This year Glasgow University Judo Club celebrates its 70th anniversary. Since its formation in 1953, the club has gone from strength to strength winning the British Universities Championships on 6 occasions and has produced medallists at Scottish, British, Commonwealth, and World levels.

Over the years the club has had a number of coaches including George Kerr, in the early 1970s George McQuillan took on the role and was the head coach for more than 30 years. David Peden very ably replaced George on his retiral and is still the current head coach.

The club has grown and developed over the years currently with more than 80 members, one of the Largest adult practices in the country.

To celebrate this anniversary, the club organised a training day inviting many of the old alumni back onto the mat for the first time in many years. followed by a Gala dinner and Ceilidh attended by over 100 members and former members. The day was deemed a great success by all who attended. We of course hope to build on the success of this celebration, so watch this space for news of our 75th anniversary.

1956 –57

You can see the inferior equipment we had in those days. The venue is the old University gym we used prior to the construction of the Stevenson Building.

1959

Photo taken after winning the British Universities Judo Championship for the first time.
A winning sweeping-ankle throw by Robbie Brown in London during the finals of the championship.

2023  70th Anniversary Training Day