Across Scotland and beyond, adapted judo is continuing to grow, creating new opportunities for people of all abilities to participate, develop and enjoy the sport we love.
From international competition to local community festivals, judoka are showing what can happen when barriers are removed and everyone is given the opportunity to take part. At the heart of this progress is the Judo Family: welcoming, supportive and open to all.
Scotland Shines on the International Stage
Last month the IJF World Tour Ecole Mont-Olivet Lausanne Adapted Judo Grand Slam made history being the first truly inclusive Grand slam, with Adapted judoka competing side by side by some of the sport’s biggest names, giving them the true Judo Grand Slam experience.
Two gold medals were won by Rebecca Lamb of Clyde Judo Club and Sean Allan of Castle Douglas Judo Club. Chris Murphy of Shettlestone Judo Club and Solomon Rice of Pro Judo added two silver medals, while Ross McInnes of Zenkai Judo Club and Jaden Stewart of Kanokwai Judo Club both delivered strong performances to finish fifth in their respective categories.
These achievements reflect the dedication of the athletes, coaches, families and clubs who continue to support the growth of adapted judo across Scotland.
More Than 200 People Experience Inclusive Sport in Hamilton
While Scottish athletes were making their mark internationally, the power of inclusive sport was also being showcased closer to home.
On Thursday 27 August, more than 200 people attended the Hamilton Judo Club Inclusion Development Festival at Blantyre Leisure Centre. The event brought together schools, community groups, sporting organisations and partner agencies, such as NHS, South Lanarkshire Council and Active Schools, for a day dedicated to participation, inclusion and opportunity.
The festival highlighted the positive impact judo can have in breaking down barriers, building confidence and creating meaningful sporting experiences for people of all abilities.
From first-time participants to experienced judoka, the event demonstrated how judo can provide a welcoming environment where everyone has the opportunity to belong, develop and succeed.
Developing the Pathway for Adapted Judoka
As adapted judo continues to grow, JudoScotland is committed to ensuring that judoka have opportunities to train, compete and progress at every stage of their journey.
A growing calendar of events is helping athletes gain valuable experience, build confidence and take their next steps in the sport.
This November marks another significant milestone as Adapted Judo categories will be included in the Scottish National Closed Championships for the first time, creating a new opportunity for athletes to compete on Scotland’s premier domestic stage.
For those taking their first steps beyond the club environment, JudoScotland will also host its second Adapted and Visually Impaired Festival, providing an accessible and supportive introduction to competition.
Meanwhile, the Scottish Open will once again feature Adapted and Visually Impaired categories in January, returning for a third consecutive year and continuing to strengthen opportunities for inclusive competition in Scotland.
We are currently developing a clear visual representation of the adapted judo pathway to help judoka better understand the opportunities available and navigate their journey through the sport.
Club Focus
We have been delighted to see some clubs focussing on inclusion with their Summer of Sport initiatives and in utilising sportscotland’s ‘Club Support Programme’ fund.
One great example is Garioch Judo Club, who partnered with a local primary school to deliver judo sessions for children with learning difficulties and neurodivergent needs. The programme is designed to support participants’ confidence, movement skills, and social development, while providing a fun and inclusive introduction to judo.
Inclusion at the Heart of Development
At the centre of this progress are JudoScotland’s regional Adapted and Visually Impaired training sessions, which are open to judoka of all ages and abilities.
These welcoming sessions support participants with physical, sensory and intellectual impairments, as well as learning disabilities. They provide an environment where everyone can enjoy the benefits of judo while developing their skills, confidence and connections with others.
Whether you want to try judo for the first time, return to the sport, build your confidence or work towards competition, you are welcome.
Delivered by JudoScotland’s Disability Development Officer, the sessions play an important role in introducing new participants to judo and supporting existing athletes as they continue their journey.
JudoScotland Disability Development Officer Stephen Somerville said:
“The growth of adapted judo across Scotland has been incredible to witness. From young people experiencing judo for the first time at our regional training sessions to athletes representing Scotland and winning medals on the international stage, we are seeing more opportunities than ever before.
“Our aim is to ensure that every individual who wants to participate in judo has a pathway to do so, regardless of their ability. Everyone’s journey is unique, and every achievement — whether it is stepping onto the mat for the first time, building confidence in training or competing internationally — is something to celebrate.
“The success of our athletes, together with the growing demand for inclusive opportunities, shows that we are moving in the right direction and building a stronger, more welcoming future for judo in Scotland.
“Judo is possible for all. We want everyone to feel that they can come along, get involved and be part of the Judo Family.”
Get Involved
Whether you’re looking to try judo for the first time, take part in an inclusive training session, or compete at one of our upcoming events, there has never been a better time to get involved.
View our upcoming Adapted and Visually Impaired events and training opportunities below.