News

Today is Time to Talk Day,  the nation’s biggest mental health conversation, and a moment to listen, share, and open up about what really matters.

We visited Chat on The Mat, a brilliant initiative offering men (aged 18+) a space to build fitness, strengthen social connections, support their mental wellbeing, and enrich their daily lives.

Hear from its founder, Callum Woods, and some of the participants about the difference it’s making, and why taking time to talk is so important.

Entering its third year, applications for the 2026 JudoScotland Senpai Programme are now open.

We are seeking a new cohort of young people who are eager to get involved and take an active role in their club. The Senpai Programme is an initiative that has been designed to empower young people within judo clubs in Scotland and is delivered at no cost to the individual.

Providing young people with leadership opportunities early in life helps to set them up for long‑term success, opening the door to new possibilities and giving them the confidence to aim higher. The aim of the programme is to support our young members aged 16 –24 to learn new skills and gain greater confidence in themselves to take on new challenges both in and beyond the dojo.

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 to take on self-defined responsibilities and challenges within their club environments.

The Senpai Programme is all about developing young people through a hybrid of formal learning and collaboration with like-minded young people to support them through their projects and to develop a network of support around them.

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: “It’s very exciting to be entering our third year of the programme. Over the past two years we have seen 22 young people take part in the programme and you can really see the impact that it has had on their confidence and their involvement in judo.

“Individuals who were very reserved at the start of the programme have since grown in confidence. They have gone on to volunteer at events, undertake fundraising initiatives, take on roles that no one else in their club had the capacity to fulfil, or simply provide support during club sessions. It has been great to see their increased confidence and such positive personal transformations.

“If you are interested in playing a more active role in your judo club or in the wider judo community, we want to hear from you.”

The application period runs from Monday 2nd February to Monday 23rd 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

Clyde Judo Club has become the first club in 2026 to achieve JudoMARK accreditation status since the scheme was updated in 2024.

The JudoMARK club accreditation scheme recognises clubs that are committed to upholding the highest standards in Safeguarding and Wellbeing, People Development, Club Management and Governance. As the national governing body for judo in Scotland, JudoScotland is dedicated to supporting affiliated clubs to further develop systems, processes and workforce by providing the guidance and resources needed to create safe, well-run environments where judo can thrive.

Reflecting on the process of obtaining JudoMARK status, Clyde Judo Club Secretary and Coach Paul Grady said:

“We had a bit of a headstart because we had done it before under the old scheme, however a lot of that was on pieces of paper so by taking some of that and using it as a template was useful. It was quite an involved process for a lot of people at the club.”

The biggest change for us was to actually have written documentation that is designed and written with what we do in mind and written for us, rather than just be a generic off-the-shelf policy. Having defined role descriptors for our Committee Members was a big deal and because we are also going through the process of making the club a registered charity, JudoMARK helped a lot with that process too as we had a lot of the paperwork now in place that we needed for that application.”

Becoming accredited is not only beneficial in establishing trust among members and parents, it also serves as a signpost to external stakeholders as a mark of the club’s commitment to ensuring everyone’s safety and professionalism. Paul highlighted this saying:

“It was important for us to do JudoMARK because although we had done it before, we are one of the bigger clubs in the area so it was important for us to have this in place and it’s a good marking tool for us. It aligns with what we want to do when it comes to engaging with the community sports hubs and Active Schools, it’s always good to go through processes like this because it highlights little things that maybe we didn’t have in place so it’s a worthwhile exercise to go through for that if nothing else.”

The JudoMARK accreditation scheme offers clubs a valuable opportunity to review and strengthen key aspects of their club infrastructure, ensuring these priorities remain central to day-to-day operations

The club was presented with their JudoMARK certification this week by Club Support Officer Sam Ingram. Speaking about the club’s journey to achieving JudoMARK status Sam said:

“Clyde Judo Club has been through a period of change over the past few months, most notably they have secured a new dojo after their last facility had to close at short notice. We are pleased to see that Clyde Judo have managed to overcome difficult circumstances and have continued to deliver judo to their members with little disruption, they have committed a lot of time and effort to the development of their club and achieving the JudoMARK accreditation is part of that.”

We hope to see more clubs in 2026 begin and complete the JudoMARK process as we continue to work together ensuring that judo clubs throughout the country are safe and welcoming environments where everyone can thrive and enjoy taking part in judo.”

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

Following the success of the Scottish Open at the weekend, it was brilliant to welcome international judoka to the National Training Centre for three days of training and collaboration.  

Judoka from Canada, Japan, Greece and the Home Nations spent three days at the National Training Centre, taking part in a range of judo sessions and training exercises that provided valuable international experience on home soil. 

The Canadian National Team Coach, Kouga Kagei highlighted the benefits to taking part in the camp following the tournament:  

“The biggest benefit is the opportunity to reflect and improve immediately after a competition. Our athletes were able to work on the areas they identified during their matches, especially grip fighting, transitions, and tactical decision-making. 

“Training with international athletes also gave them new perspectives and confidence. For the team, it strengthened our unity and focus moving forward.” 

Reflecting on the key learnings from the camp, Canadian judoka Maxine Maruyama Prasard said: “I enjoyed the camp because I got to fight and train with people who are at a higher level of judo than me but were in my weight class. It’s hard sometimes to have a lot of girls who are in the –48kg and –52kg categories back in Canda so it was good for me to challenge myself.” 

Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, the Performance Programme aims to continue supporting Scottish judoka while strengthening how we work with the wider judo community to prepare athletes for progression onto the GB World Class Performance Programme. 

Speaking about the training sessions, Alberto Borin, JudoScotland Head of Performance said:  

“It’s always great to have international judoka in the National Training Centre and we hope to continue to create these opportunities for Scottish judoka throughout the year. 

“Training camps provide a great opportunity for athletes to train with different partners, learn from each other and expand their learning.” 

The traditional Scottish weather didn’t dampen the atmosphere of an incredible weekend of judo at this year’s Scottish Open Tournament. The sportscotland National Centre, Inverclyde welcomed over 485 competitors from 143 clubs across 14 countries for a display of some intense judo action.

Saturday morning began on a high note as the Adapted, VI, and Veteran categories took to the tatami. Edinburgh Judo set the standard early, topping the Veteran medal table. Euan Morse (VM1-2 –100kg) claimed gold after a strong performance in the final against Hackney Judo Club’s Dominic D’Paw. It was also an impressive showing from Bradford Judo Club, who secured four medals across the Veteran categories.

Pro Judo’s Solomon Rice built on his 2025 Scottish Open silver medal with an outstanding performance, taking Gold in the AD L1 –100kg category and winning every contest by Ippon. Max Karalus and Ethan Watkin of Kin Ryu Judo Club secured gold and silver respectively, contributing to their club topping the medal table in the adapted categories.

Competition reached a new level of intensity as the Cadets stepped onto the tatami on Saturday afternoon. Ealing Judo Club’s female athletes delivered standout performances, with Alexsandra Dudko securing gold in the –63 kg category and Deborah O’Neal dominating the +70 kg division to claim the top spot.

In the male Cadet categories, brothers Mohammed El‑Amir (–81 kg) and Najati El‑Amir (–90 kg) showcased exceptional skill and composure as they each captured gold, marking a remarkable double triumph for their family and club, Core Judo.

Adding to the international flavour of the event, the Canadian contingent proved formidable throughout the day, leaving a strong impression on Scottish soil and taking home five medals across the Cadet event.

On Sunday morning, the energy lifted and the tension sharpened as the Juniors took to the tatami. The Scottish judoka shone with gold medals for Rachael Gray (-52kg Destination Judo), Nicole Wood (-78kg Bishop Stortford), Joe Buchanan (-60kg Sportif) and Jaden Calder (-100kg Judo Club Esprit).

Once again, the Canadian Team dominated the Junior Male category with an impressive 5 medal win, with Wirral Judo Club topping the medal in the Junior female category.

With three all Scotland finals in the seniors in was a fierce battle for the top of the podium on home soil. First up Sunny Doig (Just Judo Yoshin) and Sophie Wood (Sportif) faced each other in the –63kg with Sunny Doig ultimately claiming gold by Ippon. In the –66 kg final, Nordine Adrif (Garioch Judo) faced Joe Buchanan (Sportif), and after a fiercely contested bout, Nordine emerged victorious to claim the gold. The final all Scotland contest of the day came in the –73kg category where Jack Macleod (Garioch Judo) claimed gold over Eden Heffernan (Pro Judo).

In an impressive –100kg final against Japan’s Otsuka Sakuya, Jaden Calder of Judo Club Esprit dominated to claim his second gold of the day. Aiden Moffat (Tayside) followed on Mat 5 soon after to win gold against Japan’s Koki Hase. Nicole Wood (Bishop Stortford) claimed her second gold medal of the day in the –78kg category, whilst Summer Shaw helped Camberly Judo Club top the Senior female medal table, with a gold in the –52kg.

It wasn’t just the competitors who shone this weekend, our incredible volunteers lit up the event every bit as brightly. Our dedicated Technical Officials and Referees kept the competition running seamlessly, but the volunteer effort didn’t stop there. We were supported by photographers, media volunteers, and countless coaches giving their time and energy to their players.

Our volunteer drivers, Michael Wilson and Robert Frood played an instrumental role this weekend in helping to transport our international players to and from the airport and their accommodation and we are incredibly grateful for their part in supporting the Scottish Open standing on the international stage.

We must also extend a special thanks to our international competitors, many of whom have stayed on to join our judoka for training this week at the National Training Centre in Ratho led by the JudoScotland Perfmance Coaching Team.

We’re truly grateful to the network of clubs that nurture and support these exceptionally selfless volunteers. Their commitment is what makes events like the Scottish Open not only possible, but exceptional.

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:

• Saturday 17th January: Adapted and VI, Cadets, and Veterans categories
• Sunday 18th Januray: Junior and Senior categories

Venue:

SportScotland National Centre Inverclyde, Burnside Road, Largs, KA30 8RW

Mat 1

Mat 2

Mat 3

Mat 4

Mat 5

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:

• Saturday 17th January: Adapted and VI, Cadets, and Veterans categories
• Sunday 18th Januray: Junior and Senior categories

Venue:

SportScotland National Centre Inverclyde, Burnside Road, Largs, KA30 8RW

Mat 1

Mat 2

Mat 3

Mat 4

Mat 5

The Scottish Open Judo Tournament takes place this weekend, 17th & 18th of January, marking the start of JudoScotland’s 2026 competition calendar and an exciting year for Scottish Sport.

The event returns to sportscotland National Centre, Inverclyde 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.

The weekend begins with the Veterans and Adapted & VI categories. Following the success of last year’s Adapted & VI categories, we are excited for them to return this year and see which judoka will be defending their titles.

European Champion Rebecca Lamb from Clyde will compete in the Adaptive Female L1 –52kg, whilst Castle Douglas Judo Clubs Sean Allan (-73 kg Adaptive Male L2) will also be competing following a successful 2025 season which included a gold medal win at the European Judo Union Gdansk Get Together Tournament.

European Champion Rebecca Lamb from Clyde will compete in the Adaptive Female L1 –52kg, whilst Castle Douglas Judo Clubs Sean Allan (-73 kg Adaptive Male L2) will also be competing following a successful 2025 season which included a gold medal win at the European Judo Union Gdansk Get Together Tournament.

In the Veterans category, Scottish judoka James McKelvie (M7 +100kg) of Boglestone Judo Club and Frazer McBeath (M1–M2 –100kg) from Alness Judo Club will take to the tatami. Both athletes return to competition following impressive performances at the Paris World Veterans Championships in November, where they secured 5th and 7th place finishes respectively.

In the afternoon, Cadets will step onto the tatami in pursuit of the Scottish Open Championship title. Among the competitors is Lois Goldie (Pro Judo), the 2025 sportscotland Young Sportswoman of the Year, who will contest the +70kg category following her bronze medal at the British Championships in December. She will be joined by fellow Scottish cadet Tabitha Callaghan of Judo Club Esprit (-40kg), who is fresh of her gold medal success at the British Championships last month.

On Sunday, it’s the turn of Juniors and Seniors. With the Commonwealth Games returning to Glasgow this summer, the Scottish Open offers a final chance for our judoka to compete against international competition on home soil.

European Cadet Championship bronze medallist Coen Gilbert (-60kg) continues his transition to the Junior ranks after an impressive bronze medal finish in the Junior category at the British Championships in December. Fellow –60kg judoka Joe Buchanan will also be aiming for the title after claiming the British Championship crown in December.

With Glasgow 2026 just around the corner, the Senior category at the Scottish Open promises world-class action, featuring six of the 14 Scottish judoka who have met a minimum standard for selection.

Leading the charge is Summer Shaw (-48kg – Camberley Judo Club), fresh from a bronze medal at the Tallinn European Open in July. She’ll be joined by Sunny Doig (-63kg – Just-Judo Yoshin), who demonstrated her strength with a podium finish at the Montreal Pan-American Open, and Nicole Wood (-78kg – Bishops Stortford Judokwai), stepping up from junior success after claiming silver and bronze at European Cups. Neil MacDonald (-66kg), will return to fight on home soil after becoming an African Open gold medallist in 2025. In the -100kg division, rising talents Kevin Gordon (Hibari Kan Judo Club) and Jaden Calder (Judo Club Esprit), both international medal winners, are set to battle for supremacy. With such depth and diversity, this year’s senior category promises thrilling contests and a glimpse of future Commonwealth Games stars.

Judith McCleary, JudoScotland CEO said: “We are pleased to open 2026 by hosting our flagship international event, welcoming judoka from across the globe to compete in Scotland. The Scottish Open is more than a competition, it’s a celebration of judo excellence on home soil. With Glasgow 2026 just around the corner, this weekend’s energy will set the tone for an unforgettable year of Scottish judo.”

The Scottish Open will take place this weekend on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th January at the sportscotland National Centre, Inverclyde. Click here for more information about the event.