Guide for active people: the best martial arts dojo in Poznan

April 11, 2025

Poznan is a city that boasts a wide range of offerings for lovers of martial arts, particularly judo. Traditional dojo, or places designed for martial arts training, provide not only a space for physical exercise, but also for spiritual and mental development. There are several unique judo clubs in the capital of Greater Poland, which combine the traditional values of this Japanese martial art with a modern approach to training. Each of these places has a unique history, experienced instructors and a special atmosphere that attracts both beginners and advanced judo adepts. Let's discover together five of the best dojo's in Poznan that stand out and offer the highest quality training.

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Tradition and modernity - UKS Energetyk Poznan JUDO and Pupils' Sports Club "Dębiec"

UKS Energetyk Poznań JUDO is one of the oldest judo clubs in Poznan, boasting a rich history dating back to the 1970s. Located at 3 Sochaczewska Street, the club has grown into a true forge of talent, raising many Polish championship medalists in various age categories. What sets UKS Energetyk apart from other Poznan dojo's? First of all, a unique approach to training, which combines traditional Japanese teaching methods with modern training techniques.

The UKS Energetyk training room is a space of more than 200 m², equipped with professional tatami that meets all international safety standards. The club offers training for different age groups - from pre-school children (Judo Kids program), through teenagers to adults. Classes are conducted by qualified coaches with many years of experience, including former Polish representatives.

An interesting fact is that UKS Energetyk cultivates traditional Japanese rituals during training, such as bowing (rei) or meditation (mokuso), which allows judo adepts not only to develop physical fitness, but also to learn about the philosophical aspects of this martial art. The club also organizes regular training camps, during which participants can train intensively under the guidance of invited judo masters from Japan.

On the other hand, the Students' Sports Club 'Dębiec', located at 77 Łozowa Street, is a place with a slightly shorter but equally impressive history. Founded in the 1990s, the club quickly gained a reputation for its innovative approach to youth training. UKS 'Dębiec' is distinguished above all by its friendly, almost family-like atmosphere, which makes even beginner judo adepts feel comfortable.

The 'Dębiec' club's training room has recently been modernized and now offers a 150 sq. m. space with modern tatami and additional training equipment, such as weight training machines tailored specifically to the needs of judokas. The club specializes in training children and teenagers, offering programs tailored to different age groups, starting with 5-year-olds.

Interestingly, UKS 'Dębiec' is one of the few clubs in Poznań that also runs special classes for children with disabilities, implementing the 'Judo without barriers' program. This initiative has won recognition not only in Poland, but also abroad, and the club has been recognized for it by the Polish Judo Association.

Comparing the two clubs, it is worth noting that UKS Energetyk offers a more traditional approach to judo, emphasizing the technical aspects and philosophy of this martial art, while UKS 'Dębiec' focuses on the sporting and integration aspect. Price-wise, both clubs are in the average category, with monthly training fees ranging from PLN 150 to PLN 200, depending on the frequency of classes. UKS Energetyk offers slightly more training groups for adults, while 'Dębiec' has a richer offer for children and teenagers.

Sporting excellence -. PKS Olimpia Poznan and JUDOPOZNAN

PKS Olimpia Poznań, based at 89 Szamarzewskiego Street, is a club with a unique history that has been shaping Poznan's judo community since the 1960s. Founded by legendary coach Antoni Zajkowski, who introduced judo to Poznan after returning from his studies in Japan, the club can boast an impressive list of sporting achievements. Among Olimpia's alumni are European championship medalists and Olympic Games participants, making the club one of the most successful in Poland.

The training room of PKS Olimpia is a true temple of judo - a spacious hall of more than 300 m² with a professional tatami, walls lined with protective mats and a gallery of trophies and souvenirs from international competitions. The club offers training for all age groups, but is especially famous for its professional training of competitive athletes.

An interesting fact is that PKS Olimpia Poznan is one of the few clubs in Poland to have an original handwritten letter from Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo, which was given to the club's founder during his stay in Japan. This historic document is carefully preserved and is the pride of the club, reminding us of the deep ties between Poznan judo and Japanese tradition.

The club also organizes the prestigious international tournament 'Olimpia Cup', which every year attracts competitors from all over Europe and is one of the most important events in the calendar of the Polish Judo Association. During this tournament you can see both young talents and experienced players in action, making it an excellent opportunity to observe judo at the highest level.

On the other hand, JUDOPOZNAN, located at 1 Leśnowolska Street, is a relatively young club that in a short period of time has managed to build a strong position on the Poznan judo map. Founded by former Polish national team players, this club focuses primarily on modern training methods and an individual approach to each practitioner.

The JUDOPOZNAN training room is a modern facility equipped with the highest quality tatami and functional training equipment, which complements traditional judo exercises. The club offers diverse training programs - from classes for preschoolers (Mini Judo), through youth groups, to training for adults, including a special 'Judo for Health' program aimed at the elderly.

A unique feature of JUDOPOZNAN is its innovative approach to training, which combines traditional judo techniques with elements of other martial arts and modern methods of motor preparation. The club was the first in Poznan to introduce a system of video analysis during training, which allows athletes to analyze their techniques in detail and correct their mistakes more quickly.

Interestingly, JUDOPOZNAN also runs the 'Judo at School' program, in which the club's coaches organize demonstration judo lessons in Poznań elementary schools, promoting this martial art among the youngest. Thanks to this initiative, the club not only acquires new adepts, but also contributes to the popularization of judo as a form of physical activity that develops both body and mind.

Comparing the two clubs, PKS Olimpia Poznań offers a more traditional, competitive sport-oriented approach to judo, while JUDOPOZNAN focuses on modernity and diversity in training programs. Pricing-wise, PKS Olimpia is slightly more expensive (monthly fees ranging from PLN 180 to 250), which is due to the club's reputation and the experience of its coaching staff, while JUDOPOZNAN offers a more flexible price list (from PLN 150 to 220 per month) and a system of discounts for families.

Judo Academy - a modern martial arts center in the heart of Poznan

The Judo Academy, located in a prestigious location on the grounds of the Poznań International Fair at 14 Głogowska Street, is the youngest, yet one of the most modern judo clubs in Poznań. Founded in 2015 by a group of enthusiasts of this Japanese martial art, the Academy has quickly gained a reputation for its innovative approach to training and exceptional infrastructure.

What sets the Judo Academy apart from other Poznan dojos is, first and foremost, its comprehensive approach to training. The club offers not only traditional judo training, but also motor preparation classes, elements of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and specialized self-defense workshops. This multidisciplinarity means that practitioners can develop comprehensively, drawing from a variety of combat systems.

The Judo Academy's training room is a real gem - a spacious 400-square-meter hall equipped with the highest quality Japanese-made tatami, a sound system, professional lighting and multimedia facilities for recording and analyzing training. In addition, the club has a modern gym with equipment specially adapted to the needs of judokas and a relaxation area with a sauna, which allows for comprehensive regeneration after intensive training.

An interesting fact is that the Judo Academy is the only club in Poznan to have an original judogi set, certified by the Kodokan (the world judo headquarters in Tokyo), which was donated by a Japanese delegation during the opening of the club. These traditional outfits are used during special shows and ceremonies, providing a symbolic link between the Poznan club and the cradle of judo.

The Judo Academy is also famous for organizing prestigious training seminars with the participation of international judo stars. In recent years, the club has hosted such legends as Toshihiko Koga (Olympic champion from Barcelona), Kosei Inoue (Olympic champion from Sydney) and Teddy Riner (multiple world and Olympic champion). These events attract judokas from all over Poland and provide unique opportunities to learn from the best.

The Judo Academy's training program is extremely diverse and tailored to different age groups and skill levels. The club offers classes for children as young as 4 years old (the 'Judo Smyki' program), youth groups divided by levels of advancement, training for adult beginners and advanced, as well as specialized classes for senior citizens under the 'Judo 60+' program.

It is also worth mentioning the unique 'Judo Business' program, which the Judo Academy offers to Poznan companies. As part of this program, special integration trainings are organized for employee teams, during which participants not only learn the basics of judo, but also learn to cooperate, build trust and overcome their own limitations.

In terms of pricing, Judo Academy is in the more expensive category than the other Poznań clubs, with monthly fees ranging from PLN 200 to 300, depending on the package selected. However, this higher price is justified by the quality of the infrastructure, the experience of the coaching staff and additional amenities, such as a sauna or the ability to use the gym.

In summary, Judo Academy is a modern martial arts center that combines traditional judo values with an innovative approach to training. With its exceptional infrastructure, experienced coaching staff and diverse training programs, the club is an excellent option for both beginner judo students and advanced athletes. Although price-wise the Judo Academy is more expensive than other Poznan clubs, the quality of the services offered fully justifies the difference.

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