News

Applications for the JudoScotland Senpai Programme are now open. 

After a successful inaugural year in 2024, the Senpai Programme is back for 2025 looking to engage a new cohort of young people. 

The Senpai Programme is an initiative that has been designed to empower young people within judo clubs in Scotland. The aim of the programme is to support our young members aged 16 –24 in building skills and gaining experience, equipping them to tackle challenges both within and beyond our sport. 

Participants will have the opportunity to learn new skills, gain greater self-confidence in their knowledge and abilities, and network with other like-minded judoka to develop Judo in Scotland.   

During the programme participants will have the opportunity to attend educational workshops delivered by Scottish Sports Futures and Scottish Disability Sport. These workshops are designed to help Senpai participants develop skills for them to take on self-determined responsibilities and challenges.   

Senpai is all about developing young individuals through a formal learning process to lead within their judo club and complete a project. Applicants are encouraged to think about a potential role or project they would like to undertake at their club which they will be supported with during their time on the programme.  

JudoScotland Senpai Programme Lead, Sam Ingram said: “The Senpai Programme offers learning opportunities for young people to develop their skills and provide guidance as they undertake various projects to help support their judo club.   

“If you are aged between 16-24 years old and are interested in playing a more active role in your judo club or in the wider judo community, we want to hear from you.  

“We are excited to welcome another group of young people into the programme and support them through their learning and projects to become young leaders in the judo community.”  

The application period runs from Friday 31st January to Friday 21st February. Following the closing date, applications will be shortlisted by an internal JudoScotland panel and invited to attend an online interview. 

Anyone who wishes to apply for the Senpai Programme should fill out the application form. It should take about 20-30 minutes to complete. Please head to the Senpai Programme webpage on the JudoScotland website for more information.  

We actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups, recognising the importance of different perspectives in shaping the next generation of young leaders. If you are having any issues completing the application, please contact Sam Ingram on samuelingram@judoscotland.com 

Following approval by the BJA, the International Judo Federation’s 2025 contest rules will be adopted, with limited adaptations for younger judoka, at all British events effective from 22nd February 2025, beginning with the English Open.

The new rules have been introduced following a review of the 2022-24 Olympic cycle to increase the opportunities to score and win, to provide greater technical freedom to judoka and to reduce the number of technical penalties and disqualifications awarded.

To summarise the changes are:

• Yuko returns – for side and near side landings, side-elbow landings and landing on the buttocks (upright or toward the rear), and for 5-9 second hold downs. Osaekomi in golden score will end with yuko at 5 seconds.
• Waza–ari now applies to techniques landing toward the back (more than 90 degrees)
• Using the head to throw / head defence is now allowed (no longer hansoku-make) for junior and senior categories, and is shido for cadets.
• Grips below the belt – all jacket grips and grips under the belt to the level of the top of the inner thigh are allowed – it remains shido to use these grips negatively, or to grip, hook or block below level of the top of the inner thigh (usually where the bottom of the jacket would naturally fall).
• Bearhug is allowed, except where tori’s hands or arms are clasped.
• Grips inside the sleeves are allowed – except the trouser legs in tachi-waza.
• Reverse seoi-nage – is allowed for junior and senior categories
• Non-combativity (no attacks) time allowed is reduced from 45 to 30 seconds – but newaza actions can now be taken into consideration.
• Unintentional stepping-out is no longer shido. It remains a shido to step out when not engaged in a judo action.
• False attack – now includes where tori attacks in a manner where they have no realistic possibility to throw.
• Rising from ne-waza – it is now possible to throw even when the athletes are not facing each other.
• Throwing against the arm – is now shido where kansetsu-waza has a lower risk of injury, but remains hansoku-make for higher risk actions where uke cannot escape.

We are adopting the new ruleset at pace in the expectation that this will maximise the opportunity for judoka and officials to learn and benefit from the new rules. However, this will be a learning experience for everyone – coaches, athletes and referees – and we would ask that everyone acknowledge and show understanding that some mistakes will be a natural part of adapting to the new ruleset. We would like to remind the judo community of our morale code whilst all parties adapt to the new rules.

Full details of the 2025 rules and the BJA application of them are available in British Judo’s updated rulebooks on the Contest Rules section of their website here, with all existing BJA amendments (eg. technical restrictions) will continue to apply alongside these changes.

BJA Adaptations:

• Those techniques prohibited at cadet level internationally will be prohibited in all Under 18 categories – using the head to throw or defend, and reverse seoi-nage.
• Throwing an opponent from behind while rising from ne-waza into tachi-waza will be included within the Technical Restrictions for younger and less experienced judoka.

Dan Gradings and Point Scoring:

• Yuko will not be used in dan gradings – not announced, scored or count for points.
• Waza-ari and waza-ari-awesete-ippon are reintroduced at gradings.
• A waza-ari win is worth five promotion points – at gradings and point scoring competitions.
• Eligibility for line-ups based on waza-ari wins will be confirmed in due course.

Contest Sheets

• Yuko wins will be recorded as three points on contest sheets.

Training and Support

Referees, Coaches and Fighters of all levels are invited to attend a virtual rule update seminar at 7:00pm on Tuesday 11th February. You can register for the event by clicking here.

Referees in Charge will provide short briefings on the new rules to referees and coaches at the beginning of the competition day. Many of our International and Continental referees will have experience using the new rules at IJF and EJU events in February and are equipped to support their colleagues and to answer questions from athletes or coaches – both in the run up to and after the application of the new rules.

Further training on the new rules, open to all BJA members, will be available at the National Refereeing Seminar – date to be confirmed later this year. A number of refereeing and contest rules courses, available for all members, are also being run by Areas and will be listed in the BJA events calendar.

Further Information:

The full IJF technical seminar explaining the rule updates is available to watch here, alongside an article explaining the changes, available here.

Example video clips from the seminar are available here.

 Audrey Pirie, a dedicated member of Elgin Judo Club, has been honoured as JudoScotland’s Referee/Official of the Year. This prestigious award is part of the JudoScotland Coaching and Volunteering Awards, a national initiative that recognises the hard work and commitment of judo’s volunteers across Scotland. 

The Referee/Official of the Year Award honours an individual who has made an outstanding impact in their role, significantly enhancing the competition structure and creating exceptional opportunities and experiences within judo. 

Audrey has been a true inspiration to many judo players at Elgin Judo Club, encouraging them to explore officiating as a meaningful way to stay engaged with the sport. She dedicates a significant portion of her free time to refereeing at competitions across the UK, exemplifying her unwavering commitment to the growth and development of judo. Through her efforts, several younger players at the club have been inspired to take their first steps into refereeing at local events and festivals. During competition randori sessions, Audrey not only educates participants on the rules but also emphasises the diverse opportunities to contribute to judo beyond competing, fostering a deeper appreciation for the sport.  

Audrey played a pivotal role at the Scottish Open Judo Tournament, JudoScotland’s flagship international competition, held this past weekend, the 18th and 19th of January at the sportscotland National Centre in Inverclyde. 

Audrey was nominated by members of Elgin Judo Club, stating the reasons for her nomination being: “She has, and continues to give so much of her time to judo, both at the club as a coach and as an experienced referee up and down the country at competitions. She’s a really selfless person, always encouraging all the members at the club to continue their judo journeys both as players and in how they can volunteer in other aspects of the sport like refereeing. Everything she’s done for the club has been huge, she’s inspired lots of our members to give refereeing a go.” 

Sam Ingram of JudoScotland added, “Audrey consistently goes above and beyond to support Judo events with dedication and enthusiasm. Her contributions to the sport throughout her refereeing career are remarkable, making her an invaluable member of the team.”

Audrey was presented her award at her club in Elgin by JudoScotland Club Support Officer Sam Ingram. If you would like to find out more about how you can become a Judo Technical Official click here. 

Start Your Career in Sports Admin with JudoScotland! 🥋

Through the Enable Scotland and sportscotland Disability Apprenticeship Programme we’re looking for a Business Support Modern Apprentice to join our team! 💼✨

If you’re passionate about sports and want to help make judo one of the most dynamic and inclusive sports in Scotland, this is your chance! This opportunity is ideal for anyone aged 16-24 with a disability or other barrier to employment.🙌

📅 As part of delivering our strategy ‘Judo For All’ (2023–2027), you’ll be part of:

• Membership services
• Communication & marketing
• Finance & event support
• Data analysis to help shape our programmes

To apply please complete the application form or submit an introduction video along with your C.V. and Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form (this will not be seen by the panel which shortlists or interviews) to hr@judoscotland.com, with the email subject: “Business Support Modern Apprentice Recruitment”.

JudoScotland is pleased to induct Eddie Cassidy, 8th Dan, into the JudoScotland Hall of Fame, celebrating an extraordinary career that has shaped the sport both in Scotland and internationally. The Hall of Fame honours judoka who have not only achieved greatness at the highest level but have also made a profound and lasting impact on the judo community. 

Eddie’s journey in judo is nothing short of inspirational. As a former Team GB member, he competed on the world stage, including World and European Championships, showcasing his unwavering pursuit of excellence. His dedication to the sport led him to Japan, where he trained and earned his Kodokan 4th Dan, a testament to his expertise. Among his many achievements, Eddie claimed a gold medal at the European Team Championships in Gothenburg in 1971. A multiple Scottish and British champion, he has excelled at every level of competition. 

However, Eddie’s contributions extend far beyond the mat. A tireless advocate for judo in Scotland, he has served as a director of JudoScotland, a senior examiner, and a member of the High Grade Commission. For decades, Eddie has been instrumental in coach education and Kata instruction, shaping the next generation of judoka. At the grassroots level, he continues to support local clubs, demonstrating judo’s core values of respect, humility, and integrity. His passion for teaching remains strong as he actively coaches at Okano Kwai Judo Club, sharing his knowledge with the next generation of judoka. 

Renowned as a leading authority in Kata, Eddie has inspired countless practitioners through his extensive teaching across the UK. His tireless commitment, selfless service, and unwavering focus on advancing the sport make him a true ambassador for Scottish judo. 

Marc Preston Chair of JudoScotland said, “We are truly honoured to have Eddie as an integral part of the Scottish Judo community. Inducting him into our Hall of Fame is a small token of our immense appreciation for his contributions. Eddie’s legacy extends far beyond his remarkable competitive career. His profound technical expertise and exceptional teaching abilities have had a lasting impact on the wider judo community, and we are grateful for all he has shared.” 

Eddie Cassidy embodies the very essence of judo’s moral code. His dedication, humility, and lifelong passion have left an enduring legacy that will inspire generations to come. It is an honour to celebrate his incredible journey and his immense contributions to the sport. He will be joining fellow JudoScotland Hall of Fame honourees Dr George Kerr 10th Dan, Joyce Heron, Margaret McKenna, Billy Cusack, Colin McIver, Loretta Cusack-Doyle, Bill Berry and Graeme Randall. 

The Scottish Open Judo Tournament takes place this weekend, marking the start of JudoScotland’s 2025 competition calendar.

The event returns to sportscotland National Centre, Inverclyde for the third year in a row for an exciting weekend of international judo. The event will see over 700 competitors take to the mat from over 16 nations, including Japan, the USA, Germany, France and the Home Nations.

This year’s event has a jam-packed programme in each category and will see the introduction of adapted categories on Saturday, bringing a new and inspiring dimension to the event while promoting inclusivity and accessibility. These categories provide judoka with an incredible opportunity to showcase their talents in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the sportscotland National Sports Centre, Inverclyde. The introduction of the adapted categories is perfectly timed to celebrate the remarkable growth of adapted Judo both nationally and internationally.

Kirsten Taylor, a member of the GB Visually Impaired Squad who narrowly missed out on Paris 2024, will take to the mat on Saturday. Joining her is Sean Allan from Castle Douglas Judo Club, coming off a stellar 2024 season that saw him clinch gold at the Open European Intellectual Impairment Championships in November.

Saturday will also feature competition in the Cadet and Veteran categories. In the Cadets, Luke Hunter (-46kg) and Archie Strang (-66kg) will aim to replicate their success at the British Championships in December, where both clinched gold. The Veterans’ competition promises to be a truly international affair, with athletes from Japan, Germany, France, and Spain showcasing their skills, making for an exciting display of judo.

On Sunday, Junior and Senior Judoka will take to the tatami, for what is set to be an action-packed day. Siblings Joe and Lexi Buchanan are set to compete following their impressive medal haul at the Scottish National Championships in November. Lexi achieved a remarkable triple triumph in the -44kg category, securing gold in Cadets, Juniors, and Seniors. Meanwhile, Joe claimed a double victory, winning gold in both the Junior and Senior -60kg categories. Meanwhile, Jocelyn Callaghan will be a key contender in both the Junior and Senior -52kg categories, building on her strong performance at the British Championships in November, where she narrowly missed out on a medal. Judith McCleary, JudoScotland CEO said: “We are excited to welcome judoka from across the world to our flagship international competition to kickstart the JudoScotland 2025 calendar.

The Scottish Open is an opportunity to showcase our sport on the international stage with every match being live streamed on the JudoScotland website. Hosting the Scottish Open provides our judoka the chance to compete with some of the best judo nations on home soil and with the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games just around the corner, events such as this highlights that Judo in Scotland has a strong reputation on the international circuit for competitive events.”

The Scottish Open will take place this weekend on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th January at the sportscotland National Centre, Inverclyde. Click here for more information about the event.

JudoScotland is deeply saddened to announce the passing of George McQuillan, 6th Dan. George passed away peacefully, surrounded by close family.

A highly respected figure in the judo community, George was a 6th Dan and a long-standing coach at Glasgow University Judo Club. He profoundly impacted the lives of many, inspiring countless students and peers with his dedication, knowledge, and passion for the sport.

The Judo community will sadly miss him. Our thoughts go out to his family.

George’s funeral will take place on Tuesday 31st January at 3pm at Daldowie Crematorium, Broom House, 17 Hamilton Rd, Uddingston G717RU and thereafter at Alona Hotel, Strathclyde Country Park, Hamilton Road, Motherwell ML1 3RT.