Billy Cusack Awarded International Judo Federation Master Coach Award
JudoScotland is delighted to share that Billy Cusack has been awarded the prestigious International Judo Federation Master Coach Award in recognition of his dedication and hard work in Judo.
National High Performance Coach Euan Burton commented "Following the nomination by British Judo we are delighted that Billy Cusack has been awarded the IJF Master Coach Award. Billy has decades of experience coaching at the international performance level and has coached for GBR at European & World Championships & the Olympic Games. During that time he has coached multiple judoka to European, World & Olympic titles and medals. It is therefore fitting that he receive this award."
Everyone at JudoScotland sends their congratulations to Billy for this incredible achievement.
Three Scottish Judoka Selected to Represent GB at the European Championships
Three Scottish Judoka have been selected to represent Great Britain at the European Championships due to take place in Sofia, Bulgaria from 29th April – 1st May. Scots Dylan Munro, Alex Short and Stuart McWatt will join a team of seventeen Judoka in the first championships of the Paris 2024 Cycle.
Stuart McWatt (81kg) will make a welcome return to the GB Judo team after injury ended his hopes of qualifying for the Tokyo Olympic Games. Alex Short (-66kg) will make his debut at a European Championship following his gold medal win at the Dubrovnik European Cup in October 2021. Dylan Munro (-60kg) will also debut as reserve after his silver medal win at the European Open Malaga in October 2021.
Euan Burton, Scottish High Performance Judo Coach said; “I would like to congratulate Dylan, Alex and Stuart on their selections for the 2022 European Championships. JudoScotland are exceptionally proud of the hard work they continue to display and their selections are a representation of the performances they have delivered over a season where the depth and quality of international fields has been incredible as all European senior judoka return to international competition following the pandemic.”
“Stuart will return to the major stage keen to step on the podium and improve upon his multiple Top 7 finishes at previous junior and senior European Championships whilst Alex will finally make his senior championship debut after having been selected previously for the pandemic hit 2020 Europeans.”
“Although a potentially frustrating position to be in, the nomination of Dylan Munro as reserve at -60kg is certain recognition of his continual improvement and multiple podium finishes on the European Tour in 2021/2022.”
“We at JudoScotland would like to wish them and the entire GB team the very best of luck at this prestigious event.”
News From The Chair
Dear JudoScotland Membership,
As JudoScotland Chair, I wanted to take the opportunity to update the membership periodically on what we are doing here at JudoScotland. Most of you are aware that our new CEO Judith McCleary is now in office as of the 25th of April and I am sure you will join me in wishing her every success in the role. Before taking up the position Judith took the time to meet with our Honorary Vice Presidents Jim Feenan, Rick Kenney OBE and Colin McIver, as well as Honorary President Dr George Kerr CBE. She also personally met with all the JudoScotland Board and staff members to get to know the team before starting. On her second day in the role, Judith joined 15 clubs from across the country at the virtual ‘coaches café’ where she chatted with coaches hearing about their thoughts, concerns and vision for the future of Judo in Scotland.
Our next Board meeting will be held on the 31st of May, and we are pleased to welcome British Judo who will present their new strategy to Scottish Clubs from 6:30 - 7:45 pm, please let us know if you can make it before Friday 20th May. JudoScotland will be starting our own consultation process with clubs soon as Judith and the Board lead on the development of the new strategic plan, we welcome all input from clubs and encourage you all to get involved in the process.
May also marks an exciting month for Commonwealth Judo, as we will be announcing who will represent Scotland at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham later this Summer. A rare opportunity for Judoka to compete under the Saltire, Birmingham 2022 will mark the return of Judo following our historic medal haul in Glasgow 2014 and the first time it will feature as a core sport. We look forward to sharing the news of who has made the team later this month following ratification from Commonwealth Games Scotland.
With our tournament programme starting to ramp up, we look forward to seeing you at this weekend's Clyde Grand Prix and next weekend’s Keizoku 2022, I am sure I speak on behalf of all JudoScotland staff that we would be delighted to catch up with you at these events.
As the newly appointed Chair, I hope to make these communications a regular feature and look forward to keeping you updated with all the exciting things happening in Judo in Scotland.
Kind regards,
Marc Preston
JudoScotland Chair
JudoScotland Board Update
Due to operational changes at Board level, the JudoScotland Board of Directors has formally appointed Vice-Chair, Marc Preston, to the role of Chair until the 2022 AGM later this year. Marc has been Acting-Chair for the past 12 months.
This appointment coincides with an exciting new start for JudoScotland as the organisation welcomes new Chief Executive, Judith McCleary, who will take up the post at the end of April.
Read the full story of Judith's appointment here.
Easter Office Closure
The JudoScotland Office will be closed Friday 15th & Monday 18th of April for the Easter Bank Holiday.
The Office will close at 4pm on Thursday 14th of April reopening on Tuesday 19th April.
Commissioner Bruce Adamson Visits Second Judo Club on Roadshow
The Children & Young People’s Commissioner for Scotland, Bruce Adamson, visited Carnegie Judo Club and Fudog MMA dojo on Tuesday 22nd March 2022 to meet young people from Woodmill High School as part of his roadshow visits. Carnegie JC delivers the Yellow Belt Challenge programmes on behalf of The Fighting Chance Project (Scotland), a charity established in 2014 to bring the benefits of judo and the judo values to young people who would not usually have the chance to experience judo.
The Commissioner spent all morning with two groups of S1-2 pupils who take weekly judo classes—speaking with them for their views on many of the issues affecting young people today. Together with Jim Feenan and Andy Swinburne, Bruce presented each person with their JudoScotland licence, 1st Mon certificates and red belts.
The Commissioner’s visit was the second to a JudoScotland member club, having recently visited Edinburgh Judo Club. His recent visit to Carnegie JC gave him a chance to see how judo can be used to help young people who may have social, emotional, or behavioural issues or other additional support needs.
Coach Jim Feenan added, "We were delighted to have Bruce and his team with us to see first hand how judo can help young people improve their lives and educational outcomes but also the challenges facing clubs and small charities working within the community."
JudoScotland Appoints New Chief Executive
JudoScotland is pleased to announce the appointment of Judith McCleary to the role of Chief Executive Officer. With a wealth of experience cultivated at Scout Scotland as Head of Outdoors & Adventure and at Scottish Curling as Head of Development before that, Judith will provide leadership and strategic direction to aid the growth of Judo in Scotland into Birmingham 2022 and beyond.
Judith’s appointment has been welcomed by the JudoScotland Board and staff with Acting Chairman, Marc Preston stating; "We are delighted to welcome Judith to the role, her proven track record and her expertise in strategic planning will no doubt help with the continuous growth of the sport of Judo in Scotland. Speaking on behalf of the JudoScotland Board and Staff, we are excited to welcome Judith and her vision for the future of Judo in Scotland."
Judith added “I am really excited to be joining the JudoScotland team at the end of April in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games.
“The values of judo align well with those in my previous role at Scouts Scotland and it’s important to me that the values underpin everything JudoScotland does as an organisation.”
“There has never been a more important time than now to provide opportunities for people to build their confidence and resilience levels, and judo provides the perfect platform to do this. By capitalising on existing and new partnerships, we can strive to reach new audiences and engage people in judo for life.”
“As someone who is passionate about the power of sport, I look forward to working with the Board, staff and Judo community to provide amazing experiences, enabling people to maximise their potential and contributing to a better society”
Club Affiliation 2022
Club Affiliation is now open for the 2022/23 period but why should you become an affiliated Club? Being a JudoScotland member club is about so much more than ticking a box off your to-do list, be a part of the growth of Judo in Scotland!
Insurance
Not just personal, but as an affiliated Club you will be covered by Public Liability, Products Liability, Professional Indemnity, Libel and Slander, Abuse, Management Liability, Employers Liability and Criminal Defence Costs Insurance.
Club Dashboard
As a JudoScotland club, you will have access to an online club dashboard, where you will be able to access information in real-time. You will be able to check the membership status of individuals, update club details and so much more.
Dedicated Support from JudoScotland Staff
From our regional development officers to our national events executive through to performance as a JudoScotland club you can access support for your clubs and Judoka.
Advertising
As a JudoScotland Club, you will be listed on the JudoScotland club finder which benefits from external paid for advertising campaigns helping you to recruit members.
Nationally Recognised Grading Scheme
As a member club, you will have access to a nationally recognised grading scheme, allowing you to grade JudoScotland members at your club.
We are currently developing our club membership benefits, watch this space for more information about how we are supporting our member clubs.
If you have yet to receive your club affiliation documents from British Judo please email bja@britishjudo.org.uk
Photo Credit: Cluarankwai Judo Club
JudoScotland Celebrate 26 Newly Qualified Coaches
Following a challenging couple of years for Judo, we are delighted that 35 Scottish coaches have taken the next step on their coaching journey in 2021. Coach education is vital for the growth of Judo in Scotland and we are pleased that 26 Judoka from 14 clubs took the first step on their coaching pathway by completing their Level 1 Coaching in judo Qualification with a further nine Judoka completing their Level 2 qualification.
Congratulations to the following Judoka:
Level 2 in Coaching Judo
Niall Allison – Orkney Judo Club
Kirsty Lyon – Osaka Kwai Judo Club
Jason Davis – Edinburgh Judo Club
Jack Ferry – Edinburgh Judo Club
Marcus Littlejohn – Bellahouston Judo Club
Keith Flynn – Elgin Judo Club
Christopher Murphy – Shettleston Judo Club
Bill McNeil – Dynamic
Mark Woodall – NIJF
Level 1 in Coaching Judo
Josie Steele – Tanoshi
Ross Stevenson – Dumfries
Jasmine Willingale – Dumfries
Steven Allan – Dumfries
Reanne Wylie – Orkney
Sophie McNeill – Titan
Michael Duff – Cluarankwai
Juan Diego Ipence – Cluarankwai
Lewis Conway – Pro Judo
Rebecca Lamb – Clyde
Rebecca Bradley – Clyde
James Kelly – Glasgow University
Charlie McLean – Irvine
Ross Carswell – Irvine
Cameron MacLennan – Sportif
Samuel Walker – Sportif
Daisy Gilroy – Sportif
Paige McLennan – Sportif
Lloyd Cameron – Ultimate
Christopher Lambert – Jidel Judo 93
Sibghah Hussain – Jidel Judo 93
Allan King – Carnegie
Andrew Swinburne – Carnegie
Daniel Givan – Destination
Euan Hepburn – Destination
Kerr Wilson – Destination
If you are interested in becoming a coach or progressing on your coaching journey, visit our events page to find a course suitable for you.
Commissioner Bruce is a Good Sport at Judo Club
Children and Young People's Commissioner Scotland Bruce Adamson isn’t one for throwing his weight about – but that all changed on a visit to Edinburgh Judo!
Bruce and team member Nicola Harris took part in a judo session with children and young people and their instructors as part of their participation roadshow. It’s the first sports group they have visited as part of their programme to find out what issues matter to children across Scotland as we emerge from the pandemic.
The children at Edinburgh Judo told Bruce about how the sport has helped their confidence, respect for others, and sense of fair play. They talked about disruption to judo during lockdown, with one saying: “I missed the classes and seeing my friends.” And another talked about the impact that missing sport had on their physical health: “It was kind of weird because you got used to not having it and our bodies were really stiff because we couldn’t exercise.”
All the children at the club are delighted to be back practising in person, saying: “It makes me tired so I enjoy my dinner more. It’s good for our brains and body.”
Commissioner Bruce - coached at the session by JudoScotland Regional Development Officer, Samuel Ingram - said: “It was great to join Edinburgh Judo to see the incredible work they are doing. Sport, artistic, and cultural activities are important for children’s education, development, socialisation, mental and physical health. The clubs and communities in these sectors play a vital role as we try to understand and address the impact of the pandemic on children. They can provide safe and supportive spaces to learn, play, and socialise. It’s essential they are properly valued and supported.
“This was my first time trying judo, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. The children were brilliant at giving me tips and I gave it my best shot. But there’s no doubt that my skills need a wee bit more work!”
To learn more about the Children and Young People's Commissioner Scotland click here.