University Students Set for BUCS Championships
March 13, 2026
The BUCS Judo Championships return to the University of Wolverhampton’s Walsall Campus this weekend (14–15 March), bringing together hundreds of student judoka from across the UK for one of the biggest university judo events of the year.
British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) hosts the annual championships, which once again promise two days of intense competition across individual and team events.
Following the success of last year’s championships, the 2026 edition looks set to maintain the momentum, with strong entries from universities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The BUCS Championships have become a cornerstone of the UK university judo calendar, offering opportunities for competitors of all levels—from experienced Dan grades to newcomers competing in the new novice categories. The competition format includes Dan Grade, Kyu Grade and Novice individual divisions, as well as team competitions, ensuring broad participation across university clubs.
That upward trend appears set to continue in 2026, with a substantial entry list once again reflecting the strength and depth of the UK’s university judo scene.
University of Bath, University of Glasgow, University of Nottingham and University of Strathclyde all travel with big squads to the West Midlands with hopes of recording vital BUCS Championships points on the day.
University of Bath will be looking to retain both the Mens and Womens team competition as they return with a strong squad consisting of thirty-six judoka, all vying for coveted spots on the team. They will be looking to call on the experience from the likes of Amelia Alder (-52kg) and Daisy Hodgkinson (-48kg) to help them retain top spot.
University of Nottingham will be looking to gain revenge in the Women’s competition, whilst Edinburgh will be looking to improve on their Silver and Bronze medal finishes in 2025 and include British Championship Bronze (and BUCS 2025 Silver) medallist Eden Heffernan (-73kg) as part of their squad.
Competition will begin at 9:30am on both days of competition and you can keep up to date with the latest contest orders, draws and results by clicking here
