World Mental Health Day
Mental health is just as important as physical health, by opening up and talking about mental health we can all play our part in removing the stigma. This World Mental Health Day we caught up with Callum Woods from Destination Judo to hear about his journey with his mental health.
You talk so openly about your struggles with mental health, for those that don't know you can you share a bit of background about your story?
"For nearly 10 years I was on Anti-depressants. However, I continue to cycle around what is known as the depression cycle. Feeling good, then feeling depressed again."
"One day I was lying on the sofa feeling so low. I looked over at my 3 children sitting on the other sofa and realised that I was there in body but never in mind. In that moment I realised that we save ourselves, but there is nothing wrong with asking for help along the way."
"I got curious about how the mind works, I hired a mindset coach and Personal trainer, and I also enrolled in a transformational life coaching course."
"I heavily invested in myself not just with money but with time and energy to create the best version of myself."
"One year ago, I stopped taking Antidepressants which I’m very proud of myself for achieving."
From your point of view, why is it important to talk about mental health?
"Depression especially has a way of making you feel isolated and alone. Hopefully, when speaking about mental health others hear something that is relatable to them. I genuinely hope it allows others to start talking too."
What is your 'tool kit' for managing your mental health? (e.g. exercise, socialising etc)
"I do a few things. Nutrition and exercise are my main tools. I also continue to be mindset coached on different aspects of my life. Now and again, I will do some meditation and the dreaded cold-water dips."
What advice would you give to your younger self around mental health?
"My advice would be to work on my wealth, health, and happiness, but do it in reverse order."
If you have been affected by anything in this article or are looking for help and advice around mental health contact SAMH , The Mental Health Foundation Scotland or your GP.
If you would like to read more about Callum's story click here.
Spotlight on Susan Wright for Scottish Women in Sport Week
Head Coach at Clyde Judo Club, JudoScotland Board Member, Competition Controller and Birmingham 2022 Volunteer, Susan Wright has experienced nearly every role within the sport. A true inspiration within the sport, we caught up with Susan, to hear about her journey in Judo and sport for Scottish Women in Sport Week.
“Judo has literally given me focus for my life, I grew up with a lot of challenges in my home life and found judo at the age of 16. I originally joined a local club and it immediately felt like I belonged somewhere for the first time in my life. I am not quite sure what my life would have become without it, but I don’t think it would have been good.”
“I have now been involved in judo for 40 years and as with all things I’ve had a mixture of experiences as a woman in sport, at my club there were very few women and some days I was the only female on the mat. I just had to be one of the boys.”
“I first got involved in the coaching aspect of judo after I took a break and had my Son, I didn’t do judo for about 5 years after and only when I was taking him along was I enticed back on the mat to help out. I then kind of followed him up the pathway, I was asked to go on the mat at the national talent development session in the west by Gary (Edwards) who was looking for a female to help at sessions and also to travel with the squad as there were not many who could commit the time.”
“I went abroad to Venray with Gary and the pre-cadet/cadet squad for the first time, and he encouraged me to take my own players away on trips to help their development and helped me to book things and told me where to go and what to do.”
“Eventually I started my own club (Clyde Judo Club) as my confidence in my abilities grew and I took players on several trips as a club coach and as a support coach.”
“I started to help at competitions as a table official not long after my son started competing at the age of 8 or 9 and Tam Brown encouraged me to go up the ladder for that and get my recorder, senior recorder and competition controller awards, I began running events for my club and then for JudoScotland.”
“I have some amazing memories and experiences that have stayed with me; the first time one of my players won the British Nationals, the first time one was selected to go abroad to compete. Being part of the gold-winning women’s team at the national team event, winning the world masters and being involved in 2 commonwealth games, one as an official at Glasgow 2014 and being part of the workforce making it happen in Birmingham are all memories that will stay with me.”
“It is so important to have visible representation for women in sport because young women and girls need that role model and need to see what a huge variety of roles there are in sport and how they could find something that fits with them and their personality, it helps so much with self-confidence and belief to have more women in the forefront to show the way.”
“I have been involved in almost every aspect of Judo and feel passionately about the sport and what I believe it can bring to young people’s lives and their outlook and prospects, not just for girls, but we lose so many in their teenage years for various reasons that we have less time to make an impact on them to make a difference in their lives.”
“Judo is so much more than a sport for me it’s a family.”
Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games Programme
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), the state of Victoria and Commonwealth Games Australia have announced the full line-up of sports for the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games. Unfortunately, Judo has not been included in this cycle and will therefore not be featured at the 2026 Games. Although disappointing we are hopeful for the return of Judo to the games in 2030.
Read the full lineup of sports included in the 2026 Commonwealth Games here.
The JudoScotland 2023-27 Strategy Consultation: What You told Us
We asked for your views to help us to shape the future of Judo in Scotland. Growing & developing the number of people involved in judo whilst contributing to a better society underpins the work that JudoScotland does.
By providing your input, you will help us focus on the areas where support is needed most, and where we can influence the greatest impact.
View a summary of your feedback here:
We are taking into consideration your feedback as we create our Strategy for 2023 -2027, which will be presented to our partners, sportscotland, later this year. We hope to be able to share our new strategy with you early next year, thank you for your continued support in helping to shape the future of Judo in Scotland.
Spotlight on the JudoScotland Female Performance Programme Judoka
This year’s Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week theme is Visibility and Partnerships.
We caught up with several members of the JudoScotland Performance Programme to hear about their experience with Sport and Judo.
Josie Steele
“Most importantly participating in sport and especially judo makes me happy and has made me the person I am today!”
“Judo allows me to excel in other areas of my life. It has taught me to approach everything with a high performance mindset, be resilient and overcome setbacks, to name a few. I believe it helps rather than hinders my ability to pursue work and further studies. It has allowed me to manage my time effectively and I have became very good at optimising time I have which helped a lot in my undergrad! It also allows acts as a distraction and break from studying.”
“My biggest role model who I can now gladly call a friend is probably Sal (Sally Conway). Sal contradicts the phrase never meet your heroes in so many ways. The more you know her, the more she inspires you and I believe this is the definition of someone you should look up to.”
“I think it is important for getting girls into judo to have female role models. Contact sports are stereotypically male dominated sports but this is rapidly changing partly due to number of high profile females in these sports- seems to almost be becoming cool!”
Malin Wilson
“Sports used to be a hobby for me. It was my favourite thing to do. Whatever the sport! When
something wasn’t going right in my life, to this day it’s also my escape. But really what sport has given me, or rather more specifically Judo has given me, in one word, is LIFE. Judo has given me life, happiness, a whole new world, friends, family, a home and a purpose as a woman and as a person.”
“Everything nowadays is visual. Through social media, videos etc, that’s how most interaction is done and created. Visible representation of women in sport highlights the beauty and success of self-determination and self-confidence in females, which I think is a fundamental gift to be shared with all girls of all ages.”
Kirsty Marsh
“Judo has massively changed my life, I can’t imagine where I would be without it. Judo has given me confidence, fitness and resilience. I’ve been given so many opportunities, from becoming a coach to competing at the Commonwealth Games. Being a woman in judo (and sport) has its challenges but is also very rewarding. I’m lucky to train alongside a group of supportive and inspiring girls!”
“I find that being involved with judo gives me a better balance with other areas of my life. It’s a great outlet for the stresses of university and work!”
“It’s so important to have visible representation because if you can see it, you can be it. Throughout my judo journey, I’ve always had girls and women who I’ve seen as role models, whether at club, national or international level. Visible representation gives you a path to follow and a belief that you can perform at that level”
“Sally Conway is my role model in judo, not only because she has had amazing success in the sport but also because she is such a positive and kind person!”
Rachel Tytler
“Sport has given me lots of friendships, skills, knowledge and the opportunity to travel the world to compete. It has positively impacted my life by helping me build confidence and resilience which I have been able to transfer into all aspects of life.”
“I have loved watching Gemma Gibbons and Sally Conway as I have grown up and been able to train with them both once I started training at Ratho was hard but they have both taught me lots.”
“Having female representation is important for inspiring the next generation, encouraging girls into sport and developing drive to achieve their goals.”
Kimberley Renicks
“Being involved in sport and judo has given me great confidence, respect and responsibility and let me see a lot of the world, representing my country.”
“My role models in Sport have always been my family my dad and my sister just because they are always trying to inspire me to do my best and watching the Williams sisters.”
“Young girls need to see what they can achieve by having women in sports.”
News From the Chair
A Brief update from the Chair of some key events and recent news from September
Hi Judo Community,
It would be remiss of me to reflect on September without acknowledging the significant loss of Her Majesty the Queen. A true ambassador for sport as the Royal Patron of the Commonwealth Games Federation, her loss will be felt across the sporting world.
JudoScotland Update September 2022
In September we were focused on preparations for JudoScotland’s strategy for the next 4 years, whilst simultaneously updating and refining our Articles of Association to make sure they’re fit for purpose. A special thank you goes to Jodie Cox, our Independent Director for all her value-added, legal input around the Articles.
There were also a few notable events during the month.
On 4th September, Judith and I spent the day at the ‘Scottish All Stars’ competition – a new format event designed to provide a fun experience that appropriately challenges our young judoka. As with any new venture we had successes and highlights on the day, as well as a few challenges and learnings to take away for next time. The important thing to note is that the Team are innovating and developing new concepts in our sport.
Later that week we were pleased to launch the JudoScotland Player Development Framework. As the first part of the exciting and ever-developing Blueprint for Judo in Scotland, the framework is designed to turn fun physical activity into sport for life.
And, in the spirit of continuous development, in September our professional staff at Ratho attended a Strategy & Planning Day and Team Development day looking at their individual and group profiles. The feedback I’ve heard was that it was an excellent and motivational day.
On 17th September there was the club-run Hibari Kan Tournament. As always, the event was well-managed and well-attended - a great day for our young judoka.
A quick update on the new JudoScotland CARE system, this will be coming soon. Good news for upcoming competitions.
Congratulations to Edinburgh Judo on their celebration event for Sarah Adlington’s double Commonwealth Gold Medal. By the looks of it, a fun day, with a great turnout including our President George Kerr 10th Dan. I’m only sorry I couldn’t make it along as I had a previous commitment.
On a more personal note, congratulations are due this month to Regional Development Officer Sam Ingram and his wife Jodie on the birth of their third child – a little girl called Meadow. The Gi is ready Sam – another potential champion in the making!
One last thing I wanted to mention here is the International Judo Federation’s Climate Challenge – which encourages judoka worldwide to come together to do what WE can to protect our environment – for example recycling belts, sponsored throws to raise money for environmental charities, cutting back on hard copy handouts and polybags, litter picks around clubs etc. For more info on what YOUR club can do visit the IJF website.
And finally, I’m looking forward to catching up with everyone at the Gathering at the end of October. The line-up is phenomenal. See you there!
Spotlight on Louise Renicks for Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week
Becoming Commonwealth Champion in 2014 was just the start for Louise Renicks, from completing her master's and joining GB Home Nation Support Coach and Elite Coach Development Programme, Louise has taken the transition from player to coach in her stride. Not to mention having two children along the way.
We caught up with Louise for Scottish Women and Girls in Sport week to hear about her journey and experience in sport and Judo. Discussing the barriers facing young women and girls in sport, Louise reflected on her own experience.
“As a young girl taking part in sport, I just remember having fun with other girls and boys. As I started to get older and read more autobiographies of sportswomen and have my own experiences, I learnt that a lot of girls/ young women lost confidence during puberty and just left sport.”
“I believe having belief, confidence in myself and pushing through the nerves I used to get when I was young, has made me the woman I am.”
After retiring from competitive Judo Louise turned her focus to coaching sister Kimberley. With a real passion for sport and health, Louise has also been involved in volunteering before specialising in Judo and committing to her development as a coach.
“Working with beginners to high-performance athletes, and club coaches is rewarding and just sharing my knowledge is important. I like to test myself and by working with various people I get to identify more about myself and how to adapt as a coach. Coaching judo is like being an athlete, you are always learning.”
“Just before Covid I completed my master’s in advanced Coaching and then last year I managed to get a job with the GBR home nations. Just when I thought I could have a break from studies I then had to attend the IJF Academy Coaching Award. I am proud to have the award, after putting in the hours of work individually and as a team, as it was not easy with a newborn and a young toddler. I felt proud as a woman and my multi-tasking that day.”
Finishing up with some wise words, Louise added, “Sometimes the pathway and job you want may not happen and going somewhere else or in another direction will get you to the job you want. Always keep your options open, follow your heart and believe in yourself.”
Fighting Fit Summer Challenge Winners!
It’s time to announce the winners of our Fighting Fit Summer Challenge! The Fighting Fit challenge is designed to support Judoka and Clubs, to support JudoScotland’s Player Development Framework, and promote the club’s engagement with its members through the summer (a period of traditionally reduced activity). Fighting Fit is a flexible programme of physical development that can be delivered through various methods virtually, outdoor activity or at the dojo.
This Summer, judoka and clubs from across the country took part to be named Fighting Fit Champion.
Category winner David Stewart shared, “The fighting fit challenge helped with my rehabilitation from a longer-term training injury. It gave me a focus especially when regular training, and most frustratingly randori, just wasn't an option.”
Congratulations to all participants and winners.
Category Winners
The overall winner of each category will receive a Fighting Films/Fighting Fit Clothing bundle. The winners are:
Under 12 Girls -44kg (Category 2) Hannah Low Tayside
Under 12 Girls +44kg (Category 3) Natalia Jachacy Tayside
Under 12 Boys -42kg (Category 2) Cameron Rennie Tayside
Under 12 Boys +42kg (Category 3) Sam Brown Castle Douglas
Pre-Cadet Girls 13/14 +48kg (Category 6) Sophie Cormack Tayside
Pre-Cadet Boys 13/14 -55kg (Category 5) Leo McGillivary Tayside
Pre-Cadet Boys 13/14 +55kg (Category 6) Murray Baillie Just Judo
Cadet Boys 15/16/17 -55kg (Category 7) Andrew McWatt Titan
Cadet Boys 15/16/17 -73kg (Category 8) Joshua Stewart Castle Douglas
Cadet Boys 15/16/17 +73kg (Category 9) Alister Doig Just Judo
Junior & Senior Male 18+ +90kg (Category 12) Joe Timney Titan
Master Female 30+ +70kg (Category 15) Jo Imrie Jidel Judo 93*
Master Female 30+ +70kg (Category 15) Nicola Russell Tams Brig
Master Male 30+ -73kg (Category 13) Paul McWatt Titan
Master Male 30+ -90kg (Category 14) Tony Penfold Just Judo*
Master Male 30+ +90kg (Category 15) David Stewart Dumfries Academy
Club Winners
The winning Club will receive the Annual ‘Fighting Fit’ Trophy, engraved with club name. In addition, all clubs with over 10 participants were entered into a ‘lucky dip’ to win one ‘Blazepod’ kit – a superb training aid to engage your members in fun physical activity.
Fittest Club Trophy: Tayside
Club Lucky Dip: Tayside
The Jackpot Prize
One lucky winner from each age band, drawn at random from all participants, to win a personalised Fighting Films JudoScotland Superstar Judogi.
The Winners Are:
Under 12: Callum Murray Tayside
Pre-cadet: Murray Baillie Just Judo
Cadet: Alister Doig Just Judo
Junior & Senior: Joe Timney Titan
Masters: David Stewart Dumfries Academy
*As JudoScotland staff members they will not receive the prize, the prize will be passed to the runner-up in the category and where there is no runner-up, the prize will not be rewarded.
Finlay Allan Selected to Represent GB at the European U23 Championships
Scottish Commonwealth Silver Medallist Finlay Allan has been selected to represent Great Britain at the upcoming European U23 Championships in Sarajevo, Bosnia, from 28th – 30th October. Finlay, who trains with Camberley Judo Club, will compete in the -66kg category following his incredible Commonwealth Games debut in Birmingham in August.
Fellow Scot, Hannah Wood from Sportif Judo has also been selected as a reserve for the u52kg category at the Championships. Hannah was selected for this summer's Commonwealth Games and World Junior Championship but was unable to compete due to injury.
Good luck to all Team GB Judoka competing at the Championship. To read the full selection announcement click here.
Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week 2022
It’s Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week 2022! The sixth annual Week will focus on increasing visibility of women and girls in sport and showcasing the partnerships that are helping break down barriers, to support and encourage women and girls to be more active and connected.
Increasing visibility of women and girls in sport and physical activity is key to encouraging those of all ages and abilities to get involved, and throughout the Week we will be sharing those positive stories to motivate and inspire on our social media.
Join in the conversation on social media using #SheCanSheWill and #JudoGirlsRock