The traditional Scottish weather didn’t dampen the atmosphere of an incredible weekend of judo at this year’s Scottish Open Tournament. The sportscotland National Centre, Inverclyde welcomed over 485 competitors from 143 clubs across 14 countries for a display of some intense judo action.
Saturday morning began on a high note as the Adapted, VI, and Veteran categories took to the tatami. Edinburgh Judo set the standard early, topping the Veteran medal table. Euan Morse (VM1-2 –100kg) claimed gold after a strong performance in the final against Hackney Judo Club’s Dominic D’Paw. It was also an impressive showing from Bradford Judo Club, who secured four medals across the Veteran categories.
Pro Judo’s Solomon Rice built on his 2025 Scottish Open silver medal with an outstanding performance, taking Gold in the AD L1 –100kg category and winning every contest by Ippon. Max Karalus and Ethan Watkin of Kin Ryu Judo Club secured gold and silver respectively, contributing to their club topping the medal table in the adapted categories.
Competition reached a new level of intensity as the Cadets stepped onto the tatami on Saturday afternoon. Ealing Judo Club’s female athletes delivered standout performances, with Alexsandra Dudko securing gold in the –63 kg category and Deborah O’Neal dominating the +70 kg division to claim the top spot.
In the male Cadet categories, brothers Mohammed El‑Amir (–81 kg) and Najati El‑Amir (–90 kg) showcased exceptional skill and composure as they each captured gold, marking a remarkable double triumph for their family and club, Core Judo.
Adding to the international flavour of the event, the Canadian contingent proved formidable throughout the day, leaving a strong impression on Scottish soil and taking home five medals across the Cadet event.
On Sunday morning, the energy lifted and the tension sharpened as the Juniors took to the tatami. The Scottish judoka shone with gold medals for Rachael Gray (-52kg Destination Judo), Nicole Wood (-78kg Bishop Stortford), Joe Buchanan (-60kg Sportif) and Jaden Calder (-100kg Judo Club Esprit).
Once again, the Canadian Team dominated the Junior Male category with an impressive 5 medal win, with Wirral Judo Club topping the medal in the Junior female category.
With three all Scotland finals in the seniors in was a fierce battle for the top of the podium on home soil. First up Sunny Doig (Just Judo Yoshin) and Sophie Wood (Sportif) faced each other in the –63kg with Sunny Doig ultimately claiming gold by Ippon. In the –66 kg final, Nordine Adrif (Garioch Judo) faced Joe Buchanan (Sportif), and after a fiercely contested bout, Nordine emerged victorious to claim the gold. The final all Scotland contest of the day came in the –73kg category where Jack Macleod (Garioch Judo) claimed gold over Eden Heffernan (Pro Judo).
In an impressive –100kg final against Japan’s Otsuka Sakuya, Jaden Calder of Judo Club Esprit dominated to claim his second gold of the day. Aiden Moffat (Tayside) followed on Mat 5 soon after to win gold against Japan’s Koki Hase. Nicole Wood (Bishop Stortford) claimed her second gold medal of the day in the –78kg category, whilst Summer Shaw helped Camberly Judo Club top the Senior female medal table, with a gold in the –52kg.
It wasn’t just the competitors who shone this weekend, our incredible volunteers lit up the event every bit as brightly. Our dedicated Technical Officials and Referees kept the competition running seamlessly, but the volunteer effort didn’t stop there. We were supported by photographers, media volunteers, and countless coaches giving their time and energy to their players.
Our volunteer drivers, Michael Wilson and Robert Frood played an instrumental role this weekend in helping to transport our international players to and from the airport and their accommodation and we are incredibly grateful for their part in supporting the Scottish Open standing on the international stage.
We must also extend a special thanks to our international competitors, many of whom have stayed on to join our judoka for training this week at the National Training Centre in Ratho led by the JudoScotland Perfmance Coaching Team.
We’re truly grateful to the network of clubs that nurture and support these exceptionally selfless volunteers. Their commitment is what makes events like the Scottish Open not only possible, but exceptional.