Imperial College Judo Society

From Olympic champions to MMA legends, Judo has proven itself at the highest levels of combat sports. Fighters such as UFC champions Ronda Rousey and Khabib Nurmagomedov have demonstrated how devastating Judo's throws, trips and grappling techniques can be in MMA.

But you don't need to be a fighter to enjoy Judo! Whether you want to get fitter, learn practical grappling skills, compete or simply try something new, Imperial Judo Society welcomes everyone.

No experience needed. Your first session with us is FREE! Join at any time in the year!!!!

About Us

Judo, meaning The Gentle Way, is an Olympic martial art and combat sport combining powerful throws, pins, arm locks and strangles. Whether you're looking to get fitter, learn self-defence, compete at university level or simply try something new, Imperial Judo Society has something for you!

We welcome everyone, from complete beginners who have never stepped onto a mat to experienced judoka and grapplers. Our sessions cater to different ability levels, and beginners are welcome throughout the entire year, not just during the first few weeks of term.

We offer Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and no-gi grappling, with four weekly training slots led by experienced coaches and student instructors.

Your first Judo session and your first BJJ session are always FREE! We can also lend you a Judo gi, so there's no need to buy equipment before giving it a go.

Training Sessions

Our Judo sessions focus on throws, grip fighting, groundwork and sparring (randori). Beginners start by learning how to fall safely (ukemi) before progressing to throws, pins and other techniques.

Our Sunday BJJ sessions focus on groundwork, positional control, escapes and submissions. The first hour is trained in a gi, while the second hour focuses on no-gi grappling.

All sessions are designed to accommodate different experience levels. As you progress, you'll have opportunities to develop your technique, train more intensively and participate in competitions.

We offer affordable single-session, term and annual passes, so you can train as frequently as suits you.

Competition and Development

Whether you want to train recreationally or compete at the highest level of university Judo, we'll support you.

Imperial Judo Society has a strong competitive tradition. At the 2026 British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Judo Championships, we finished 9th out of over 60 universities, and we're aiming even higher this year!

Our members regularly compete at university, regional and national competitions across the UK. We encourage members of all abilities to get involved, including beginners looking to enter their first novice or kyu-grade competition.

Competition is completely optional — you're just as welcome if you want to train for fitness, enjoyment or personal development.

Our Coaches

Glenn Spiers — Head Coach

6th Dan Judo Black Belt

Glenn brings extensive coaching experience and competitive expertise across multiple grappling disciplines.

Coaching qualifications

• British Judo Association Level 4 Coach

• IJF Level 1 Judo Instructor

• BJA Senior Examiner

• Carlson Gracie BJJ Brown Belt

• Level 3 Sambo Coach

Competitive achievements

• BUCS Judo Champion (-78kg)

• Multiple BUCS medallist

• Two-time Scottish Universities Gold Medallist

• Former Captain of Glasgow University and Scottish Universities Judo Teams

• University Blue for Judo

• Scottish Championships medallist

• Multiple British Masters medallist, including gold at -81kg and -90kg

Damien Bricquer — Student Instructor

2nd Dan Judo Black Belt

Damien brings high-level competitive experience from France and leads our Saturday Judo sessions.

Competitive achievements

• Two-time French National Team Champion

• Second place at the French Junior Second Division National Championships

• Two-time Regional Champion

More Than Just Judo

We're not just a training club — we're a community!

Throughout the year, we organise socials, meals, nights out, joint activities with other societies and opportunities to train at other Judo clubs.

Whether you're interested in making friends, improving your fitness, learning a martial art or representing Imperial at competitions, there's a place for you on the mats.

Come and Give It a Go!

No experience? No problem. Your first session is FREE! Join anytime in the year!!!

You don't need to own a gi or have any previous martial arts experience. Just bring comfortable sports clothing and a willingness to learn.

After your free trial, you can choose from our affordable single-session, term or annual passes.

View memberships and session passes

All participants must meet the club's registration, licensing and insurance requirements before training.

We look forward to seeing you on the mats!