As 2025 draws to a close, we’re proud to look back on the third year of our ‘Judo For All’ strategy which has been nothing short of transformational for Scottish Judo. From record-breaking membership numbers, to the integration of the performance programme, here’s how we made this year one to remember!
Corporate Excellence
- We kicked off the year by being crowned Scottish Governing Body of the Year – a testament to our commitment to excellence.
- A major milestone: JudoScotland assumed full in-house control of the Judo Performance Programme from sportscotland, paving the way for a more integrated, athlete-focused approach as we gear up for Glasgow 2026 and beyond.
- Performance Staff: Alberto Borin joined as Head of Performance and Taka Kitahara as Performance Pathway Coach, together with Gary Edwards they will build on the strong foundations laid by Euan Burton and SIS staff.
- Governance updates: A heartfelt thank you to Gordon McCathie for his dedicated service on the Board, and a warm welcome to Richard Marsh following member club elections.
- Honouring legends: In January Eddie Cassidy was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
- Investing in future talent: We welcomed Emma through our Modern Apprenticeship programme in partnership with sportscotland and Enable.
- Strengthening partnerships: SportsHotels.com became our Official Accommodation Partner, and our Lost Shore Partnership opens new training opportunities and member discounts.
Growing an Engaged and Diverse Membership
- Over 9,000 members – the biggest it has ever been!
- Revamped Mon Grading system launched, with Kai and Kyu developments on the horizon.
- Expanded Trauma-Informed Coaching initiative with British Judo.
- Club Accelerator Pilot extended to Northern Scotland.
- Five clubs achieved Judo Mark, showcasing excellence in safeguarding, governance, and development.
- Community Awards 2025 recognised the tireless work of our workforce who are instrumental to the sport.
- Coaching Workforce: 87 new qualifications – including 72 Level 1 coaches, 15 progressing to Level 2, and 6 on the Kaizen Academy.
- Thanks to our workforce of 162 referees and technical officials, who make this sport possible!
Making a Positive Contribution to Scottish Society
- Senpai Programme: 12 participants, 300 volunteer hours, 40 qualifications earned – 55% female.
- Judo Girls Rise: 198 participants, 72% new to judo, and 9 clubs grew membership by 21%.
- Clubs launched inspiring initiatives including Safer Falling and Chat on the Mat, strengthening community impact.
Progressive and Inclusive Opportunities
- Scottish Open 2025: 700+ competitors from 16 nations, introducing Adapted & VI categories.
- National Closed Championship: 361 judoka from 46 clubs, plus a new Veterans category.
- Grand Prix Series continued to drive athlete development.
- Keizoku hit record attendance with 156 participants; this event is focussed on providing positive experiences for judoka stepping out of their club environment for the first time.
- All Stars gave young judoka maximum mat time in a fun, competitive format.
- Adapted & VI pathway expanded with 8 regional/national sessions and a dedicated festival.
- The Gathering with Tato Grigalashvili brought world-class judo to Scotland.
- First National Training Camp welcomed five-time World Champion Uta Abe, setting new performance standards.
Scottish Athlete Success
- National Teams: Podium finishes in every category.
- Major selections: European Para Youth Games, EYOF Skopje, and European Cadet Championships.
- Adapted & VI triumphs: Chris Murphy and Rebecca Lamb crowned European Champions.
- Performance Pathway delivered 29 international medals and 14 athletes met Glasgow 2026 qualification standards.
- Awards season success:
- SWIS: Loretta Doyle – Inspiration in Sport; Lois Goldie – Young Sportswoman of the Year.
- BJA: Coen Gilbert – Cadet of the Year; Kirsty Lyon – Referee of the Year.
- Scottish Sports Awards: John D’Ambrosio – Disability Coach of the Year.
Thank you so much for your continued support throughout 2025 and we look forward to doing it all again in 2026.