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Later this month, Takafumi Kitahara will proudly lead Team Scotland at the Home Commonwealth Games before bringing an incredible chapter in Scottish judo to a close.

This summer, Taka will return to Japan to take up an exciting new role as Performance Coach with the prestigious Japan Rail Judo Team, marking the end of almost a decade of dedicated service to judo in Scotland.

Since arriving in Scotland in 2017, Taka has become a hugely respected and valued member of our judo community. Known for his warmth, humility and exceptional technical expertise, he quickly earned the admiration of athletes, coaches and colleagues across the country.

Over the past nine years, Taka has played a significant role in the development of JudoScotland’s performance pathway. Working with athletes from Pre-Cadet through to Senior level, he has provided individualised technical support and guidance, helping countless judoka develop their skills and pursue success on the international stage.

Beyond the performance programme, Taka has made a lasting contribution to the wider organisation. From supporting events such as The Gathering to helping strengthen international relationships and welcoming Japanese athletes to the Scottish Open, his influence has extended throughout Scottish judo. His passion for sharing both judo and Japanese culture has enriched the experiences of many within our community.

Taka’s dedication, professionalism and commitment have left a lasting legacy. It is without a doubt that Taka’s dedication, expertise and commitment have had a lasting impact on athletes, coaches and the wider judo community.

It is rather fitting that Taka will lead Team Scotland’s athletes at the Home Commonwealth Games, bringing time in his role to a close.

Speaking of his time in Scotland, Taka says:

Since I moved to Scotland nine years ago, I haven’t had a single boring day. I met many people, coached many judokas, worked with many great coaches and staff, and every day was exciting. Just as Jigoro Kano tried to spread judo by flying out to the world, I also moved to Scotland from the other side of the world and brought the experience and knowledge I had cultivated as a judoka for more than 20 years to Scottish judoka. However, at the same time, I myself experienced a new aspect of judo as a judo coach, and I grew up as a judoka and as a human being.

I think this decision was one of the most difficult in my life. The opportunity to work with the JR East team and move back to Japan is very attractive and while I’m excited for my next chapter the decision to move has made me reflect on how much I like Scotland and value my time here.

I would like to say thank you for all people who I met. Thank you for all memories.

This is not “ sayonara”. I say “matane”.

As Taka takes up his exciting new opportunity in Tokyo, we look forward to continuing our relationship and strengthening links between Scotland and Japan for the benefit of our judoka.

We thank Taka for his outstanding contribution to judo in Scotland and as we wish him every success in this exciting new chapter, we extend our welcome ‘home’ to Scotland anytime.

A brief update from the JudoScotland Chair, Marc Preston, on activity in June  

June was a particularly busy month across Scotland with lots going on with clubs as they prepare for the end of the school term through to their performance athletes.  

On Tuesday 2nd the JudoScotland Board met as part of a review of the JudoScotland strategic planning processes – and how best to refine the approach we use to develop our next working plan.   My thanks go to James Allan of Windlaw Consulting who ran the session for us, as well as to all of our Board members, thank you all for your input.  I think we all agree how important it is that, going forward, we refine our strategy in what is an ever-changing landscape.   

I flew down to London on 8th June for Karen Robert’s leaving do.  I have known Karen most of my life, she was an exceptional judoka with too many great results to mention – a fantastic fighter and, over the last few years, we’ve been working very closely due to her position as British Judo Development Director.  

I’ve found Karen to be an exceptional operator who has brought many ground-breaking initiatives to the table.  For example, she was instrumental in the development of the Three Steps Safe Strategy that British Judo and the Home Nations have put at the forefront of their direction going forward.  JudoScotland wishes Karen great success in her new role and looking forward to catching up soon. 

The following day, on 9th June, I attended the British Judo Board meeting, where I presented a deep dive review of JudoScotland – our current thinking and initiatives.   My thanks go to Andrew and Gerry for this opportunity to present. It is so important that all the Home Nations are aligned, and this exercise supported this. 

You may have already picked up that we are now recruiting for my successor for the position of Chair. I am looking forward to working with the successful candidate and supporting a smooth transition through a succession plan over the coming months. Exciting times and hopefully lots of new ideas. 

Those who have completed their gradings will have noticed a new resource for the Kai grading system for our under 8 members.  My own personal experience is that children are loving the new cow/keyring/collectables.  A definite plus!   

With the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games taking place later this month, June provided some exiting announcements. 

I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate the thirteen judoka who qualified for the Commonwealth Games.  I hope their training is going well and I am looking forward to catching up with them very soon in Glasgow. 

And I’d also like to congratulate the 23 Scottish Officials who have been selected to aid the smooth delivery of the Games.   

And finally I would just like to congratulate Gordon Cameron on receiving his 6th Dan.  Well done Weeg!!   Gordon and myself go back a long way to both competing at the Commonwealth Games in 1990 in New Zealand.   Where did the time go Gordon!!! 

Hope you are all having a fantastic summer and a bit more sunshine! 

Marc Preston, 7th Dan

Scotland’s next generation of sporting talent is once again in focus as the Team Scotland Achieve programme continues to nurture athletes and coaches with Commonwealth Games aspirations. 

Supported by the Team Scotland Youth Trust and sportscotland, Achieve is designed to identify and develop individuals with the potential to represent Team Scotland on the international stage. The initiative not only supports athletic performance but also equips participants with essential life skills to thrive both in and beyond sport. 

The 2026 Achieve programme is once again well represented from the Scottish Judo community. This year’s cohort includes: 

Coen Gilbert (Pro Judo)– Athlete 

Jocelyn Callaghan (Judo Club Esprit) – Young Coach 

Samuel Ingram – Mentor 

Leading the group as mentor, Samuel Ingram, a three-time Paralympian and current JudoScotland Club Support Officer, Ingram brings a wealth of elite-level knowledge and leadership as a mentor. 

Speaking about his role, Ingram said: “I’m very pleased to be involved in the Achieve programme as a mentor and to have the opportunity to support some of Scotland’s talented athletes of the future. Having benefited from the guidance of experienced athletes throughout my own journey as a judoka, I understand the value of having strong role models and support networks around you. I hope to share some of the lessons I’ve learned from competing, help participants develop both on and off the mat, and support them as they work towards achieving their ambitions.” 

The Team Scotland camp on the 1st of July provided a valuable opportunity for athletes and coaches to strengthen connections across the wider Scottish sporting community. Achieve athlete Coen enjoyed catching up with several fellow cohort members he had previously met at the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF), highlighting the lasting relationships that can be built through multi-sport environments. Meanwhile, coach Joss played an active role in the camp programme as a panel speaker, sharing her aspirations and experiences as she looks to progress along the performance coaching pathway. With women still under-represented in high-performance coaching roles, the opportunity for coaches like Joss to access additional support, development opportunities and networking experiences is particularly important, helping to build greater female representation and inspire the next generation of coaches. 

The impact of the programme is already evident. In 2022, judo athletes Sunny Doig and Gregor Miller, alongside coach David Scobbie, were selected as part of the Achieve cohort. Since then, their progress has underlined the programme’s value. 

Both Sunny and Gregor have gone on to secure selection for Team Scotland at this year’s Commonwealth Games, a significant milestone in their careers. Meanwhile, Scobbie has progressed into a JudoScotland Support Coach role, highlighting the programme’s dual investment in athletes and coaching talent. 

Reflecting on her experience, 2022 Achieve alumni Sunny Doig said: 

“The 2022 Achieve Programme gave me an incredible experience in a multi-sport Games environment. It was a hugely valuable opportunity, and the mentors played a pivotal role in our learning throughout the programme.” 

“My biggest takeaway from the Achieve Programme was learning how to deal with pressure. What I learned during that experience continues to shape my preparations as I get ready to step onto the tatami in Glasgow.” 

“It’s fantastic to see young judoka involved in this year’s programme and benefiting from a similar experience.” 

For emerging talents like Coen and Jocelyn, the opportunity represents more than just recognition, it is a stepping stone towards elite performance and national representation. By investing in both athletes and coaches, the programme aims to strengthen Scotland’s sporting ecosystem ahead of future Commonwealth Games cycles, ensuring sustainable success. 

Date: 4th July 2026
Venue: University of Wolverhampton, Walsall Campus, Gorway Road, Walsall, WS1 3BD

Whether you’re across the country or across the globe, you don’t have to miss a second of the action. Tune in to the live stream and experience the event as it happens, wherever you are.

We are delighted to announce that Fighting Films has been confirmed as the official judogi partner for Team Scotland’s judo athletes at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. 

This appointment continues a strong and successful relationship, with Fighting Films previously serving as kit provider for Team Scotland at both Glasgow 2014 and Birmingham 2022. 

Founded in 1988, Fighting Films is a brand built by judoka, for judoka. What began as a producer of iconic judo footage has grown into one of the sport’s most respected manufacturers of high-performance judogi and equipment. With decades of experience, deep roots in the judo community, and an unwavering commitment to quality, the brand has consistently supported athletes at every level of the sport. 

Their expertise and understanding of athletes’ needs make them an ideal partner as Scotland’s judoka prepare to compete in Glasgow. 

Sharon Da Costa of Fighting Films said: “As a small judo-family business, Fighting Films is delighted to continue our long established sponsorship of the wonderful JudoScotland team.” 

“As well as providing our top of the range judo-gi we have been able to offer support with our creative resources over the years.” 

“We take pride in building connections with judoka across the world, but it is a particular pleasure to work with our own home nations. The FF team look forward to seeing some great results for Scottish Judo at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.” 

Team Scotland judoka Gregor Miller welcomed the announcement: 

“I have been wearing Fighting Films kits since I began my judo journey 15 years ago. I started with their Red Label kit as a beginner and have stayed with the brand ever since. I now wear the SuperStar 750 IJF-approved gi for both training and competition. The quality and durability of the kits really stand out to me, and I can’t wait to represent Scotland at the 2026 Commonwealth Games wearing my Fighting Films gi.” 

As preparations for Glasgow 2026 continue, this partnership ensures Scotland’s judoka will step onto the tatami equipped with trusted, world-class judogi.  

In our latest episode of In Conversation With, we sit down with JudoScotland Chair Marc Preston at Lost Shore, as he reflects on his time in the role, sharing insights, highlights, and lessons learned as his tenure comes to a close.

Scotland has officially announced a strong squad of 36 judoka from 14 clubs set to compete at the British National Team Championships 2026, taking place on 4 July at the Walsall Sports Centre at The University of Wolverhampton. The team features athletes across Pre Cadets & Minors, Cadets & Juniors, and Senior categories, showcasing strength throughout the performance pathway. 

The Scottish teams head into the championships following a highly successful 2025 event, where they secured medals across all team divisions, claiming three golds, two silvers, and one bronze. 

The 2026 squad features a host of talented judoka across all age groups. 

In the Pre Cadets & Minors, standout names include British champion Olivia Smith, alongside medallists Keir O’Connor (silver), Angus Mowat (silver), William Caldwell (bronze), and Carlo Pellicci (bronze) adding depth to the team. 

The Cadets & Juniors squad is equally strong. Finlay Whitelaw, part of the 2025 Pre Cadet & Minors gold medal-winning team, moves up to the reigning Cadet & Junior Champion Team alongside Coen Gilbert and Vasiliy Menshykov, as they look to retain the championship title they helped secure in 2025. 

On the girls’ side, Betsy Doe, Lucy Daly, and Lois Goldie step up to the Cadet & Junior team following their bronze medal success as part of the 2025 Pre Cadet & Minors squad.

In the Senior men’s competition, Scotland will look to build on their silver medal performance in 2025, with returning athletes including James Gray joined by Jack Macleod and Rhys Clydesdale. Macleod and Clydesdale, both part of the gold medal-winning Cadet & Junior team in 2025, bring valuable experience as the team aims to defend or improve on last year’s result. 

The teams will be supported by JudoScotland Performance Pathway Coach Taka Kitahara, alongside JudoScotland support coaches Reece Calder, Kirsten Gray, Louise Renicks, and Stuart McWatt. 

Let us know if you will be traveling to Walsall to support the Scottish Team, full details on the event can be found here. 

Pre Cadets & Minors – Boys 

• Xander Goldie – 38kg – Pro Judo 

• Callum Gibson – 42kg – Hibari Kan 

• Keir O’Connor – 46kg – Pro Judo 

• Jamie Kerr – 50kg – Clyde 

• William Caldwell – 50kg – Whitburn 

• Lewis Gordon – 55kg – Garioch 

• Carlo Pellicci – 60kg – Esprit 

• Angus Mowat – 60kg over – Highland Budokan 

• Patrick Quirke – 60kg over – Sportif 

Pre Cadets & Minors – Girls 

• Olivia Smith – 44kg – Zenkai 
• Lily Mactaggart – 48kg – Zenkai
   
• Sophia Malone – 52kg – Hibari Kan
  
• Leyla Semple – 57kg  – Zenkai 

• Rebecca Gray – over 57kg – Pro Judo 

• Willow Craig – over 57kg – Titan 

Cadets & Juniors – Boys 

• Finlay Whitelaw – 50kg – Pro Judo 

• Jack Docherty – 55kg – Pro Judo 

• Coen Gilbert – 60kg – Pro Judo 

• Alban Tubio – 66kg – EdinburghJudo 

• Logan Goldie – 73kg – Pro Judo 

• Sean McAleese – 81kg – Sportif 

• Vasiliy Menshykov – 81kg over – Garioch 

Cadets & Juniors – Girls 

• Betsy Doe – 48kg – Pro Judo 

• Lucy Daly – 52kg – Highland Budokan

• Rachael Gray – 52kg – Destination Judo 

• Stella Cameron – 57kg – Whitburn 

• Kayla Smith – 63kg – Pro Judo 

• Lois Goldie – 63kg over – Pro Judo 

Senior – Men 

• Nordine Adrif – 66kg – Garioch 

• Rhys Clydesdale – 66kg – Esprit 

• James Gary – 73kg – Destination Judo 

• Jack Macleod – 81kg – Garioch 

• Joseph Kirk – 90kg – Middlesbrough 

• Niccolo Bargioni – 90kg over – EdinburghJudo 

Senior – Women 

• Rachael Gray – 52kg – Destination Judo 

• Sarah Smith – 57kg – Destination Judo 

• Hazel Taylor – 70kg & over – EdinburghJudo 

Team Scotland has named a 13-strong judo squad for Glasgow 2026, featuring a mix of experience and emerging talent ready to compete on the Commonwealth stage.

The team includes 12 athletes set to make their Commonwealth Games debut, having built strong international credentials through success at European Cup and Open events across Europe, Asia, Oceania, Africa and the Americas.

Leading the squad is Sarah Adlington, a double Commonwealth Games champion who brings a wealth of experience to the team. Adlington was part of the record medal haul at Glasgow 2014 as judo took an incredible 13 medals from 14 athletes; six gold, two silver and five bronze. She returned for judo’s next Games appearance, taking gold at Birmingham 2022 and taking her place in the history books.

Delighted to be back for a third Games, she said: “Experience teaches you a lot, and I’ve definitely got plenty of that. I’m hoping I can put it to good use at the Games. Competing at Glasgow is a bonus and it’s going to be the perfect ending to my career.”

Adlington will turn 40 just days after the upcoming Games, while in contrast, her five female team mates have an average age of just 20. Sunny Doig was part of Team Scotland’s Achieve Programme for upcoming athletes at Birmingham 2022 and the 21-year-old will be putting that experience to good use in her first Games. At 18, Eva Ewing is the youngest named and is joined by Sophie Wood, Nicole Wood (no relation) and Summer Shaw, British Championships gold medallist and the oldest of the female debutants at 22.

For Scott Cusack, this will be his first Games as he follows in the family footsteps. Mum Loretta and dad Billy both won medals for Scotland when judo was first contested at the 1990 Auckland Games and Loretta, also the 1982 World Champion, will be on hand for her son’s debut, as Glasgow 2026 Sport Competition Manager for Judo. Scott took British Championships gold in the run up to selection and has a busy few months ahead with his wedding almost immediately after the Games.

He said: “To actually make the team, I am delighted. Having my mum and dad both compete at the Commonwealth Games, it’s always been a thing that I wanted to do. I really want to make them proud and do the best that I can.”

He’s not the only one with family connections. Silver medallist at both the Hong Kong Asian Open in November and the Mandurah Oceania Open in May, Ollie Short earns selection for his first Games after his brother Alex competed at Birmingham 2022, just missing out in the bronze medal match.
The men’s selection is completed by Gregor Miller (also part of the 2022 Achieve Programme), Neil MacDonald, Aiden Moffatt, Daniel Pacitti and Jaden Calder.

Elinor Middlemiss MBE, Team Scotland Chef de Mission, said: “I’m delighted to welcome all of our judoka to Team Scotland and congratulate them on their achievement.”

“It’s also fantastic to welcome back an athlete of Sarah’s calibre, alongside a strong selection of those making their debut. The SEC Centre will be one of the busiest venues come Games time and the athletes we have announced today will most certainly be at the heart of the action.”

The Judo competition takes place from 31 July – 2 August at the SEC Centre. Tickets for the event can be purchased at glasgow2026.com

Athletes Selected

Eva Ewing -48kg (EdinburghJudo)

Summer Shaw  -48kg (Camberley Judo Club)

Sophie Wood  -63kg  (Sportif)

Sunny Doig -63kg (Just-Judo Yoshin)

Nicole Wood -78kg (Bishops Stortford Judokwai)

Sarah Adlington +78kg (EdinburghJudo)

Neil MacDonald -66kg (Judo Club Esprit)

Aiden Moffat -66kg (Tayside Judo Club)

Daniel Pacitti -73kg (Tanoshii Judo Club)

Ollie Short -73kg (Edinburgh University Judo Club/ Sportif)

Scott Cusack -90kg (EdinburghJudo)

Jaden Calder -100kg (Judo Club Esprit)

Gregor Miller +100kg (Tayside Judo Club)

We are delighted to welcome Michael Horley as JudoScotland Performance Pathway Coach on a 12-month contract. Michael, who completed his coaching apprenticeship with JudoScotland in 2018, has since progressed to roles including High Performance Coach at Judo Saskatchewan, Canada and most recently as the National Coach at the Welsh Judo Association. We are pleased to welcome Michael back to the coaching team at JudoScotland.

Speaking on his appointment, Michael said:
“I’m very excited and grateful for the opportunity to return to JudoScotland. I’m looking forward to working with the athletes, clubs and coaches to continue building a strong Performance Pathway to support athletes at each stage of their journey and reach their full potential.”

Help shape the future of judo in Scotland. 

Following the completion of the current Chair’s tenure, JudoScotland is seeking a dynamic and inspirational leader to take on the role of Chair, guiding the national governing body through its next strategic cycle.  

As sportscotland’s Governing Body of the Year 2024, JudoScotland plays a vital role in developing athletes from grassroots participation through to elite performance, while promoting the sport’s core values. With a new strategic cycle on the horizon, the organisation is looking for a Chair who can bring energy, strong governance & leadership experience, and a clear vision to drive meaningful and lasting progress. 

The incoming Chair will assume the role at a significant moment of transition and opportunity. Building on British Judo’s “Three Steps Safe” framework, they will support the continued delivery of high standards in coaching, safeguarding, and club management, reinforcing our commitment to a safe, inclusive, and well-regulated judo community. 

This is more than a governance position; it is an opportunity to shape the future direction of judo across Scotland; supporting clubs, empowering volunteers, and enabling athletes to thrive on both national and international stages. 

Working closely with the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team, the Chair will: 

• Lead and inspire the Board, ensuring effective decision-making and alignment with strategic priorities 

• Oversee the delivery of key outcomes as JudoScotland enters its next strategic cycle 

• Champion the “Three Steps Safe” framework, embedding a culture of safe, inclusive, and well-regulated judo environments. 

• Represent JudoScotland externally, strengthening relationships with partners, stakeholders, and the wider sporting community 

The successful candidate will play a central role in ensuring that JudoScotland continues to grow as a modern, inclusive, and forward-thinking organisation. 

This is your opportunity to lead change, inspire progress, and shape the future of judo in Scotland. 

If you are ready to play a pivotal role at the heart of Scottish sport, JudoScotland would love to hear from you. 

Full details can be found in the application pack below: