News

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

May proved to be another busy and productive month across the organisation.

Congratulations to everyone who displayed courage and attended the Clyde Grand Prix at the start of the month. The feedback was excellent, and the event ran very smoothly, well done to all involved.

Early in the month, I met with Judith and Rosanna Wood, Marketing and Communications Manager at JudoScotland. Rosanna had the great idea of hosting a podcast, with Judith interviewing me in my role as Chair, exploring the complexities—the highs and the challenges—of the position. We recorded it in a relaxed setting at the Lost Shore Surf Resort in Ratho, sitting outside in deckchairs, enjoying the sunshine. I hope you all enjoy listening when it’s released later this month!

On the 6th, Judith and I met again with Sarah Birrell, sportscotland’s Partnership Manager for judo, to discuss the latest developments and keep sportscotland updated on activity within JudoScotland. I would like to extend my thanks to Sarah for the time and support she consistently gives our organisation, it is always a pleasure working with you.

On a personal note, from 15th–17th May, I had the pleasure of spending a weekend in Madrid with a wonderful group of long-standing judo friends. It marked the final part of my 60th birthday celebrations, and I’d like to thank them all for making it so special. I had a fantastic weekend—thank you all!

On 20th May, we received wonderful news that JudoScotland has been successful in receiving an award from the Summer of Sport fund. Thanks to Tony Penfold and Club Support Officers Sam & Rebecca for their work behind the scenes to prepare the successful application. This fund will be utilised directly to support our affiliated judo clubs with activities designed to help more people get involved in judo – exciting times ahead!

On the 26th, we held our Board of Directors meeting, which was once again highly productive. A number of key policies were reviewed, and we were pleased to include time with sportscotland’s High Performance Manager for judo, Abigail Hewitt, who gave an insight into Sportscotland’s long term plans. My thanks, as always, go to the Board for their continued commitment.

The Judo month concluded on 30th May with the Granite City Grand Prix, another great success—well done to all the volunteers, participants and travelling parents/ spectators.

Finally, I would like to thank our Vice Chair, Sandy Hodge, for our regular Monday catch-ups—they really help set the tone for the week ahead.

Marc Preston, 7th Dan

JudoScotland is delighted to announce that 23 Scottish members of the Scottish competition workforce have been selected to help deliver the judo competition at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. 

The judo programme will take place over the final weekend of the Games, from Friday 31 July to Sunday 2 August at the SEC Centre, bringing the curtain down on a ten-sport programme staged across four key venues within an eight-mile corridor of the city. 

Loretta Doyle, Sport Competition Manager for Judo at Glasgow 2026, emphasised the importance of the announcement: 

“Ensuring a strong presence of Scottish technical officials at Glasgow 2026 is vital not only for the smooth delivery of the Games but for the long-term growth of our sporting community. Major events like this are powerful drivers of progress — they give our officials the chance to operate at the highest level, gain invaluable experience, and bring that expertise back into clubs, competitions, and development pathways across Scotland.” 

“For judo, having a large group of domestically trained technical officials involved strengthens the sport’s foundations. It inspires the next generation, raises standards across the country, and reinforces Scotland’s reputation as a nation capable of delivering world‑class events.” 

“Glasgow 2026 isn’t just a moment in time; it’s an investment in the future of Scottish sport and the people who make it possible.” 

JudoScotland National Technical Official Coordinator, Gordon Allan, added: “The level of volunteers selected is a real testament to our outstanding team of Technical Officials, who continue to demonstrate that they are not only an invaluable asset to the Scottish Judo community but also to the wider global judo family. On a personal note, I am delighted and honoured to be part of the team during these exciting home games.” 

The selected officials will take on a range of key roles across the event, including weigh-in operations, timekeeping and scoring, technique recording, judogi control, and operating the IJF CARE system. Their expertise will be essential in ensuring the smooth and professional delivery of the competition. 

Selected Technical Officials 

Weigh-In 

• Emma Herd 

• Ursula Kolodjiej 

• Christopher Lambert 

• David Anderson 

Timekeeper / Scorer 

• Mark Brien 

• Michele Strachan 

• Kirsty McNeilis 

• Gordon Allan 

Technique Recording 

• Adam Lovey 

• Graeme MacLachlan 

• James McBeath 

• Paul Grady 

Judogi Control 

• Neil Malone 

• Audrey Pirie 

• Charlie Strachan 

• Kirsty Lyon 

IJF CARE System Camera Operators 

• Kirsty Wilson 

• Alex Reid 

• Victoria Kirk 

• Martin Baillie 

• Bennedict Patton 

• Ryan Ferry 

Reserve 

• Ronen Raduzky 

With Glasgow 2026 fast approaching, the announcement reflects not only the strength of Scottish officiating but also the lasting legacy the Games aim to leave behind: developing people, raising standards, and inspiring future generations across the sport. 

We are delighted to confirm that Graeme Randall will join the Team Scotland judo coaching team for Glasgow 2026, along with Gary Edwards and Taka Kitahara, bringing a wealth of elite competitive experience to support our athletes as they prepare for and compete at the Games. 

Graeme is one of Scotland’s most successful judokas, best known for becoming the nation’s first World Judo Champion in 1999. An Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold medallist in 2002, he also claimed multiple British and Scottish titles and enjoyed consistent success on the international stage. 

Following his competitive career, Graeme has continued to contribute to high-performance sport and currently works with sportscotland as a Sports Programme Manager. 

On his appointment, Graeme said:
“I am delighted to be joining Team Scotland at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. I hope to serve the team to the best of my ability, and I know the hard work and dedication of all the athletes and staff will shine through. Representing Scotland at the Commonwealth Games is a true honour, and I am looking forward to working with the whole team to ensure the home supporters enjoy what will be an amazing Games”

We are thrilled to welcome Graeme to the team and look forward to the impact his experience and expertise will have in supporting our judoka at what promises to be a landmark home Games. 

JudoScotland’s Head of Performance Alberto Borin is leaving JudoScotland by mutual agreement with effect from 31st May 2026.

We thank Alberto Borin for all of his endeavours in this role and in his contributions in supporting preparations for the Commonwealth Games at home in Glasgow this summer.

Built not bought. 100% me.

JudoScotland is proud to support Clean Sport Week 2026 (11–17 May), the annual awareness campaign led by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) that champions fair play, integrity, and drug‑free sport.

This year’s theme, “Built not bought. 100% me.”, celebrates athletes who achieve true, lasting success through hard work, talent, and commitment. It sends a clear message: champions compete clean and don’t take shortcuts.

Clean Sport Week 2026 comes at a critical time. There is growing concern across the sporting and fitness community about the marketing and availability of Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs (IPEDs) online, including Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs).

Increasing amounts of online content are promoting the use of SARMs to young people, often claiming they are ‘safer alternatives to anabolic steroids’. This is not true. SARMs are dangerous, not approved for human consumption, and are banned in sport.

UKAD is using Clean Sport Week to shine a light on this misinformation and to remind people not to risk their health, career, or reputation by taking these substances. Don’t swallow the lies.

JudoScotland is committed to ensuring that everyone involved in judo — from elite athletes to grassroots participants and young fitness enthusiasts — has access to accurate information and is empowered to make healthy, drug‑free choices.

The message is simple: just don’t risk it.
True success is built, not bought.

🔗 To find out more about Clean Sport Week and access resources, visit: Clean Sport Week 2026 | UK Anti-Doping

🔗If you’re a coach looking for a CPD opportunity focused on clean sport, click here.

🔗Performance Pathway Athletes and Coaches, Play your part in protecting clean sport. Register for Clean Sport 2 here.

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

I hope everyone had a fantastic Easter and that you were able to enjoy a break during the month.

April was a relatively quiet month for events due to the school holidays, but that certainly didn’t mean a slowdown in activity behind the scenes, with plenty of work continuing across the organisation.

Firstly, I’d like to highlight the exciting new opportunities for judo that have arisen through sportscotland’s £18m increased investment. As part of this year’s Summer of Sport, affiliated clubs will have the opportunity to apply to host events, helping to engage new audiences and grow judo in their communities. Eligible clubs can develop Business Cases with JudoScotland as part of the Club Support programme, investment that is being targeted nationally to help clubs and communities ensure they have robust governance and to increase their capacity. A very exciting opportunity for our clubs and sport!

For me, much of April was taken up attending a number of essential governance and compliance meetings at JudoScotland. I would like to extend my thanks to the teams at AAB, Harper Macleod, and Children First, who are consistently on hand to provide JudoScotland with expert support, guidance, and advice.

On 28th April, I travelled to Walsall to attend the British Judo Association Board meeting. I’d like to thank Andrew Scoular, CEO, for looking after me during the trip and for kindly dropping me off at the airport afterwards.

Finally, with this summer’s Commonwealth Games fast approaching, best of luck to all athletes chasing qualification before the end‑of‑month deadline. An exciting summer of sport awaits!

Marc Preston, 7th Dan

Since the launch of Judo For All 2023–2027, our strategy has played a central role in shaping the journey of JudoScotland and the wider judo community across the country.

Over the course of this strategic cycle, the framework has guided how we support clubs to achieve and embed Three Steps Safe standards, invest in the development of people at all levels of the sport, and grow judo sustainably across Scotland. At its heart, the strategy has focused on creating positive, welcoming, and inclusive environments where judoka can thrive, on and off the mat.

To bring this journey to life, we invite you to watch the Judo For All 2023–2027 video, which highlights the purpose, progress, and impact of the strategy so far.

Learning from the Journey

As we approach the final stages of the current strategic cycle, this is an important moment to reflect on the journey so far. The ‘Judo For All’ strategy has provided a strong, effective framework for our work, guiding progress across participation, workforce development, and pathways within the sport.

The experiences, challenges, and successes of recent years give us valuable insight into what is working well and where our collective efforts have had the greatest impact. This learning allows us to build confidently on a robust and relevant strategy, rather than reinventing it.

By reflecting on what we’ve learned, we are well placed to look ahead and consider where JudoScotland should best focus its efforts in the next strategic cycle, continuing to support clubs, develop our workforce, and strengthen pathways for participants, volunteers, coaches, officials, and leaders across judo.

Your Voice Matters

As we look ahead, we will be engaging with our membership to gather feedback on the current strategy, specifically to help identify priority areas for focus and development in the next cycle.

Your views will play a vital role in shaping how we build on the ‘Judo For All’ strategy, ensuring our efforts remain targeted, impactful, and aligned with the needs of our community, and that judo continues to grow in safe, positive, and sustainable ways.

Glenrothes Martial Arts Centre (GMAC) Judo Club has been recognised as the first judo club in the UK to achieve Green Dojo Kiai status under the IJF Green Dojo Programme, reflecting months of dedicated work and a strong commitment to sustainability. With support from Greener Kirkcaldy, the Club has installed water-saving shower heads, improved their recycling measures, and are developing an energy efficiency plan.  For the Club, the certification is not an end-point but the beginning of a journey towards their long-term goal of becoming a net zero dojo.  

Commenting, Chair of GMAC Judo Club Stephen Black said: 

“We are incredibly proud to be recognised by the International Judo Federation as the UK’s first Green Dojo. This achievement reflects the hard work of our volunteers and members, including three generations of my own family who have been part of the club. Everyone has embraced the idea that judo is not just about what happens on the mat.” 

“We know that the biggest difference our club can make is within communities facing the greatest challenges, including poverty and young people who may be struggling to feel they belong. That drives everything we do from making the club accessible and affordable to all, to building a more sustainable future for the next generation.”

Commenting, local Councillor Lynda Holton, who has been supporting the Club, said: 

“I am absolutely delighted for GMAC Judo Club on receiving this impressive accolade.  They have worked hard to improve the Club’s green credentials and they have huge ambitions to make use of their riverside location to explore a hydro energy project.  I am fully supportive of their aim to become a net zero dojo and will do whatever I can to support them on their journey.” 

Commenting, Jenny Gilruth, Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Education, said: 

“I’m delighted to see the Glenrothes Martial Arts Centre Judo Club recognised with ‘green dojo’ status by the International Judo Federation, the first dojo in the UK to achieve this milestone.  This is a fantastic testament to the hard work and commitment of Stevie and the entire team. 

“The club offers a welcoming environment for all ages, and I would encourage anyone interested in learning a new skill to get involved.” 

Become a Green Dojo Today and Be Part of the Change! 

Green Dojo provides clubs with an opportunity to play an active role in protecting our environment while strengthening their dojo culture and aligning with the values of judo. By participating, clubs can demonstrate leadership, engage their members in positive action, and contribute to the wider judo community’s commitment to a greener future. JudoScotland fully supports this initiative and looks forward to seeing our clubs lead the way in embedding sustainability within everyday judo practice. 

If your club is interested in becoming an IJF Green Dojo, you can find out more by clicking the link below.

JudoScotland is delighted to welcome a new cohort of passionate young leaders into the 2026 Senpai Programme!  

Building on the success of the Senpai Programme in 2024 and 2025, we are delighted to welcome eight judoka from seven venues across four clubs, to the 2026 Senpai Programme. Designed to develop the next generation of leaders within Judo in Scotland, the programme has had a powerful impact in recent years, with participants playing a vital role in bringing the Judo For All strategy to life. 

The programme offers meaningful opportunities to meet new people, build lasting friendships, and connect more deeply with the wider judo community. Throughout the journey, Senpai participants explore a range of development pathways within JudoScotland, gaining insight into coaching, officiating, volunteering, club support and personal development. 

The impact speaks for itself: 80% of the 2025 participants reported feeling more confident after completing the programme, with 20% saying they felt much more confident, and 100% would recommend the Senpai Programme. We can’t wait to see what this year’s cohort will achieve. 

JudoScotland Club Support Officer Sam Ingram, who leads the Programme, added “Building on the incredible achievements of previous Senapi participants, I am excited to work with this year’s cohort and see what they will achieve. In recent years, participants have embraced opportunities within their clubs and the wider community, taking on volunteer and paid roles, supporting younger judoka, and contributing with growing confidence and professionalism. With the strength and scope of this year’s cohort, I’m looking forward to seeing what they achieve through the programme.” 

Edinburgh University Judo Club is a club that makes creating an inclusive and supportive environment for women a priority 🥋 With a strong history of female leadership in the club and through Judo Girls Rise investment, they’ve built a culture where women aren’t just participating, they’re thriving. One individual at the forefront of this is Coach Xavière Hermant who has become a pillar in the club for all of it’s members.