how to join
A Short History of SUJC
Founded in 1954 by Gary Grennan and Andy Shepherd, the Sydney University Judo Club is the oldest judo club in Australia. The women’s club has had an intermittent history, having been founded three times, the first being in 1957. Over the last four decades, SUJC has trained nine Olympians and numerous Australian representatives. SUJC is run by students, has black-belt instructors with international experience, and is the most affordable judo club in the known universe.
The club's training programme includes classes tailored for both beginners and experts, as well as dedicated women's classes. Numerous social activities and competitions are organised both within the club and with clubs at other universities. If you're just getting started, we can provide you with a judo suit, or just turn up with a footy jumper and tracksuit pants and get ready to get on the mat.
Becoming a Member
If you are keen to join the club, read the information below, and then either get in contact with a member of the executive, or come along to one of the training sessions. Following is an explanation of the fees associated with becoming an SUJC member, with a complete summary in the table at the bottom of the page.
If you are interested in the SUJC Kids' Classes, they have their own page.
1. Sydney University Sport Fee - $55/year
Because SUJC is a Sydney Uni Sport (SU Sport) club, for insurance purposes anyone wishing to train must either be a current member of SU Sport, for an annual fee of $55, or pay a casual entry fee to the dojo of $8. Membership forms are available from the SU Sport office below the Sports and Aquatic Centre, from the HK Ward desk, or from a member of the Club Executive. Forms must be signed by a member of the Club Executive and taken to the main SU Sport office with payment, or handed in with the SUJC fee payment slip.
2. SUJC Mat Fees- $85/semester OR $145/year
Unfortunately, membership of SU Sport does not automatically make you a member of SUJC. SUJC charges mat fees to cover the club’s day-to-day running costs, coaching payments, competition fees, etc. Mat fees can be paid either once per semester ($85) in March and August, or annually, to receive a 15% discount ($145).
**If you join before the end of March, we have an early-bird special: SUJC fees will be only $75/$125 (semester/year). And if you join up during O-week (28 February – 2 March), they’ll be further reduced to $65/$100.**
3. Judo Federation Membership
In order to grade, compete or participate in any JFA-sanctioned events, players must register with the Judo Federation of Australia (NSW). Annual membership costs $85 per year, and runs for the financial year (July-June). Fees are reduced if you join part way through the financial year (for more information on this, speak to a member of the club executive).
If you are an undergraduate and have paid mat fees for at least the previous two semesters, and are a current SUJC member, the club will subsidise your JFA membership. In this case, you are only required to pay a contribution of $35/year.
The JFA offers a free temporary membership for beginning players which provides insurance cover for up to six weeks, after which players must pay the full membership fee to become regular members. To register for JFA membership, you must complete a JFA New Membership Form, and provide the club with a photocopy of a driver's licence or passport, and a passport-sized photo.
4. Visiting Players
Players visiting SUJC for a short period of time must still pay the SU Sport fees as outlined in 1. above. However, mat fees can be paid on a per-month basis ($20).
5. SUJC Life Members (not to be confused with SU Sport life members)
SUJC life members are exempt from paying mat fees and SU Sport membership fees (speak to an executive member if you are not on the SU Sport Honorary member list). However, a $30 annual contribution is still required for JFA membership.
2008 Membership Prices
| O-week (28 Feb–2 Mar) | Early Bird (3–30 Mar) | Regular (1 Apr–) | |
| SUJC mat fees (paid per semester) |
2×$65 | 2×$75 | 2×$85 |
| SUJC mat fees (paid per year) | $100 | $125 | $145 |
| JFA fees (new players) | $85 | ||
| JFA fees (continuing players) | $35 | ||
| SU Sport fees | $55 | ||
| Total (new player, paid per year) | $240 | $265 | $285 |
| Total (continuing player, paid per year) | $190 | $215 | $235 |
The club also has a limited number of judo suits (judogis) for beginners. We sell these at cost price (see table below) and they can be purchased, along with club t-shirts, from any member of the club executive before or after training.
| O-week (28 Feb–2 Mar) | Early Bird (3–30 Mar) | Regular (1 Apr–) | |
| Unbleached single weave | $50 | $60 | $65 |
| Bleached single weave | $65 | $70 | $75 |
| Blue single weave | $75 | $80 | $85 |
