Judo and the Duke Of Edinburgh Award: Marion and Joshua’s Story
The Duke of Edinburgh Award has long held its position as a programme to empower young people, helping them to develop new skills, overcome obstacles and build confidence and resilience. We caught up with two Judoka from Dumfries Judo Academy, Joshua Stewart who is completing his Silver Award and Marion Matheson who is completing her Bronze Award, to hear about their journey on the programme and how they have been able to use Judo as part of it.
Why did you decide to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award?
Marion: I decided to take part because it seemed like a great experience, and I had heard of it for quite a while. It seemed very interesting and there were a lot of opportunities for me.
Joshua: It seemed like a good opportunity to learn life skills and be appealing to universities and other workplaces later in life.
There are four different elements to the Duke of Edinburgh Award; volunteering, physical, skills and expedition. Why did you decide to pick Judo for volunteering and physical?
Marion: I already do judo as a hobby and I decided, it seemed like a good thing for me to do for the physical element. And for volunteering, I had never done any kind of coaching or volunteering before, so it seemed like a good opportunity for me.
Joshua: I really enjoy Judo as a Sport, it’s something I find fun. It is the first time I have volunteered at the club, and I have liked working with other people and teaching them about the sport.
What's the best thing about volunteering?
Marion: It's great to meet new people and to help other people in learning new things in Judo.
Joshua: I like meeting new people and teaching myself the skills to help people.
Do you feel that the Duke of Edinburgh Award has provided you with skills to use in later life?
Marion: I do, I think it's helped me to be more confident and given me more experience in talking to people.
Joshua: It's made me more confident talking to people I don't necessarily know and more confident in my skills and that I know what I'm doing when I'm teaching people.
Do you think volunteering is something you'll continue to do after you finish the Duke of Edinburgh Award?
Marion: It seems like a good thing that I would like to do, and yes it would be good for me to take that on. I would possibly like to help with coaching.
Joshua: Yes. I've quite enjoyed volunteering, even out with the club. I would certainly consider going into coaching.
Why do you think somebody should try the Duke of Edinburgh Award?
Marion: I think they should do it because it's a good experience and it's very fun and enjoyable.
Joshua: It's a good way to meet new people and develop new skills.
Thank you, Marion and Joshua, for sharing your story, we look forward to hearing how you get on with the rest of the award. If you would like to find out more about how you can take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award or support someone on their Duke of Edinburgh journey click here.
If you are making Judo part of your Duke of Edinburgh story, let us know by emailing rosannawood@judoscotland.com.
Scottish Student Sport Kyu Grade Tournament 2022
On Saturday, over 100 judoka from across the country gathered at Glasgow Caledonian University for the biggest-ever Scottish Student Sport Kyu Grade Tournament. The event, which is open to all senior players that are 2nd kyu and below, saw competitors coming from some of the big university clubs Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stirling, Strathclyde and St Andrews however half of the competitors were also made up of judoka from smaller university and non-university clubs.
This event wasn't just about the competitors, with a diverse voluntary workforce, including some who were officiating for the first time, the event allowed the development of referees and officials to help build a sustainable workforce for future Scottish Judo events. The Scottish Student Sports Team were able to lead the way for Scottish Judo events by Live Streaming the competition via their YouTube channel.
A fantastic event and we look forward to your next one!
Photo courtesy of Fergus Pirie Photography
Obituary: Frank Davidson
It is with great sadness that we have recently lost a member of the Scottish Judo family Frank Davidson 2nd Dan. A long-time member of Glasgow University Judo Club, Frank was involved in University Judo during his competitive years.
Out with the club, Frank has been a great support to JudoScotland, as a lawyer he has provided legal advice for the organisation over the years. A great asset to the Scottish Judo Community, Frank’s influence went way beyond the University, and he will be sadly missed.
Anti-Bullying Week 2022
Anti-Bullying Week 2022 takes place from Monday 14 – Friday 18 November with the theme of Listen Up! (Respect our Rights) because bullying is never acceptable. The impact of bullying can be profound and can have serious short and long-term effects on the physical, emotional and mental wellbeing of children and young people.
As an organisation, we are committed to ensuring the safety of our members and we know that bullying is never acceptable. As part of our Equality Action Plan, we are committed to reviewing and ensuring that our anti-bullying policy is fit for purpose and to listen to our members around best practise to ensure that no one feels that they are on their own when it comes to bullying.
If you would like further support around bullying the following resources may be of help:
5 Scottish Judoka Take Home Prizes at BJA Awards
Five Scottish Judoka have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to Judo at the British Judo Annual Award Ceremony last night. The big award of the night went to Susan Wright, winning the Roy Inman Award which recognises her contribution to the sport. The second time Susan has won this award for her contribution to the sport over the past forty years, congratulations Susan.
Last night's Inclusion Award went to Hamilton Judo Club. Inclusion is at the forefront of everything Hamilton Judo Club do and the operation of the Club reflects an understanding of the potential for sport and activity to improve the lives of young people and adults.
The Home Nations Awards went to Billy Rodman, Stuart McWatt and Gordon McCathie. The Home Nation Awards focus on rewarding those who have outstanding contributions to the judo community and demonstrate the judo values.
Congratulations to all the award winners.
Andrew Malone Steps Down as Talent Development Coach
JudoScotland would like to extend our thanks to Andrew Malone who, after 13 years in the role, has made the decision to step down as JudoScotland Talent Development Support Coach.
During his time in the role, Andrew has supported many young judoka, developing their judo and helping them to reach their potential. Some of his career highlights have been coaching Billy Rodman to win the British U21 Championship while still a cadet, taking two Judoka to the Youth Olympics as well as having players represent GB Judo at the Cadet Europeans.
National Talent Development Coach, Gary Edwards, said "Andy will be missed as part of the Talent Development team, however, we look forward to working with him through his club. Personally, I can't thank him enough for helping to run the programme, he has been a great asset."
JudoScotland would like to wish Andrew all the best in the future and thank him for his dedication to the role.
Christopher Murphy wins Gold at the Virtus Oceania Asia Games 2022
Scottish judoka Christopher Murphy (Shettleston Judo Club) took home Gold on Monday at the Virtus Oceania Asia Games 2022. The Virtus Oceania Asia Games is an international multi-sport competition in the Oceania Asia region for elite athletes with an intellectual impairment and this year saw Judo included for the first time.
Christopher competed in a mixed weight category of -90kg athletes, however, this did not hamper his success as he took two ippon victories on his road to gold. The only Scot on the team, Christopher’s medal added to 13 GB Judo medals. No stranger to the medal podium, Christopher is the current ID World Champion and Special Olympic Silver Medallist.
Speaking about the competition prior to heading out to Australia, Christopher said; “I’m looking at this as a precursor to the global games, whoever I fight here I may also come across them at the global games so this will be a good way to see if my judo can match up, this is a bit of a testing ground.”
An excellent result for Christopher and his GB Judo Teammates.
The Scottish National Closed Championship 2022 - Live Results Day 2
Follow the Live results and running order from The Scottish National Closed Championship 2022.
At the event? Join our Telegram channel for up-to-date event information.
Live results will show once the competition starts at 10 am.
The Scottish National Closed Championship 2022 - Live Results Day 1
Follow the Live results from The Scottish National Closed Championship 2022.
At the event? Join our Telegram channel for up-to-date event information.
Live Results will show once the competition starts at 10 am.