News

Murray McConnell from Danderhall Judo Club will join the team of four judoka selected to represent Great Britain at the European Para Youth Games, taking place in Istanbul, Turkey from 25th to 27th July. 

This marks a historic moment as the British judo team makes its debut at the prestigious event, aiming to make an immediate impact on this stage. 

The European Para Youth Games is a multi-sport event held every two years, providing young athletes with disabilities from across Europe a platform to compete internationally. With over 25 countries expected to participate, it serves as a key stepping stone toward future elite competition, including the Paralympic Games. 

The athletes will be accompanied by British Judo’s Lead Paralympic Coach and Olympic Development Coach Ian Johns and will experience their first taste of a multi-sport event. This includes not only the competition but also vital elements such as athlete classification, the opening and closing ceremonies, anti-doping education, and the overall environment of an elite, multi-sport setting. 

British Judo Lead Paralympic Coach and Olympic Development Coach, Ian Johns said, “The four fighters we have are all at a very good level, and I am very excited to see what they can achieve. 

“They have worked so hard in their clubs, and I am so appreciative of the club coaches who have spent hours preparing the fighters. 

“We have had a huge surge of visually impaired fighters after multiple successful Paralympic Games, and the club coaches have adapted their sessions to make judo inclusive for them all.” 

It promises to be an incredible learning experience for everyone involved, and we wish Murray the best of luck for the competition.  

JudoScotland is excited to announce that the tender process is now open to host one of our prestigious Grand Prix events as part of the 2026–2029 Grand Prix Series!

We’re looking for partners across Scotland to ensure a wide geographical spread, bringing the excitement of Grand Prix competition to communities across the country.

The JudoScotland Grand Prix Series is designed to offer meaningful, age-appropriate competitive experiences that align with the JudoScotland Player Development Framework and raise the profile of the sport both within local communities and beyond. These events not only support the growth and development of judoka but also provide valuable opportunities for referees, technical officials, and volunteers to gain experience and progress in their roles within Scottish judo.

Why Host a Grand Prix?

• Hosting a Grand Prix event comes with a range of benefits:
• Develop your volunteer base and strengthen your club’s infrastructure.
• Raise funds for your club or support a charitable cause.
• Collaborate with JudoScotland to deliver a high-quality, development-focused event.
• Host a busy event, our Grand Prix series are increasingly popular, with attendance growing consistently as Judoka recognise the value in this event experience.

By becoming a host, you’ll play a key role in delivering positive, enjoyable, and developmentally appropriate competition experiences for judoka across Scotland.

How to Apply

The tender process is now open for those interested in hosting an event in the 2026–2029 series. Tenders will be accepted for a three-year hosting period.

Deadline to submit your tender: Please submit your tender to events@judoscotland.com by Monday 18th August (close of play)

If you would like to have an informal chat about becoming one of the next Grand Prix Hosts, please contact Jo Imrie at joimrie@judoscotland.com or pop her a call on 07543287641

We will be hosting an Online Q&A Session to answer any questions you may have about becoming a host on Thursday 31st July at 7pm. You can book onto this session here.

JudoScotland is pleased to announce the appointment of Alberto Borin as Head of Performance and Taka Kitahara as Performance Pathway Coach, following a rigorous and comprehensive recruitment process. These key appointments represent a significant milestone in the evolution of performance judo in Scotland, as the programme transitions to being fully managed by JudoScotland. This marks an exciting new chapter, reinforcing our commitment to developing a world-class performance pathway for Scottish judoka.

Both Alberto and Taka bring a wealth of experience and passion to their new roles. Alberto, a former elite judo athlete, trained at the prestigious National Sports School of the Italian Olympic Committee. His coaching journey has taken him to Switzerland, where he served as Head Coach of the U18 national squad. There, he designed and implemented long-term technical and training programmes that helped shape the next generation of athletes. After relocating to Scotland with his family, Alberto spent several years contributing to their family-run gin distillery business. Since 2023, he has been working as a Support Coach with JudoScotland, gaining valuable insight into the local sporting landscape. Now, with energy and vision, he steps into the role of Head of Performance.

On his appointment, Alberto said, “I’m honoured to take on this role and excited to build on the great work already in progress. I’m committed to driving collaboration, encouraging innovation, and delivering meaningful results that strengthen the Scottish judo community and contribute to the continued success and growth of British judo overall.”

Taka is a familiar figure in Scottish judo, in his previous role as Assistant High Performance Judo Coach with sportscotland, he played a key role in developing athletes for international competition. A former high-level competitor in the -60kg category, Taka holds a degree in Physical Education from the University of Tsukuba. His extensive coaching qualifications and deep experience have made a lasting impact on the sport in Scotland, and he continues to be a driving force in athlete development.

Reflecting on his appointment, Taka added, “As Pathway Coach, I’m excited to support the development of judoka across all levels by building strong foundations for long-term success. I aim to create more quality training opportunities across Scotland, strengthen international links, and work closely with athletes to set meaningful goals. After seven years working alongside JudoScotland, I’m proud to contribute to a clear and supportive pathway that helps our athletes thrive on and off the mat”

JudoScotland CEO Judith McCleary remarked on the recent recruitment process and appointments, “We were greatly encouraged by the strong level of interest shown in both roles, with applications received from across the UK and internationally. We extend our sincere thanks to the British Judo Association and sportscotland for their invaluable support throughout the recruitment process, from shortlisting to final interviews. As the Performance Programme transitions to being managed in-house, we look forward to continuing our close collaboration with both organisations to ensure the sustained success and development of performance judo in Scotland.”

“These exciting appointments mark a significant step forward, enabling greater alignment across the wider Scottish Judo community. This will support a more integrated, athlete-centred approach as we build momentum towards Glasgow 2026 and beyond. We look forward to them joining the team.”

With Alberto and Taka set to begin their roles in early August, JudoScotland is set to embark on a new era of performance excellence, alongside Gary Edwards, whose role has been re-aligned as Performance Pathway Coach. Their combined expertise, leadership and shared vision will be instrumental in shaping the future of Scottish judo. We are excited about the journey ahead and remain committed to supporting our athletes, coaches, and wider community as we strive for success on the national and international stage.

Trauma-Informed Coaching and Clubs Initiative launched by British Judo in collaboration with JudoScotland 

Working alongside British Judo, JudoScotland are proud to share the launch of a Trauma-Informed Coaching initiative – a new movement designed to make our judo community even more welcoming, inclusive, and resilient. 

For decades, clubs across Great Britain have gone above and beyond to support judoka from diverse backgrounds, including those who have experienced trauma. Now, we’re taking the next step – equipping clubs, coaches, and volunteers with the tools and understanding they need to actively support members with compassion, safety, and respect. 

Trauma can affect anyone. Whether from violence, abuse, neglect, or other life-altering events, its effects can be lasting – impacting mental health, physical wellbeing, and personal development. As a sport that thrives on discipline, mutual respect, and community, judo is uniquely placed to offer healing, connection, and growth. 

But to truly harness that power, we must acknowledge the reality: trauma is everyone’s business. 

That’s where Trauma-Informed Coaching comes in. It’s not about being a therapist. It’s about recognising that people carry experiences with them and responding in ways that promote safety, trust, choice, empowerment, and inclusion. 

What This Means for Clubs 

The Trauma-Informed Coaching initiative offers a practical pathway for clubs to develop supportive environments, with four clear stages: 

1. Trauma-Aware – Begin to understand how trauma might affect judoka. 

1. Trauma-Sensitive – Adjust coaching styles and policies to be more inclusive. 

1. Trauma-Informed – Make trauma-informed principles part of your club culture. 

1. Trauma-Responsive – Embed these principles into everyday practice. 

Through this initiative, we want to support clubs to: 

• Build stronger relationships 

• Recognise signs of trauma 

• Respond with empathy 

• Encourage participation from all 

Whether your club is just beginning or already working in this space, we invite you to join us on this journey. Start by sharing the guide with your team, discussing your current practices, and exploring available training. 

“After the sudden and tragic loss of one of our young members, we took on some additional trauma informed learning and we found it to be really beneficial to both the club and the coaches. I would encourage anyone running a club to look into this subject.” – Gordon, Ultimate Judo.

“What we have seen with our ‘Chat on the Mat’ sessions goes far beyond the sport itself. In just 10 weeks we watched people transform – from isolated and unsure to confident, connected and genuinely looking out for each other.” – Callum, Destination Judo.

For further support, contact: 

• Andrew Bowly, Head of Inclusion, Safeguarding and Wellbeing: andrew.bowly@britishjudo.org.uk 

• Sam Ingram, JudoScotland Club Support Officer: samuelingram@judoscotland.com 

This isn’t about changing your role. It’s about using what you already do—coaching, mentoring, supporting—to help people thrive. It’s about making sure every judoka, regardless of their past, feels safe, valued, and supported on the mat. 

JudoScotland would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to this piece of work—particularly those within our clubs and the wider judo community, as well as the individuals and organisations beyond judo whose insights and support helped shape this guide. 

The British Olympic Association (BOA) has today announced two Scottish judoka as part of the 54 strong team selected to represent Team GB at the Skopje 2025 European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF). Coen Gilbert (Sportif) and Vasiliy Menshykov (Garioch Judo Club) will join the team of six judoka selected to represent Team GB at the Games.

Running from the 20th – 26th July, Team GB’s young athletes, all aged between 13 and 18, will compete in 10 of the 15 disciplines on the programme: artistic gymnastics, badminton, basketball 3×3, canoe slalom, judo, mountain bike, road cycling, swimming, table tennis and taekwondo.

It is the largest squad Team GB have selected for an EYOF since 2009, with the majority of athletes taking to the field-of-play in venues across the North Macedonian capital, while the cyclists will be competing a short distance away in the country’s second largest city Kumanovo and the gymnasts set up in Osijek, Croatia.

EYOFs play an important role in the development of young British athletes, providing crucial multi-sport event experience and guiding them towards realising their Olympic ambitions as they compete alongside over 4,000 athletes from 48 countries.

This year’s British delegation will follow in the footsteps of some of Team GB’s most recognisable stars who themselves represented Team GB at youth events before going on to compete at a senior Olympic Games, including Nile Wilson, Dina Asher-Smith, and Duncan Scott, who’s eight Olympic medals make him Britain’s most successful EYOF alumni.

Rachel Smith, who captained Team GB’s rhythmic gymnastics team during London 2012 and has now been selected as Chef de Mission for Skopje 2025, said: “It is a genuine honour to be named Chef de Mission for Team GB at the European Youth Olympic Festival in Skopje. For many of our athletes, this will be their first opportunity to wear the Team GB kit and connect with the Olympic Movement. A truly memorable experience and significant milestone in any athlete’s journey.

“The EYOF represents more than just a competition; it is where many of our Olympians began their journey with Team GB. Skopje 2025 will provide our next generation of athletes with a valuable introduction to a multi-sport environment and a platform to continue exploring their own version of extraordinary. I am looking forward to seeing the team in action and hope it proves to be a memorable and rewarding experience for everyone involved.”

Two-time Olympic swimmer Anna Hopkin will take on the role of Athlete Ambassador for Skopje, offering advice and support as the athletes come together as one Team GB.

The gold medallist from Tokyo 2020 said: “I am very proud to be named the Athlete Ambassador for the Skopje European Youth Olympic Winter Festival. I have always been very passionate about sport and Team GB is such an incredibly special team. To have the chance to hopefully inspire and pass on knowledge to the next generation is something that I am really looking forward to.”

“Having been just like our young athletes working hard and dreaming of the future, I know exactly how they are feeling. So, I’ll be looking to give them some useful information to make sure they can best use this opportunity to further their careers.”

Read the full article here.

In a landmark show of unity and purpose, the Judo Home Nations, British Judo, JudoScotland, England Judo, Welsh Judo, and the Northern Ireland Judo Federation, have officially signed the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration, reinforcing their collective commitment to gender equity in sport.

The Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration, established by the International Working Group (IWG) on Women and Sport, is a globally recognised framework that promotes the full involvement of women and girls at all levels and in all functions and roles within sport. By signing this declaration, the Judo Home Nations join a worldwide movement of organisations dedicated to creating inclusive, equitable environments where women and girls can thrive.

This ground-breaking signing took place during the British National Team Championships, attended by all the Home Nations and witnessed by Judoka, supporters, and dignitaries, including Lisa O’Keefe MBE, Secretary General of IWG.

BJA Chair Gerry Gualtieri  said, “Signing the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration is a defining moment for British Judo and the wider Home Nations. As Chair of British Judo, I am immensely proud to formally commit our organisation to the global movement for gender equity in sport. This declaration reinforces our belief that judo must be a place where everyone—regardless of gender—has equal opportunity to participate, lead, and succeed. Together with our Home Nation partners, we are laying the foundations for a more inclusive and representative future for judo across the UK.”

JudoScotland CEO, Judith McCleary shared why she felt it important to sign the declaration “By signing the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration, JudoScotland proudly aligns itself with a global coalition of organisations dedicated to advancing gender equity. This commitment marks a significant step in our ongoing efforts to empower women and girls through sport, leadership, and community engagement.”

Lisa O’Keefe MBE, Secretary General of IWG, said: “It was a pleasure to attend the British National Team Championships today, and to welcome British Judo, JudoScotland, England Judo, Welsh Judo and the Northern Ireland Judo Federation as signatories to the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration.

“It was clear from spectating at the event that Judo is a welcoming place for women and girls at every level, and it was brilliant to learn about the collaborative efforts which the Home Nations have made together in order to advance gender equality in the sport.

“Sharing knowledge and learning from each other is at the heart of IWG, and the Judo Home Nations embody this. It’s something the IWG is keen to showcase more of as we build towards our IWG Global Summit in Birmingham 2026, and I’m really pleased we can share the story of the Judo Home Nations with the wider IWG network.”

This collective action underscores the Home Nations’ shared vision of a more inclusive future for judo, where opportunities for participation, leadership, and recognition are equally accessible to all, regardless of gender.

For more information about the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration, visit https://iwgwomenandsport.org/

Date: 6th July
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.

Date: 5th July
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.

JudoScotland and Team Scotland are proud to announce the appointment of Katrina Downie as the Team Scotland Judo Team Manager for the upcoming Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

With a strong history in Team Management Katrina brings a wealth of experience to the role. In 2022, Katrina served as Team Manager for the EuroHockey Club Challenge II, where she expertly coordinated all logistical operations. Her responsibilities included travel planning, insurance, media communications, technical kit checks, match administration, and health and safety compliance. She also played a vital role in athlete recovery and served as the primary contact for player and staff wellbeing throughout the tournament.

Katrina also played a pivotal role during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, where she was appointed HQ Manager for the NEC Village with Team England. In this capacity, she oversaw daily operations, ensuring athletes had seamless access to essential services such as medical care, accommodation, training schedules, and ticketing. Her collaboration with the Local Organising Committee and key partners ensured smooth coordination across accommodation, transport, and competition venues.

Katrina is already familiar with the judo programme as she currently works with sportscotland, providing Performance Lifestyle support for selected institute athletes across four sports; Judo, Sailing, Canoeing, and Women’s Cricket. Through this role, she works within a multidisciplinary team and in close partnership with national governing bodies to support athlete development and wellbeing.

Judith McCleary, CEO of JudoScotland, on the appointment said: “It is fantastic to have Katrina on board for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Her extensive experience across multiple sports brings a unique perspective that will be invaluable in a multi-sport Games environment. Her breadth of knowledge will ensure our athletes are supported holistically to help them perform at their best on the international stage.”

On her appointment Katrina added “I’m delighted to be appointed as Team Scotland Judo Team Manager for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. I look forward to continuing to work with the Judo programme to create a supportive environment in which athletes can excel, as we build towards the exciting opportunity of a home games.”

Elinor Middlemiss, Chef de Mission for Team Scotland, said: “With previous experience as a sport Team Manager, Katrina is well-placed to help deliver success for our judokas at Glasgow 2026. We’re delighted to welcome her and all the other newly-appointed team managers to Team Scotland as preparations gather pace for what promises to be a memorable home Games next year.”

Her appointment marks a significant step forward in JudoScotland’s preparations for Glasgow 2026, where judo will once again be a highlight of the Games.

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

June marked a pivotal month in the ongoing transition of the performance programme. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere thanks to the sportscotland judo coaching team; Euan Burton, Billy Cusack, and Takafumi Kitahara, for their exceptional dedication and invaluable contributions to the development of judo performance in Scotland.

As we transition to delivering the Performance Programme, you may have been aware, that the process for the two new roles of ‘Head of Performance’ and ‘Performance Pathway Support Coach’ have been live since early in the month. Personally, I’m delighted with the number of applicants we’ve had for both positions. We’re going through the application process now and the interviews will follow shortly. These two positions are critical for JudoScotland going forward, and our quest to build a strong, cohesive team. I truly believe this is a great opportunity to shape the future of the sport.

On 17th June I attended the British Judo Online Board Meeting. It was a very productive session, including an update on their restructuring, which is also nearing conclusion.

Huge congratulations to Lexi Buchanan, Coen Gilbert, and Vasiliy Menshykar for representing GB at the recent Cadet European Championships – a fantastic achievement. A special mention to Coen Gilbert, who brought home a bronze medal – a brilliant result and a great sign for future international success. Well done to Coen’s family, coach John Buchanan, and the JudoScotland Support Team – a true team effort!

And finally, good luck to the Scottish Teams and Veterans heading down to Walsall this weekend for the National Team Championships and British Veterans Championship!

Marc Preston, 7th Dan