beginners to advanced, the new social sessions will be open to all, with an aim to improve physical activity and wellbeing as part of WLV Sport’s revamped ‘Let’s Move Wolves’ programme. The judo club will launch in October with free sessions on offer for beginners.

Multiple sessions will run every week for all abilities at the University’s Walsall and City Campuses, to provide students with the opportunity to take part after their studies. Sessions at Walsall Campus will take place at the British Judo Centre of Excellence and led by Paralympic medallist, Ben Quilter, London Olympian James Austin and IJF Master Coach, Fitzroy Davies.

Ben Quilter, Head of Judo at the University of Wolverhampton said: “Here at WLV Sport, we recognise and passionately believe in the positive benefits of this amazing sport not only at a competitive level; but as a social activity and the wider benefits it provides to so many people. 

“Judo is a unique martial art that encourages and enables people of all shapes and sizes to learn new complex skills and challenge themselves both physically and mentally in a very social and welcoming environment. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, our team of professional coaches will be on-hand to help you learn and develop key skills in a state-of-the-art training centre, home to many elite athletes.

“We encourage all students and staff looking to try something new, to come along to a session and discover what judo can do for you.” The sessions will be included as part of WLV Sport’s Let’s Move Wolves membership with an additional cost of £2.50 mat fee per session.

The judo club will also run additional sessions open to the community.