What an amazing start to the year the club has had at our new home as part of Parity Martial Arts and Wellness.

Starting with a Thursday session, we quickly needed a Sunday session too.

Highlights have included hosting a session with our friends from Fleming Park Judo club and a club visit from our friends at Fort Purbrook Judo Club.

As we go into second quarter of 2025 we shift focus to grading some people (once club revalidation processes complete this will be easier).

We also want to see if we can visit the clubs that have supported us, and arrange regular training with them and other nearby clubs.

Next on the plan is idea for a women’s only session we hold regularly. Parity already do this for BJJ and it’s just a matter of logistics now.

Next… competitions. Now people have a base it’s time to test it in a competitive scenario. This partially fits with the women’s judo session plan, as creating opportunity for a women’s focussed competition is part of the plan. Stay tuned for more info.

This may be delayed as we try and sort out the situation with our Judo mats still at St Mary’s Leisure Centre given the changes in management there.

As ever, the club is open and welcome to new comers and experienced players. If you’ve not been on the mat for a decade or two, our large soft mat area is perfect for a gentle return.

Fancy just hanging out and chatting Judo, that’s great too. We have plenty of seating and more coaching is always welcome!

If there is something like being involved in organising competitions, organising gradings, organising women’s sessions that interest you (even if you’ve never done it before) please let us know!!

Next… Sumo. Yes SUMO!

Not only is it coming to the UK, with a professional tournament being held at the Royal Albert Hall later this year. We are working behind the scenes to try and bring Sumo to Southampton soon. Interested? Let us know!

Finally, as has always been our way. We welcome adult beginners, in fact it’s always been a focus of ours given our formation as part of Solent University sport. So we are the place you are looking for if you’ve never done Judo (or any martial arts) and want to try it. If Judo turns out to not be for you, there are loads of alternatives at Parity for you to try.

Thanks everyone for an amazing three months, especially to Jo and Jon for being amazing partners at Parity and making us part of the Parity family.