News

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 

With just two weeks remaining, excitement is building and we are pleased to share the full Scottish team line-up for the National Team Championships, taking place on  5th July at the University of Wolverhampton, Walsall Sports Centre.

This event offers a rare opportunity for Judoka to represent Scotland under the Saltire, not as individuals, but as part of a united team. The atmosphere at the Team Championships is electric, creating a competitive environment like no other in the judo calendar.

Unlike individual competitions, the Team Championships showcase the power of collective performance, where support and team spirit play a vital role in success. Scotland has a rich history of success at the National Team Championships, and this year’s squad is ready to build on that legacy. With a strong mix of emerging talent and experienced competitors, based on ranking, the team is poised to make a powerful impact.

The British Veteran Championships will also take place on the same weekend, adding to the excitement. We’re ready to rally behind our team and bring the energy as we gear up for an action-packed weekend of Judo!

Minor & Pre-Cadet Boys

Keir O’Connor – Pro Judo | -42Kg

Finlay Whitelaw – Pro Judo | -46Kg

Murdo Cameron- Whitburn Judo Club | -46Kg

Jude Buchanan – Sporif | -50Kg

Jack Docherty – Pro Judo | -55Kg

Thomas McCall – Tams Brig Judo Club | -60Kg

Toby Ofokansi – Pro Judo | +60Kg

 

Minor & Pre-Cadet Girls

Betsy Doe – Pro Judo | -44Kg

Lucy Daly – Highland Budokan | -52Kg

Kristiana Campbell – Sportif | -57Kg

Lois Goldie – Pro Judo | +57Kg

 

Cadet & Junior Boys

Lewis Wegmann – Pro Judo | -50Kg

Harris McGrorty – Sportif |-50Kg

Coen Gilbert – Sportif |-55Kg

James Rutherford – Destination Judo |-55Kg

Joseph Buchanan – Sportif | -60Kg

Rhys Clydesdale – Judo Club Esprit | -60Kg

Vasiliy Menshykov – Garioch Judo Club | -66Kg

Jack MacLeod – Garioch Judo Club | -73Kg

Arad Ghafoori-Rad – Pro Judo | -81Kg

Kevin Gordon – Habari-Kan Judo Club | +81Kg

Jaden Calder – Judo Club Esprit | +81Kg

 

 

Cadet & Junior Girls

Stella Cameron – Whitburn Judo Club | -48Kg

Alexis Buchanan – Sportif | -52Kg

Rachael Gray – Destination Judo | -52Kg

Valentina Lawlor – Sportif | -57Kg

Zaffira Edwards – JudoScotland | -63Kg

Bronach Mary McGill – Sportif | -63Kg

Lilly McGarry – Sportif | +63Kg

 

Senior Men

James Gray – Destination Judo | -66Kg

Eden Heffernan – Pro Judo | -73Kg

Reece Edwards – Edinburgh Judo | -73Kg

Ben Fox Kennedy – Sportif | -81Kg

Cailin Calder – Judo Club Esprit | -90Kg

Jay Proctor – Yamarashi Judo Club | +90Kg

Gregor Miller – Tayside | +90Kg

 

Senior Women

Harriet Jones – Pro Judo | -52Kg

Sarah Smith – Destination Judo | -57Kg

Sunny Doig – Just-Judo | -63Kg

Sophie Wood – Sportif | -70Kg

Madeleine Allan – Sportif | -70Kg

Emily Ritchie – Judo Club Esprit | +70Kg

Nicole Wood – Bishops Stortford Judokwai | +70Kg

Official Supporters Club Hotel 

If you would like to come along and support Scottish Judoka, you can stay at the official Supporters Club hotel. Our Official Accommodation Partner, SportsHotels.com, are offering all our supporters an exclusive, discounted hotel rate at the Holiday Inn Birmingham North – Cannock by IHG. 

Take advantage of this exclusive offer and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow fans throughout the weekend. 

Gordon Brawley, co-founder of Irvine Judo Club, was presented with the JudoScotland ‘Volunteer of the Year’ after having been named the 2024 winner in recognition of his unwavering dedication to the club and the wider community.

This prestigious accolade is part of the JudoScotland Coaching and Volunteering Awards, a national programme celebrating the dedication and hard work of judo’s workforce across Scotland.

Since helping to establish Irvine Judo in 2010 alongside his brother William and friend David Frew, Gordon has played a pivotal role in transforming the club from a modest group of 25 members in a local community hall into a thriving hub at Parterre Hall in Central Irvine. His leadership and vision have helped the club flourish, both on and off the mat.

Gordon’s contributions extend far beyond coaching. A retired chartered construction manager, he spearheaded the club’s renovation efforts, turning a deteriorating space into a state-of-the-art dojo. “When I first came into the club it was just four walls, there was paint flaking off, water and dampness,” he recalled. “I did a design for the first phase and presented it to the council. I was then able to get funding through sportscotland, and we built it. But I always had an ambition to extend the dojo, to create a gym and new toilets.”

The recent expansion has allowed the club to better serve its members. “The new dojo means we can split the groups by age, because they learn a bit differently. It allows us to prepare the older juniors for joining the senior class, allowing them to transition. It allows for more coaches on the mat,” Gordon explained.

Over the years, Gordon has mentored six senior players through their Level 1 and 2 coaching qualifications and helped over 500 children and adults progress in their judo journey, many achieving black belts and competing at regional, national, and European levels.

His commitment to community is equally impressive. Gordon has led initiatives to welcome young refugees, hosted donation drives for local care homes, and introduced inclusive and girls-only classes. Under his guidance, the club has raised thousands of pounds for local charities supporting the elderly, children and those with disabilities.

“These are the things that motivate me,” Gordon said. “We devote a lot of time to local charity, elderly, children and those with disabilities. Over the past few years we have donated thousands.”

Reflecting on the recognition, Gordon shared, “Although volunteering can go unnoticed, it can be rewarding.” His humility and tireless efforts have not only built a stronger club but also a stronger community.

Gordon was presented his award at Irvine Judo Club by JudoScotland by Lead Wellbeing and Protection Officer Luke Struthers.

As we transition to delivering the Scottish Judo Performance Programme, we would like to share an update on the changes to our staffing structure.

As JudoScotland assumes responsibility for the Performance Programme, staff will be recruited by JudoScotland to provide opportunities and to deliver coaching across the entire performance pathway. Additional sportscotland support services will continue to be provided to institute supported athletes.

We’d like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt thanks to the sportscotland judo coaching team, Euan Burton, Billy Cusack, and Takafumi Kitahara, for their outstanding contribution to judo performance in Scotland. Their dedication, expertise, and support have been instrumental in the development of Scottish Judoka and the success they’ve achieved on the world stage, from Sally Conway’s bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics to Team Scotland Judo’s impressive performance at Birmingham 2022, and numerous international medals along the way. We are incredibly grateful for everything they’ve done and wish them all the very best in their next chapters.

JudoScotland has been the only sportscotland-invested Scottish Governing Body not directly delivering its own performance programme, until now. This shift marks a major and positive milestone. It will enable stronger alignment across the Scottish Judo community, fostering a more cohesive, athlete-centred approach as we look ahead to Glasgow 2026 and beyond.

We are currently recruiting for a Head of Performance and a Performance Pathway Support Coach to help drive the future growth and success of judo in Scotland.