PhD Studentship Opportunity - Enhancing Judo Performance: Designing and Delivering Effective Training

Employer/Organisation The University of Wolverhampton and British Judo 

Location British Judo National Training Centre, University of Wolverhampton (Walsall Campus), Gorway Road Walsall, West Midlands WS1 3BD United Kingdom 

Closing date 17/08/2025 

Contract type Full time 

Contract duration Fixed term Duration 4-Years 

Bursary (if applicable) £20,780 per year plus full UK/EU tuition fees 

Full description PhD Studentship- Enhancing Judo Performance: Designing and Delivering Effective Training 

We are offering a four year fully funded bursary opportunity (£20,780 + fee waiver) in conjunction with GB judo for applicants interested in studying a PhD at the University of Wolverhampton. 

This role offers an excellent opportunity for the right candidate to coach at an elite level within an Olympic sport whilst developing applied academic skillset focussed on growing sporting understanding. 

This interdisciplinary PhD project will be heavily involved in testing and monitoring, programming and planning, and delivery of coaching in elite judo, investigating how strength and conditioning (S&C) qualities translate into successful competitive performance. Rather than treating physical performance in isolation, the aim of this research will be interdisciplinary by nature to explore how athletes can transfer gains from the gym to the mat—where real-world outcomes are tested. 

The project will involve collaboration with athletes, coaches, and support staff to ensure the training process is context-specific, feasible, and impactful. The research aims to shift the field from simply monitoring athletes to actively shaping performance through collaborative innovation. 

Key Aims Identify the Strength & Conditioning qualities most associated with successful judo actions (throws, grip dominance, transitions). 

Develop monitoring tools that capture adaptation across training and indicators of performance readiness, including physical and behavioural cues. 

Co-design and evaluate an evidence-informed intervention to optimise gym

Package description https://www.britishjudo.org.uk... 

Vacancy website address https://www.britishjudo.org.uk... 

Vacancy email address A.M.Lane2@wlv.ac.uk