News

Just Judo has recently joined an exclusive group of three other clubs in Scotland that have achieved JudoMARK accreditation status since the club accreditation scheme was updated last year.  

The JudoMARK club accreditation scheme is for clubs that are committed to maintaining the highest standards of Safeguarding and Wellbeing, People Development, Club Management and Governance. As the national governing body for judo in Scotland, JudoScotland is committed to equipping affiliated clubs with the resources and support they need to create not only a safe environment but one where the sport can thrive.  

For Just Judo, the process of achieving JudoMARK allowed them the opportunity to update and refresh their club policies, giving them the reassurance that they have reliable processes in place, should they need to implement them.  

On completion of the process, Just Judo said: “The timing was perfect for us – we knew we needed to refresh a few things at the club (the purpose of the club just wasn’t quite reflected in some of the policies or processes) and JudoMark provided a framework which we worked within.” 

Through establishing strong governance, clubs can feel confident that the policies and procedures they have put in place can support the growth and development of their club while providing current and future members reassurance.  

Just Judo found the process of obtaining JudoMARK a strong catalyst to explore and prioritise other ongoing projects at the club which could have otherwise fallen short:  

“Having invested a chunk of time into this, we decided to keep our foot on the gas and drive forward a couple of other initiatives that we were previously ‘too busy’ to tackle. For us, it was just the start we needed.” 

Sam Ingram, Club Support Officer, presented Just Judo with their JudoMARK award earlier in the month. Speaking about their recent achievement he said:  

“It was great to be able to present the club with their JudoMARK award. We are delighted to have clubs such as Just Judo committed to creating a safe and welcoming judo environment.” 

“JudoMARK is more than just a tick box exercise for clubs, it is a clear indicator that the club is committed to continual development and improvement for its members.” 

To learn more about JudoMARK and to find out how your club can get involved click here. 

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

Hope you’re all enjoying a well-deserved summer break and gearing yourselves up for the new season.

The month of July started with myself and my wife, Karen, representing JudoScotland at the Royal Garden Party at Holyrood Palace. Many of the guests were involved in sports, as well as representing different charities and community initiatives. It was a great privilege to accept the invitation, and a delightful afternoon was had by all (cucumber sandwiches and tea)!

Then on 2nd July I was part of the interview panel for the role of Head of Performance. I was delighted with the response to the position, and we were fortunate to have a wonderful shortlist with many top coaches from around the world.

On 4th July Katrina Downie was announced as the Team Scotland Judo Team Manager for the upcoming Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games – congratulations Katrina!

I went along to the National Team Championships in Walsall on 5th July. Huge congratulations to all our players who fought there. I was delighted to watch the most successful national team competing for Scotland in a very long time. I thought the standard of our players was fabulous and the team spirit at the event second to none from judoka and supporters alike! Whilst I was unable to stay down for the Veterans Championship the following day, it was great to have a strong contingent of Scots in contention with several JudoScotland staff cheering on from the stands.

On 10 July I was again part of the panel involved in the recruitment for the position of Performance Pathway Coach. These were all carried out online, due to the fact that most of the candidates were overseas (recruiting in holiday time)!

I’d like to take the opportunity to congratulate the successful candidates appointed for the positions – Alberto Borin, Head of Performance and Taka Kitahara, Performance Pathway Coach. We look forward to working with you as part of our team going forward.

We do believe in JudoScotland that we’ve made the best possible appointments to ensure success in our sport. I’d like to thank all the candidates who applied – the standard was extremely high. Good luck all for the future!

Next up, myself and Judith travelled to Austria to familiarise ourselves with their highly successful judo system. As per my previous updates, we had hosted Martin Poiger and Pepe Reuter from their Federation earlier in the year in Scotland. Thank you, Martin, for organising a great schedule with your team, to help us collect the information needed. I would like to thank Markus Moser, Sport Director, and Yvonne Boenisch, Olympic champion and Head Coach of Austrian Judo, for spending valuable time with us. The trip was absolutely invaluable in terms of the insights gained for JudoScotland as we enter this new exciting chapter.

Then it was time to down tools and get away for my family holiday – a lovely relaxing week in Italy.

Marc Preston, 7th Dan 

JudoScotland is excited to announce that entries are now open for the 2025 Scottish National Closed Championships, one of the most anticipated events on the Scottish judo calendar. Taking place at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th November 2025, this prestigious competition brings together judoka from across the country to compete for the coveted title of Scottish Champion. 

This year marks a significant step forward in inclusivity, with the introduction of a Veterans category, a welcome addition that reflects our commitment to making the event accessible and representative of the Scottish judo community. 

The National Closed is designed to offer an appropriate level of competition for athletes at various stages of their development. The minor, pre-cadet, cadet, junior and senior competition will take place on Saturday, followed by the Veterans on Sunday morning. We strongly encourage all prospective competitors to speak with their club coaches before entering, to ensure the event is suitable for their current stage of development. 

For more information and to register, click here. 

Glasgow 2026 has today revealed the official Session Schedule for the Commonwealth Games; setting the stage for 10 unforgettable days of world-class sport, landmark moments and packed venues across the city. The Judo event programme will take place on the final weekend from Friday 31 July to Sunday 2 August.  

Running from 23 July to 2 August, the Games will bring together 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories to compete across 10 sports and six Para sports, with more than 200 medals to be won in 50 medal sessions. Events will take place in four of Scotland’s most iconic venues, the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and Arena, Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Pool and the Scottish Exhibition Campus (SEC).  

The action begins on 24 July with a powerful statement as the first medal of the Games will be awarded in Para Powerlifting, marking the first time in Commonwealth Games history that a Para sport opens the medal tally. Later that evening, fans can look forward to further medal events in Artistic Gymnastics and Swimming and Para Swimming, rounding off a thrilling opening day of competition.  

Glasgow 2026 will feature expanded programmes in several sports, offering more sessions and more opportunities for fans to experience the action. Bowls and Para Bowls will run across all 10 days of the Games — the longest competition programme for the sport at a Commonwealth Games since Delhi 2010. 3×3 Basketball and 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball will see three additional sessions compared to Birmingham 2022, reflecting the growing popularity of the fast-paced format. In the pool, fans will be able to dive into Games firsts including the men’s 800m freestyle and women’s 1500m freestyle featuring for the first time, expanding the swim programme to its biggest ever at a Commonwealth Games.  

The first weekend of the Games (25 and 26 July) promises to be a showstopper. Netball takes centre stage with a high-energy opening, with six sports lighting up the city across Saturday and Sunday, including 3×3 Basketball and 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball, Artistic Gymnastics, Bowls and Para Bowls, Boxing, Swimming and Para Swimming, and Weightlifting. With packed venues and eight medal sessions across 30 sport sessions, it’s shaping up to be one of the most electric weekends in Glasgow’s sporting history.  

On Monday 27 July, Athletics and Para Athletics begin, starting six days of stunning action at Scotstoun Stadium, including the return of the iconic Commonwealth Mile, back for the first time since 1966. This historic race is expected to be one of the most anticipated events of the Games. Swimming and Para Swimming will conclude on Wednesday 29 July, with evening sessions set to deliver high-stakes finals and emotional podium moments.  

From 30 July, Track Cycling and Para Track Cycling take over the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, featuring the elimination race for the first time in Games history. The schedule includes more sessions than ever before, giving fans extra chances to witness speed, strategy and spectacle.  

Super Saturday on 1 August promises wall-to-wall action, with medals on the line in Athletics and Para Athletics (both morning and evening sessions), plus Boxing, Judo and Track Cycling and Para Track Cycling, creating a blockbuster penultimate day for fans in the stands and around the globe.  

The Games will close on 2 August with a dramatic final day. The last medal is expected to be awarded in either Judo or Track Cycling and Para Track Cycling, though the exact moment will depend on the flow of competition, adding a final twist to an unforgettable 10 days.  

Phil Batty OBE, Chief Executive of Glasgow 2026 said “Glasgow 2026 will be an incredible Games. Packed full of medal moments, a brilliant platform for Para Sport, and a thrilling programme of sport across ten-days. From the very first session to the last, Glasgow 2026 will deliver stand out moments to packed venues, creating sporting memories for spectators across the Commonwealth.”  

“Today’s session schedule sets out the biggest Para sport medal programme in Commonwealth Games history. It’s only fitting that the very first medal awarded will come from a Para Sport; a powerful statement of intent from the outset of the competition. Fans can expect unforgettable drama, fierce rivalries and the kind of sporting magic that only the Commonwealth Games can deliver.”  

Katie Sadleir CZNM, CEO of Commonwealth Sport added: “The release of the Sport Schedule is another exciting milestone for Glasgow 2026, which will deliver an unforgettable celebration showcasing the best of the Commonwealth’s athletes. This refreshed and focused programme reflects the evolving spirit of the Games — more inclusive, more events in many sports and just as inspiring. It’s a major step forward as we build towards another landmark moment for Commonwealth Sport.”  

For information on the full session schedule, read the full article here. 

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.