Christmas Opening
The JudoScotland Office will be open as follows over the Christmas break:
Wednesday 21st of December Open 9 am -4 pm
Thursday 22nd of December to Tuesday 3rd of January (all dates inclusive) the office will be closed.
Wednesday 4th of January Open 10 - 4 pm
In January the JudoScotland office will once again reopen on a Friday. This means that from Thursday 5th of January, The JudoScotland Office will be open Monday - Friday 9 am - 4 pm.
Talent Development Sessions
The Wednesday Night Talent development sessions will be taking a break over the Christmas period.
East (NTC): Last session 7th of December restarting Wednesday 11th of January
West (Clyde): Last session 30th of November restarting Wednesday 11th of January
West (Pro Judo): Last session 7th of December restarting Wednesday 11th of January
North (Garioch): Last session 16th of December restarting Friday 6th of January
National Randori
Tuesday and Thursday night National randori will not be running on Tuesday 27th and Thursday 29th of December.
We are Recruiting: Area Director of Examiners
JudoScotland is recruiting an Area Director of Examiners to lead the team of Senior Examiners.
The Judo Grading Scheme is integral to the development of both individual judoka and the wider sport. It provides incentive, motivation, reward and worldwide recognition for a lifelong journey of learning, challenges and experiences.
The JudoScotland Area Director of Examiners will operate within the remit of the JudoScotland Business Delivery Team to deliver, develop and promote opportunities for Scottish Judoka to participate in British Judo’s Dan Grade Scheme, at all levels.
Leading the team of Senior Examiners, and supported by the professional staff, this role will ensure the National Promotions Examination programme remains consistent, transparent and is integrated across the sport to provide a cohesive pathway to fulfilling potential in judo.
Andrew Swinburne JudoScotland Technical Official/Referee 2022
Andrew Swinburne of Carnegie Judo Club in Dunfermline has been awarded the JudoScotland Technical Official/Referee of the Year. The JudoScotland Coaching and Volunteering Awards are a National Awards programme designed to recognise the hard work and dedication of the Judo workforce in Scotland. The Technical Official/Referee of the Year recognises the hard work and dedication that these roles make to the competition structure, providing fantastic opportunities and experiences in judo.
Andrew, on winning the award, commented, "I’d like to thank my coaches, my club members and the wider judo family who always encourage each other to succeed and do their best. Also, a thank you to JudoScotland for providing the opportunity to win the award. I hope to inspire and persuade others to volunteer with JudoScotland to make our great judo events even more memorable ”
Sam Ingram of JudoScotland added, “Andrew’s dedication to the sport has not only led to his development as a coach on the JudoScotland Coaching Academy and through his work with Fighting Chance Scotland, but it has also led him to develop as a technical official in the sport. As a voluntary role, technical officials and referees’ commitment to the sport is invaluable and allows for Judo events in Scotland to happen."
Andrew was presented his award on Monday 28 November at FuDog Martial Arts the home of Carnegie Judo Club by JudoScotland Regional Development Officer Sam Ingram.
Amy Staunton JudoScotland Young Volunteer of the Year
Amy Staunton from Hamilton Judo Club has been awarded the JudoScotland Young Volunteer of the Year Award. The JudoScotland Coaching and Volunteering Awards are a National Awards programme designed to recognise the hard work and dedication of the Judo workforce in Scotland. The Young Volunteer of the Year Award recognises an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to their club or the wider Judo community, through their work as a volunteer.
Amy volunteers at the Hamilton Judo Club ASN Disability sessions which has over 30 junior participants, the sessions have seen six judoka progress into mainstream classes at the club.
When asked why she enjoys volunteering, Amy said “I think it’s nice seeing children have a nice time. They are always laughing and it’s fun and games. It’s absolutely amazing!”
Luke Struthers of JudoScotland said “The work that Amy does as part of Hamilton Judo Club is an excellent example of the power of sport. She has a genuine commitment to help individuals not just participate but enjoy Judo. We need more volunteers like Amy!”
“Hamilton Judo Club continues to pioneer as a club, proving that Judo is indeed more than just a sport. Their hard work in creating a truly inclusive club has not gone unnoticed as they have won numerous national awards in this area and have even had a special mention in The Scottish Parliament for their work.”
Amy was presented her award on Tuesday 29th of November at Hamilton Judo Club by JudoScotland Regional Development Officer Luke Struthers.
Gregor Gardiner JudoScotland Community Coach of the Year
Gregor Gardiner from Azami Judo Club in Falkirk has been awarded the JudoScotland Community Coach of the Year. The JudoScotland Coaching and Volunteering Awards are a National Awards programme designed to recognise the hard work and dedication of the Judo workforce in Scotland. The Community Coach of the Year recognises a coach that has supported the development of judoka and has significantly increased the Judo opportunities available and participation levels within their community.
Gregor, on winning the award, commented, “I still find it strange that I have been nominated and awarded the Community Coach of the Year, as I feel what I do is normal but at the same time I really appreciate the trouble the people went to. It also shows the club has created a great environment for all those involved within the Club. At the end of the day, I may run the Club, but the Club belongs to the members.”
Sam Ingram of JudoScotland added, “The work that Gregor does through his club Azami Falkirk encompasses the power of sport to change lives. We have heard countless stories from his members about the safe space he has created for young people to learn new skills, stay active, and gain confidence whilst instilling discipline. It is clear that he has made a massive impact on those he coaches and the community that the club sits in.”
Gregor was presented his award on Tuesday 29th of November at Azami Judo Club by JudoScotland Regional Development Officer Sam Ingram.
Judo and the Duke Of Edinburgh Award: Marion and Joshua’s Story
The Duke of Edinburgh Award has long held its position as a programme to empower young people, helping them to develop new skills, overcome obstacles and build confidence and resilience. We caught up with two Judoka from Dumfries Judo Academy, Joshua Stewart who is completing his Silver Award and Marion Matheson who is completing her Bronze Award, to hear about their journey on the programme and how they have been able to use Judo as part of it.
Why did you decide to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award?
Marion: I decided to take part because it seemed like a great experience, and I had heard of it for quite a while. It seemed very interesting and there were a lot of opportunities for me.
Joshua: It seemed like a good opportunity to learn life skills and be appealing to universities and other workplaces later in life.
There are four different elements to the Duke of Edinburgh Award; volunteering, physical, skills and expedition. Why did you decide to pick Judo for volunteering and physical?
Marion: I already do judo as a hobby and I decided, it seemed like a good thing for me to do for the physical element. And for volunteering, I had never done any kind of coaching or volunteering before, so it seemed like a good opportunity for me.
Joshua: I really enjoy Judo as a Sport, it’s something I find fun. It is the first time I have volunteered at the club, and I have liked working with other people and teaching them about the sport.
What's the best thing about volunteering?
Marion: It's great to meet new people and to help other people in learning new things in Judo.
Joshua: I like meeting new people and teaching myself the skills to help people.
Do you feel that the Duke of Edinburgh Award has provided you with skills to use in later life?
Marion: I do, I think it's helped me to be more confident and given me more experience in talking to people.
Joshua: It's made me more confident talking to people I don't necessarily know and more confident in my skills and that I know what I'm doing when I'm teaching people.
Do you think volunteering is something you'll continue to do after you finish the Duke of Edinburgh Award?
Marion: It seems like a good thing that I would like to do, and yes it would be good for me to take that on. I would possibly like to help with coaching.
Joshua: Yes. I've quite enjoyed volunteering, even out with the club. I would certainly consider going into coaching.
Why do you think somebody should try the Duke of Edinburgh Award?
Marion: I think they should do it because it's a good experience and it's very fun and enjoyable.
Joshua: It's a good way to meet new people and develop new skills.
Thank you, Marion and Joshua, for sharing your story, we look forward to hearing how you get on with the rest of the award. If you would like to find out more about how you can take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award or support someone on their Duke of Edinburgh journey click here.
If you are making Judo part of your Duke of Edinburgh story, let us know by emailing rosannawood@judoscotland.com.
Scottish Student Sport Kyu Grade Tournament 2022
On Saturday, over 100 judoka from across the country gathered at Glasgow Caledonian University for the biggest-ever Scottish Student Sport Kyu Grade Tournament. The event, which is open to all senior players that are 2nd kyu and below, saw competitors coming from some of the big university clubs Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stirling, Strathclyde and St Andrews however half of the competitors were also made up of judoka from smaller university and non-university clubs.
This event wasn't just about the competitors, with a diverse voluntary workforce, including some who were officiating for the first time, the event allowed the development of referees and officials to help build a sustainable workforce for future Scottish Judo events. The Scottish Student Sports Team were able to lead the way for Scottish Judo events by Live Streaming the competition via their YouTube channel.
A fantastic event and we look forward to your next one!
Photo courtesy of Fergus Pirie Photography
Obituary: Frank Davidson
It is with great sadness that we have recently lost a member of the Scottish Judo family Frank Davidson 2nd Dan. A long-time member of Glasgow University Judo Club, Frank was involved in University Judo during his competitive years.
Out with the club, Frank has been a great support to JudoScotland, as a lawyer he has provided legal advice for the organisation over the years. A great asset to the Scottish Judo Community, Frank’s influence went way beyond the University, and he will be sadly missed.
Anti-Bullying Week 2022
Anti-Bullying Week 2022 takes place from Monday 14 – Friday 18 November with the theme of Listen Up! (Respect our Rights) because bullying is never acceptable. The impact of bullying can be profound and can have serious short and long-term effects on the physical, emotional and mental wellbeing of children and young people.
As an organisation, we are committed to ensuring the safety of our members and we know that bullying is never acceptable. As part of our Equality Action Plan, we are committed to reviewing and ensuring that our anti-bullying policy is fit for purpose and to listen to our members around best practise to ensure that no one feels that they are on their own when it comes to bullying.
If you would like further support around bullying the following resources may be of help:
5 Scottish Judoka Take Home Prizes at BJA Awards
Five Scottish Judoka have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to Judo at the British Judo Annual Award Ceremony last night. The big award of the night went to Susan Wright, winning the Roy Inman Award which recognises her contribution to the sport. The second time Susan has won this award for her contribution to the sport over the past forty years, congratulations Susan.
Last night's Inclusion Award went to Hamilton Judo Club. Inclusion is at the forefront of everything Hamilton Judo Club do and the operation of the Club reflects an understanding of the potential for sport and activity to improve the lives of young people and adults.
The Home Nations Awards went to Billy Rodman, Stuart McWatt and Gordon McCathie. The Home Nation Awards focus on rewarding those who have outstanding contributions to the judo community and demonstrate the judo values.
Congratulations to all the award winners.