News

The Scottish Open Judo Championship is set to make a triumphant return to the sportscotland National Centre in Inverclyde on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th January 2026, marking an exciting start to the new year.  

As anticipation builds ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, the Scottish Open promises to deliver a weekend of thrilling judo. Recognised as the premier judo open in the UK, the event consistently attracts judoka from around the globe, offering a dynamic showcase of skill, strength, and sportsmanship. 

JudoScotland can confirm that several popular features will return for the 2026 edition, enhancing the experience for both competitors and spectators. The gallery will be open throughout the weekend providing expanded seating to accommodate growing crowds of fans and families eager to support their athletes. 

Inverclyde continues to serve as the proud home of the event, with strong collaboration between local authorities, the venue, and event organisers ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience for all involved. 

Schedule for 2026 

Building on the success of previous years, the competition will follow a  two-day format featuring : 

• Saturday: Adapted, Cadets, and Veterans categories 

• Sunday: Junior and Senior divisions 

Entries Now Open 

Athletes and clubs are encouraged to register early, as interest is expected to be high in the lead-up to the Commonwealth Games. With its reputation for excellence and its role as a key fixture on the judo calendar, the 2026 Scottish Open is not to be missed. 

For more information and to enter click here.  

We are pleased to share that in line with the current Articles of Association we are looking for a Director to join the Board of JudoScotland, awarded Scottish Governing Body of the Year in 2024.

This is an exciting opportunity for a committed individual to contribute to the strategic leadership and governance of JudoScotland. The successful candidate will work closely with the Chair, fellow Board members and the Senior Leadership Team to help shape the future of our organisation. As a Director, you will be expected to attend Board meetings regularly, actively participate in discussions, and to provide informed input and constructive challenge to support decision-making.

We are looking for an individual to complement and enhance existing skills on the Board. Ideally we are seeking an individual with expertise in one or more of the following areas; income generation & fundraising, high performance, public relations and / or human resource management.

The voting process for this year’s AGM will be administered by Scottish Sports Association (SSA).  All nomination forms received that meet the requirements of the Articles will be issued to member Clubs as part of the formal notice of the AGM, to be sent at least fourteen days prior to the date of the AGM. To support our member clubs to be as well informed as possible, we are facilitating an online Q&A session with our candidates on Monday 8th of September at 7pm. This is a great chance for you to get to know the candidates and to ask questions.

JudoScotland 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place on Sunday, 28 September 2025, at the EICA , The Patey Suite, South Platt Hill, Newbridge, EH28 8AA, starting at 1:00 PM.

Are you passionate about judo and want to help shape the future of the sport in Scotland? We’re on the lookout for two committed and enthusiastic individuals to join our volunteer workforce in vital roles: 

• National Referee Co-ordinator (NRC) 

• National Technical Official Co-ordinator (NTOC) 

Both roles are key to the growth and development of referees and technical officials across Scotland, ensuring we have the people, standards, and support in place to deliver a world-class events programme. 

What you’ll do: 

• Support the development of current referees/officials 

• Actively recruit and welcome new volunteers into the pathway 

• Deliver a structured, inclusive pathway tailored to individual needs and event demands 

• Work closely with JudoScotland’s Events and Coaching & Volunteering Managers 

• Maintain accurate records and provide access to opportunities for all involved 

• Motivate, empower and build strong relationships across our judo community 

These roles are perfect for individuals who understand the value of great volunteers, enjoy working with people and are committed to raising standards in a supportive and inclusive environment. 

If you’re ready to make an impact behind the scenes and help grow the sport you love, we’d love to hear from you! 

Download or view the Application Pack’s below for more information: 

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.