News

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: 

JudoScotland is delighted to announce a series of exciting updates to its nationally recognised Kai Grade system for judoka under 8, designed to better support young judoka at the very start of their judo journey. 

Following a wider review of grading schemes, identified as a key priority to strengthen judoka development, the Kai Grades are the latest to benefit from enhancements, building on the successful updates made to Mon Grades last year. 

The Kai Grade system enables clubs to deliver a nationally recognised curriculum through qualified coaches, ensuring safe and progressive learning while reinforcing the sport’s commitment to Three Steps Safe. 

Rather than introducing major changes, the focus has been on adding value, improving the experience, and supporting both clubs and families involved in early-stage judo. 

JudoScotland has introduced a range of updates to the Kai Grade system to better support young judoka at the start of their journey. These include a new information sheet for those achieving their 1st Kai Grade to help children and parents understand the pathway, refreshed certificates and badges that are easier to use, and a fun new keyring reward system where members collect coloured obi charms as they progress through the belts. Alongside these enhancements, work is ongoing to further develop the Kai Grade syllabus to ensure it remains age- and stage-appropriate, with more updates to follow later in the year. 

Tony Penfold, Head of Development at JudoScotland, said:
“We know how exciting it is for young judoka to begin their journey through the grading system, so it’s important that those first experiences are positive, engaging, and easy to understand. These enhancements are designed to support children and their families while making each step along the way feel special and rewarding.” 

“The new keyring reward system brings a fun and meaningful way for young judoka to celebrate their progress, while the updated badges and certificates provide a clear and practical way to recognise their achievements and encourage them to keep learning and developing.” 

These enhancements have been shaped by valuable feedback from clubs, coaches, and members across the judo community. JudoScotland looks forward to continuing the development of the syllabus and exploring further ways to enhance the Kyu grade experience next. 

Next up on our Volunteers’ Week spotlight is Callum MacLennan.

Callum has been a volunteer coach for over a decade and has been pivotal to the successes of Edinburgh University Judo Club over the last five years. His commitment to athlete development, inclusivity and community building recently earned him the Alan Chainey Award at the University of Edinburgh Sport Blues and Colours Awards, for his longstanding service to university sport.

“I joined the Edinburgh University Judo Club as a student in 2012, and started volunteering as a coach in 2013. I then served on the committee for 2 years before becoming joint head coach in 2021.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of the club. Without the hundreds of hours selflessly given to it by successive committees and the volunteer coaches, the club simply would not be able to thrive the way it has and continues to do so.”

In addition to his coaching, Callum plays an active role in the Scottish competition workforce as a referee and regularly volunteers at events nationwide – demonstrating his continued dedication to the Scottish judo community.

This Volunteers’ Week, we caught up with BJA National C referee Kirsty Wilson about her journey as a volunteer referee and her ambitions for the future.

At just 18, Kirsty is one of the youngest referees in the country. This summer, she will be part of the team of 23 Scottish technical officials supporting the delivery of the judo programme at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

In her own words, Kirsty reflects on how refereeing has built her confidence, provided her with skills for life, and opened up new opportunities within judo and beyond.

“I first started refereeing in October of 2022 when I was 14 years old, after my club suggested I attend a refereeing course, and since then my journey as a volunteer referee has grown vastly. In March of this year, I refereed at my first national event: the British Schools Championships. This event, and others that have followed, have been a catalyst for both my confidence and ability.

Becoming a referee has changed my perspective on judo and my mindset on the mat, from being a competitive player and supporter, to now being the referee on the mat making the decisions. Recently, at higher-level events I’ve particularly enjoyed navigating the responsibilities and challenges that come with refereeing. Another highlight in my experience as a referee has been meeting new people outside of Scotland. I have had the opportunity to work with countless high-level referees in the past few months and have learned so much from them. I’ve also got to know many new referees socially, and it has been really lovely to make new friends and spend time with them outside of a sports hall!”

“I have also gained a lot of confidence and maturity, both on and off the mat, through refereeing. I think it has made me back myself and my own ability a lot more, and I hope that this self-assurance continues throughout my life.

I am very excited to be a volunteer technical official at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this summer! I can’t wait to meet lots of new people and learn new skills in my role as an IJF Care System Camera Operator. As a developing referee, I’m looking forward to watching the high-level refereeing at the Games, and seeing this up close will undoubtedly improve my refereeing! As a player and a fan of judo, I can’t wait to watch the action on the mat too.

I was at both the 2022 Birmingham Games and the 2014 Glasgow Games, so to now be given the opportunity to be a part of the team delivering the 2026 Glasgow Games, it feels like a full circle moment!”

JudoScotland is inviting affiliated clubs to apply for sportscotland Summer of Sport funding to deliver activity from Summer 2026 to March 2027. The programme will help clubs grow membership, strengthen community connections and create more opportunities for young people to get involved in judo.

With the Commonwealth Games on the horizon, this is a great opportunity to raise the profile of judo and welcome new people into your club!

What the funding can support:

The funding aims to increase participation among young people aged 3 to 26, especially those who face barriers such as disability, poverty or limited access to sport.

We’re looking for clubs that can:

• Introduce new participants through taster sessions and beginner programmes
• Reach underrepresented communities
• Create clear pathways into long-term membership
• Deliver new ideas to improve their club offer
• Meet ‘Three Steps Safe‘ standards

Partnership working with schools, community groups and other local organisations is strongly encouraged. Partnerships can strengthen your application and help build long-term local impact.

What does success look like?

Successful programmes may lead to:

• More young people taking part in judo
• Stronger links between clubs, schools and communities
• Greater diversity and inclusion
• Growth in coaches, volunteers and young leaders
• Sustainable growth in club membership

Important information for applicants

• Applications must align with the sportscotland’s Summer of Sport guidance
• We expect high demand, so strong and detailed applications are important
• To allow maximum opportunity and engagement, funding may be awarded proportionally depending on demand

Applications may not be considered if they:

• Do not target young people aged 3 to 26
• Do not aim to grow membership or improve club offerings
• Do not align with Summer of Sport guidance
• Do not support wider participation

Key dates

• Deadline: 24 June 2026
• Decisions announced: 1 July 2026

Further information and a link to apply for Summer of Sport funding have been communicated to all clubs via email. If you would like support with your application, please contact our Club Support Officers:

• Rebecca Bradley – 07743 93450
• Sam Ingram – 07738 846529