News

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

JudoScotland has launched a new Event Pathway Overview to help clubs, judoka and parents better understand the range of event opportunities available across Scotland.  

External research highlights that positive competition experiences can support skill development, enjoyment and social connection, while helping young people stay engaged in sport for longer. Every event should offer an experience that is appropriate to the age, stage and development of those taking part.  

From fun, introductory festivals through to more challenging competitive opportunities, events play an important role in a judoka’s journey. When delivered in the right environment, they can help build confidence, resilience, friendships and a lifelong love of judo.  

The Event Pathway has been designed as a guide to showcase the breadth of opportunities available within club and Scottish judo and help members understand how different events can support participant development. While not intended as a definitive list of competitions, it provides a framework to support informed decisions about participation and progression.  

To help with planning, JudoScotland has also created a blank version of the pathway that clubs can personalise with the events they regularly attend. Sharing this with members can help judoka and parents better understand available opportunities and plan their development journey.  

View and download the JudoScotland Event Pathway below and start mapping opportunities for your club’s judoka. 

JudoScotland is excited to launch the Bring a Friend Campaign, a new initiative supported by sportscotland’s Summer of Sport fund. Designed to help clubs across Scotland grow their membership, strengthen their communities and introduce more people to the benefits of judo

At the heart of every successful club is a welcoming atmosphere and a strong sense of belonging. The Bring a Friend Campaign builds on these strengths by encouraging current members to invite a friend or family member to experience judo firsthand. A personal invitation from someone they know and trust can be the perfect introduction to a sport that develops confidence, resilience, fitness and friendships for life.

Why should clubs take part?

By taking part, JudoScotland-affiliated clubs can:

• Welcome new people into their judo community.
• Increase participation and attract potential new members.
• Strengthen the friendly and inclusive culture that already exists within their club.
• Give current members the opportunity to share their passion for judo with friends and family.
• Give members the chance to win prizes through our national raffle.
• Help grow and develop judo across Scotland.

Who can get involved?

The campaign is open to anyone interested in trying judo, including:

• Friends and family of current judoka
• School, college and university students
• Participants from other sports
• People looking for a new challenge
• Anyone interested in becoming more active and meeting new people

Every member who brings a friend along to try judo at their club will receive one entry into our national raffle.

1 invited attendee = 1 raffle entry.

Participants will have the chance to win a JudoScotland Adidas kit bundle, part of our new partnership launching this autumn, including:

• T-shirt
• Backpack
• Beanie hat

The raffle closes on Thursday 17 December, with winners selected at random on Friday 18 December.

Ready to get involved?

Register your club for the Bring A Friend campaign today by filling out the form below, and JudoScotland will provide the invitation cards, campaign resources and raffle prizes. Your club just needs to provide the enthusiasm and friendships!

Summer of Sport funding has landed and we are delighted to see clubs, creating exciting opportunities for young people to get active, try judo, and enjoy the many benefits of sport throughout the summer and beyond. 

Two clubs that have embraced the opportunity so far, by hosting engaging  summer activities are Titan Judo and Kanokwai Judo Club, each using the funding in different ways to engage members and welcome new faces through their doors. 

At Kanokwai Judo Club, in North Lanarkshire the Summer of Sport programme helped deliver affordable and welcoming summer activities that introduced new children and families to judo. 

Over the summer, young people from North Lanarkshire attended the club through a free month-long block of activity, giving them the chance to experience judo in a supportive and encouraging environment. 

For some participants, attending for the first time was a daunting prospect. However, the welcoming atmosphere of the sessions quickly helped build confidence. One group of girls who were initially nervous about taking part enjoyed their first session so much that they wanted to attend every activity on offer. Their positive experience has since led them to join the club’s girls-only class, creating a lasting connection with the sport. 

Parents praised the variety of activities available and the opportunity for children to meet new friends, build confidence, and spend time being active away from screens. The affordability of the programme was particularly welcomed, with parents commenting that they could hardly believe their children could access a full day of activities for free or for just £5. 

For Titan Judo in Clydebank, the Summer of Sport funding has provided an opportunity to both support current members and invest in the club’s future. 

The funding enabled the club to reduce the cost of its summer camp, making it more accessible for members and families. This helped ensure more young people could take part in judo and stay active throughout the school holidays. Any income generated from the camp has been reinvested directly back into the club and will support the introduction of a new fitness challenge later this year. 

Reflecting on the impact of the funding, Titan Judo highlighted how the investment has helped expand opportunities for members while supporting the club’s long-term ambition of growing participation and inspiring more people to discover the benefits of sport. 

More Summer of Sport Success Still to Come 

The impact of Summer of Sport funding is continuing to be felt across Scotland, with clubs still delivering fantastic activities and experiences within their local communities. 

From helping young people discover judo for the first time to creating affordable opportunities for families and supporting clubs to grow, the programme is making a real difference both on and off the mat. 

We look forward to sharing more Summer of Sport success stories in the coming weeks. To find a Summer of Sport judo opportunity near you, click here and discover how you can get involved. 

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.

JudoScotland has today opened nominations for the annual Community Awards, focusing on celebrating the incredible efforts of the judo community both on and off the mat.  

Following an incredible summer for Scottish sport, this year’s awards aim to celebrate and recognise the outstanding contributions made by clubs, coaches, volunteers, technical officials and referees across the Scottish judo community. 

Last year, we renamed our Lifetime Contribution Award in honour of Dr George Kerr CBE, 10th Dan, recognising his exceptional contribution to judo and his status as Scotland’s only 10th Dan. To preserve the prestige and significance of this award, we have taken the decision to present it on a biennial basis, rather than annually, with the next nomination opening for this in 2027.  

New for this year, and following the lead of British Judo, we are introducing the Humble Warrior Award. This award recognises an individual or group who has made a significant contribution to their community by using judo as a force for positive change, helping to tackle social inequalities and create opportunities for others. 

This year the awards programme will feature eight categories, recognising excellence and dedication at all levels of the sport. Nominees should exemplify the values of judo through their actions, demonstrating integrity, respect and a strong commitment to the principles of ‘Three Steps Safe’. 

Humble Warrior awarded to a person or group who has made a significant contribution to the development of judo over the past year, with a strong focus on community impact and educational leadership. 
Nominees should reflect the vision of Jigoro Kano by promoting the judo values and using judo as a tool for personal growth, inclusion, and the betterment of society.

Club of the Year will be awarded to a club that has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the development, delivery and growth of judo within its community. This award recognises clubs that provide high-quality opportunities for participation, support the progression of judoka at all levels, and make a positive contribution to the wider judo community. The award also acknowledges a club’s commitment to the values of JudoScotland, recognising those that consistently provide safe, welcoming and inclusive environments through their dedication to Three Steps Safe. To be eligible, clubs must be affiliated to JudoScotland and have achieved, or be actively working towards, accreditation. 

Club Coach of the Year celebrates a coach who has made a remarkable impact by fostering the growth of judoka, expanding access to Judo opportunities, and significantly increasing participation within their community. To be eligible, coaches must appear on the JudoScotland coach register. 

Disability Coach of the Year recognises an outstanding coach working with people with disabilities. This coach will have provided inclusive opportunities by actively removing barriers to participation and taking time to deliver judo sessions to meet participants’ needs, to help them develop their skills, build confidence and resilience, and develop a positive attitude towards sport and physical activity.    To be eligible, coaches must appear on the JudoScotland coach register. 

Player Development Coach of the Year will be presented to a coach who has made an outstanding contribution to long-term athlete development aligned with the JudoScotland Player Development Framework.  To be eligible, coaches must appear on the JudoScotland coach register. 

Volunteer of the Year recognises a volunteer in a non-coaching role who has made an outstanding contribution to their club and the wider judo community. From club helpers and event volunteers to Club Welfare Officers and committee members, these individuals work tirelessly behind the scenes to help clubs thrive, creating opportunities for others to enjoy and succeed in judo. 

Technical Official/Referee of the Year will be presented to a Technical Official/Referee who has made a significant contribution to the sport through their hard work and dedication and has delivered a high level of performance both on and off the mat.  

Young Person of the Year recognises an outstanding young person (aged 16-24) who goes above and beyond to be a role model to young people and is a positive representative of the judo community.  

The award nomination period will close at noon on Wednesday 30th September 2026. The award winners will be announced at the JudoScotland AGM on Sunday 1st of November 2026, following a selection process by a judging panel. 

A brief update from the JudoScotland Chair, Marc Preston, on activity in July and August

Peter Gardiner was presented with the George Kerr (10th Dan) Lifetime Contribution Award in recognition of his long involvement in judo and his contribution to coaching and club development over several decades. 

Having spent more than fifty years involved in the sport, Peter has worked with a wide range of children and adults throughout his time in judo. His coaching has focused on developing technical ability, discipline, and confidence, with many students progressing through the sport at local and national levels. 

Over the years, he has played a role in supporting club activity, mentoring, developing judoka, and helping to maintain opportunities for participation within the wider judo community. His involvement has spanned coaching and grassroots development, reflecting a longstanding commitment to the sport. His club Sportif have topped the Scottish National Closed medal table for 20 years. 

The George Kerr (10th Dan) Lifetime Contribution Award is intended to acknowledge individuals who have dedicated significant time and service to judo. Peter’s presentation recognised the length of his involvement and the contribution he has made across different areas of the sport during that period. 

The award was presented to Peter by George Kerr, President Emeritus of JudoScotland and the award’s namesake. He was presented with the Kawamura Trophy, a historic award that will be presented to recipients of the JudoScotland Lifetime Contribution Award. This initiative preserves the memory of the event while giving the trophy a new purpose, after more than 30 years of being on display. 

As we celebrate Peter’s contribution to the sport, we look forward to recognising our incredible community of volunteers, coaches, officials and clubs when nominations for the 2026 JudoScotland Community Awards open next week. 

Do you have a passion for making judo accessible to everyone across Scotland? Do you want to help shape the future of our sport? If so, we’d love to hear from you. 

JudoScotland is seeking two elected Non-Executive Directors to join our Board and play a key role in delivering our strategic ambitions as we enter a new strategic cycle. The vacancies arise as two current Directors reach the end of their terms of office. 

Earlier this year, the JudoScotland Board introduced a portfolio model, designed to ensure each Director’s skills, experience, and expertise are directly aligned with JudoScotland’s strategic priorities. This targeted structure helps to drive excellence across every area of the organisation while supporting clearer decision-making and more efficient leadership.  

The portfolios reflect the organisation’s core areas of focus, covering:  

• Corporate Excellence  

• Membership  

• Athlete Success  

• Impact on Scottish Society  

This structure not only strengthens Board alignment with strategic priorities but also reinforces JudoScotland’s role as a progressive, responsible, and well-governed Scottish sports Governing body setting a strong example for leadership across the sector. 

As a member of the JudoScotland Board, you will have the opportunity to contribute to key decisions that shape the future of the sport in Scotland. It is a rewarding role that allows you to make a meaningful difference to our members, clubs and wider judo community.  

If you are interested in applying, take a look at the candidate pack below and feel free to get in touch for an informal conversation. 

Application Process and Eligibility 

To be eligible for election, applicants must be a current JudoScotland member and be endorsed by two affiliated member clubs. 

A suggested nomination pro forma can be found in the application pack below. 

The Lausanne Grand Slam will go down in history as a truly groundbreaking tournament, marking the monumental and welcome inclusion of Adaptive Judo on the Grand Slam stage. This remarkable event showcased the very best of world judo, celebrating inclusivity, elite skill, and extraordinary sporting spirit.

Representing the British squad with distinction, the six Scottish athletes delivered outstanding performances across the board:

• Rebecca Lamb – Gold

• Sean Allan – Gold

• Chris Murphy – Silver

• Solomon Rice – Silver

• Ross McInnes – 5th place

• Jaden Stewart – 5th place

JudoScotland Disability Development Officer, Stephen Somerville, was in attendance with the team and reflected on their achievements: “For many of our fighters, stepping onto the mats in Lausanne represented a whole new level of international competition. Their dedication, determination, and grit truly brought to life the words attributed to the founder of judo, Jigoro Kano: If there is effort, there is always accomplishment.

These fantastic results highlight the strength and depth of Scottish judo on the world stage. Two gold medals, two silver medals, and two fifth-place finishes represent an exceptional achievement and provide great inspiration for the future of Adaptive Judo.”

We now look forward with excitement to the coming events, including the Open European Adapted Judo Championships, the Scottish Championships, and Venray in Holland this November.

Congratulations to Chris, Solomon, Rebecca, Sean, Ross, and Jaden on an outstanding performance at this historic Lausanne Grand Slam!