Sonkei Judo Club

Sonkei Judo Club We currently have a waiting list to join, but please contact us via message for more info. 🥋 Judo training in Ballycastle!

In Japanese, Sonkei (pronounced Sohn-key-aye) means respect. Judo is a martial art and a highly competitive sport, but it is also about self-control and respect. We’re delighted to announce that Judo training is now available for both juniors (6+) and seniors, male and female. For juniors, we believe Judo is a perfect way to stay healthy and make new friends in a structured and controlled environm

ent. Ultimately kids will have a great deal of fun as they learn to throw, land / fall safely and get to grips (literally) with a martial art, learning and smiling on the way. For adults, Judo is the perfect workout. Combining cardio with strength building, Judo can be adapted to self-defence, competition or just a great workout learning new skills. Don’t worry, adults will also smile on the way too! For all age groups, there is the option to compete and also grade through a belt ranking system, but training will be tailored to both recreational and competitive members. The club is coached by Mark Donald, who is a UKCC level 2 certified coach, 1st Dan Black Belt and Commonwealth Medallist for Northern Ireland, and Mark Harris who is a 2nd Dan and a UKCC level 2 coach and also a previous medallist at the Northern Ireland open. Training starts for those 6 years and over with separate junior and senior classes. An old tracksuit is all you need to get started and a warm welcome awaits everyone. To find out more about current training times, fees and locations call Mark on 07789 224078

Looking for a fresh challenge post summer?Want to get fitter, stronger and more confident?Training judo also compliments...
31/08/2026

Looking for a fresh challenge post summer?

Want to get fitter, stronger and more confident?

Training judo also compliments GAA, rugby, football and lots of other sports.

We have a rare opportunity to join us. A friendly club that offers both recreational and competitive training.

We have in our ranks.

Commonwealth Championship Medalist
GB Squad Players
GB Schools Champions and medalists
NI Open medalists
All Ireland Intervarsity Champion

Plus a wealth of talent and experience, but the best part… we push each other forward.

Pop us a message if you’re 14+ and keen to get involved. 🥋

Icicle 🟥🟥🟥🟨🟨Tank 🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧Jimmy 🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧A level up tonight for the team, congratulations on some excellent technique displays. ...
17/08/2026

Icicle 🟥🟥🟥🟨🟨

Tank 🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

Jimmy 🟧🟧🟧🟧🟧

A level up tonight for the team, congratulations on some excellent technique displays.

Tough grading from coach Mark H and you did very well.

A great night of food and fun to celebrate the summer social. Thank you to Thyme & Co independent Cafe for a delicious d...
15/08/2026

A great night of food and fun to celebrate the summer social. Thank you to Thyme & Co independent Cafe for a delicious dinner and looking after us all.

Today the team went to compete in the No Gi competition in Carnmoney. The training paid dividends, as the players perfor...
15/08/2026

Today the team went to compete in the No Gi competition in Carnmoney.

The training paid dividends, as the players performed incredibly well, all medallists in their respective contests and also winning in the open event!

Special mention to Tabitha for stepping up so soon after her hols and Tom B for some excellent submissions.

Tonight we celebrate at Thyme & Co independent Cafe for our summer social!

Well done everyone.

Coach Shay running the team through the last session, as 8 of us head to the No Gi competition on Saturday. Looking forw...
13/08/2026

Coach Shay running the team through the last session, as 8 of us head to the No Gi competition on Saturday.

Looking forward to seeing everyone in action.

Then later on that evening, we head to Thyme & Co independent Cafe for our summer social 🍕

A BIG weekend ahead for the team 🥋

Down a few in numbers tonight, but the energy was up. Camp for the no gi starts now 💪💪
29/06/2026

Down a few in numbers tonight, but the energy was up. Camp for the no gi starts now 💪💪

OPPORTUNITY 🚨 A rare opportunity to join the Sonkei seniors team has opened up! We’re a small, yet very successful club,...
26/06/2026

OPPORTUNITY 🚨

A rare opportunity to join the Sonkei seniors team has opened up!

We’re a small, yet very successful club, boasting all Ireland varsity, British schools and commonwealth medals amongst us.

However we pride ourselves on more than just judo, we offer a welcoming environment and a progressive pathway that includes developing fitness and skillsets.

We also have a great community spirit and culture.

If you’re looking to build preseason fitness, perhaps try something new to get fit, or fancy a new challenge, if you’re 15 and above, pop us a message.

Both males and females are welcome 🙏

Sonkei Judo swapped gis for gloves and a bat, and took to the diamond in style as Harris v Donald delivered a coaches’ c...
11/06/2026

Sonkei Judo swapped gis for gloves and a bat, and took to the diamond in style as Harris v Donald delivered a coaches’ challenge that was equal parts chaos, comedy, and genuinely impressive softball.

🥎 Match Report: Harris 44 – 36 Donald (5 Innings)

The opening pitches set the tone early: big swings, bigger laughs, and fielding that ranged from textbook to what‑on‑earth‑was‑that.

One coach even treated the crowd to a full face‑plant special — a moment that will live forever in Sonkei folklore and probably in a few slow‑motion replays.

🌟 Highlights

• Jack and Tom Jr were unstoppable, racking up hits, runs, and a couple of plays that wouldn’t look out of place on a highlight reel.
• Dodgy fielding made several appearances — dropped catches, mystery throws, and one moment where three players pointed at each other instead of the ball.
• Harris’ squad found their rhythm early, piling on runs and holding off a late surge from Team Donald to take the win 44–36 over five lively innings.
• Donald’s crew kept swinging, kept smiling, and kept the pressure on right to the final pitch.

👑 MVPs

• Jack – relentless energy, clutch hits, and a defensive play that had the bench on its feet.
• Tom Jr – power at the plate, speed on the bases, and a couple of absolute rockets into the outfield.

🙌 A Huge Thank‑You

A massive shout‑out to Frances, who stepped up as referee and kept the whole thing flowing with fairness, humour, and just the right amount of sass. The game wouldn’t have been half as smooth — or half as fun — without her.

🎉 Final Word

It was pure Sonkei spirit from first pitch to last: competitive, chaotic, supportive, and absolutely brilliant fun. The kind of night that reminds everyone why this club is more than just Judo..

07/06/2026

Some excellent Judo both standing and on the ground from young Ice!

16 and not only mixing it with the high grades, but winning contests too!

Other victory is in the comments. Another 20 points won towards the black belt 🥋

Cold as ice, as Ronan “the icicle” completes his first ever grading. Great technique on show, congratulations 🧊
01/06/2026

Cold as ice, as Ronan “the icicle” completes his first ever grading.

Great technique on show, congratulations 🧊

Address

Mary Street
Ballycastle
BT54

Opening Hours

7pm - 9:15pm

Telephone

07706416756

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