Judo, Triathlon, Unicycle – There’s More to Choose from for Students

9 April; Mrinal Asija

We are approaching that time of the semester when the workload is beginning to pile up - but it feels like the semester has just started! Crazy, right? That happens when there is so much to explore and do on the University campuses.

Just like readings and assessments, there is no dearth of sporting and fitness opportunities for the students to engage in. Other than joining a fitness class or a Free Play session, there are 40+ sporting clubs to choose from, with three exciting additions being added to the list in recent months – Judo, Triathlon and Unicycling. The addition of the three clubs adds to the diversity of sporting disciplines at the University, bringing a wide range of conventional and non-conventional sports for students to try their hand at. All three new clubs are open to students, staff and other members of the community and welcome beginners.

While other martial arts clubs like Karate and Kendo have been part of the University for a long time, the interest of the university community in Judo finally brought the founding members together to establish the club in 2023. Realising that the martial arts form is not practised extensively in Australia, the club aims to attract new students and has designed its training programs keeping beginners in mind.

While judo is a demanding martial art, requiring physical and mental resilience, Judo Club co-founder Christina feels it is also rewarding in multiple ways.

“Apart from the physical and mental benefits, the friendships I have acquired and have seen develop between people through Judo that have carried on beyond the mats have been amazing. Regardless of your age, gender, background, nationality, your phase in life, whether you're an introvert or extrovert, if you can find enjoyment and common interest through Judo, you can grow some lifelong friendships or quality connections from that seed,” she said, encouraging the University community to join the Club.

If Judo requires discipline, Triathlon is about endurance.

“Triathlon is more than a sport. It's a lifestyle that promotes health, resilience, and a positive mindset. While competition is a goal, we emphasise the sport's holistic benefits,” says Triathlon Club President Sihong Wu.

The Club offers comprehensive training programs tailored for beginners that cover Sprint (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run) and Olympic distances (1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run). Additionally, it also provides free pool access and swimming lessons, training and nutrition guidance, expert advice on bike selection and maintenance, and photography services to its members.

Triathlon is a good avenue for those who are looking to make fitness a part of their lifestyle and prefer to incorporate an element of sport or competition into their routine. Wu believes that participating in Triathlon can have a positive impact on student’s wellbeing and invites all who are looking for a challenge to join the Club.

Unicycling, on the other hand, is less about competition and more about fun. It was the lack of clubs and communities for the offbeat sport in Melbourne that got the founders to form the Unicycling Club at the University.

Talking about what makes Unicycling different, Club President Madeline Lavaul said, “While not a competitive sport, Unicycling is so much more fun in a social environment where everyone can help each other out and play some games. Unicycle hockey, anyone? A race?”

It is a commonly held notion that learning to ride a unicycle can be very difficult. But Madeline insists that some practice can quickly get you in the rhythm. “Bad balance or being too tall is no excuse, you will get better balance through practice. Don’t worry about falling off, everyone does. You will receive instructions from the President, but it’s all about practice. You will have an impressive skill to surprise people in no time!”

Madeline believes Unicycling is the perfect sport for those who don’t take themselves too seriously. Those looking for something unique and an unconventional way of being involved in sport or fitness should give Unicycling a go.

“It’s great fun, exercise, and something light-hearted to break up the seriousness of university. Additionally, you’ll always have a fun fact about yourself to share in icebreakers.”