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
Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week
Everyone can play their part in keeping children safe, including in sport settings. That’s why we’re proud to support the NSPCC’s, Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week.
Parents play a huge role in their child’s confidence, enjoyment and performance in sport. And it’s key that you feel empowered and equipped with the right advice to help you keep your child safe from abuse in sport.
The NSPCC are here to help you know what steps you can take to keep your child safe in their sports club or group. They have a range of advice, resources and even parent e-learning training to help you know what to look out for and how to respond should a concern ever arise.
Play your part in keeping your child safe in sport by accessing the NSPCC’s selection of sport advice and resources by clicking here.
Scottish Judoka Reflect on Achieve Programme at Birmingham 2022
It’s been nearly two months since Team Scotland Judoka took to the Tatami at Coventry Arena for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, however, it wasn’t just these 11 Judoka representing Scottish Judo at the Games. Along with volunteers and games officials, three young Scottish Judoka, Sunny Doig, Gregor Miller and David Scobbie, headed to Birmingham to take part in Team Scotland’s Achieve Programme.
The Programme is designed to give up-and-coming athletes and coaches a multi-games experience. First run in 2010, when 45 young athletes and coaches travelled to the Delhi Commonwealth Games, this year’s programme saw 66 athletes and coaches take part. The programme split into smaller groups where they got to watch a selection of sports as well as take part in workshops and talks at Scotland House to inspire and help them to progress.
David Scobbie, Coach at Tayside Judo Club, reflecting on the experience said, “The whole time we were there we were drowning in information, but it was fantastic! It didn’t all soak in at the time, but I can look back now on what I learnt while I was there. There were also lots of little lessons you picked up from osmosis from being in great company.”
“I got the opportunity to network with other coaches at the same level but in other sports and hear their fresh takes on ideas and compare where judo is, in relation to other sports.”
Sunny Doig, from Just Judo, added, “I really enjoyed talking to people from other high-performing sports and learning about how to deal with pressure. There was lots of advice given from both mentors and other athletes and coaches on the programme. Moving forward I am going to use what I have learnt about handling stress on competition day to improve my performance and make the experience more enjoyable. I will also try and share my experience on the achieve programme with younger athletes in the sport.”
“The achieve programme would not have been possible without the help from the mentors. They are a very valuable part of the experience and I really enjoyed working with them.”
If you would like to find out more about the Team Scotland Achieve Programme click here.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
JudoScotland joins the wider judo and sporting family in sending our heartfelt sympathy to the Royal Family following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
In respectful acknowledgement of the Queen’s passing, participants at The Scottish Masters Judo Session this Sunday will be asked to observe a two-minute silence at 2 pm, and a decision has been taken to cancel the MacMillan Coffee Morning which was scheduled for Thursday 15th September.
During the National Mourning period, club activities are at the discretion of individual clubs. We advise clubs to read official guidance from the Government: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-demise-of-her-majesty-queen-elizabeth-ii-national-mourning-guidance and to make judgements based on what is right for their club, members and local community.
Should members or clubs wish to seek any additional guidance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Update 14th September Office Closure for Her Majesty's Funeral
Following the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, the JudoScotland office will be closed on the day of her funeral (Monday 19th September) as a mark of respect.
The EICA, the building where the JudoScotland office and National Training Centre are based, will also be closed.The office will reopen on Tuesday 20th September at 9 am.
Introducing the JudoScotland Player Development Framework
Working with key partners in sport, JudoScotland is pleased to launch the 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.
The purpose of the framework is to support coaches and individuals to achieve their potential within Judo and develop vital skills, not just for sport, but for life. Designed as guidelines rather than tramlines, The Player Development Framework is available for everyone to access and utilise.
National High Performance Coach for Judo, Euan Burton discussed the need for the framework, “The framework is a guide to support those involved in the development of judoka and I am hopeful that it can be a reference point that can be continuously returned to for guidance, support and promoting discussion. It will always require judoka and coaches to bring it to life and I am eager to see how this happens following the launch.”
“A huge thank you to the many partners who have inputted to, shaped and scrutinised the framework to allow it to get to this point.”
Head of Business Delivery at JudoScotland, Tony Penfold added “Never before have JudoScotland been so clear and concise about what we believe contributes to the appropriate development of judoka. I am looking forward to the discussions that follow to help us continue to align our programmes and initiatives to better support coaches, clubs, parents and members to fulfil all our potential”
If you would like to make the most of the Player Development Framework, including video guidance on some of the key elements, click the button below.
Annual General Meeting 2022 and Board Nominations
Annual General Meeting 2022 and Board Nominations
The JudoScotland annual general meeting (AGM) 2022, will take place on Saturday 29th October 2022.
Nominations
In advance of this year’s AGM and in line with the current Articles of Association (the Articles), we hereby give notice that nominations will be sought for the following positions:
- Chair of the Board and;
- Two (2) Non-Executive Directors.
Please find a job description and person specification for the above position(s). This should provide prospective candidates with relevant background information on the roles currently available.
Nomination Process
In terms of the nomination procedure:
- Nominations for any position on the Board must be received in the Company office no less than thirty days prior to the Annual General Meeting (AGM). For the avoidance of doubt, all nominations should be received by 1630 hours on Thursday 29 September 2022;
- Each nomination should be supported and endorsed by two JudoScotland Member Clubs and;
- Each individual nomination should take the form of a ‘pen portrait’ of the candidate.
Please note that the above position(s) are not suitable for anyone disqualified from holding a Directorship in a Limited Company.
Pen Portrait Submission
In previous years, we have been asked for broad guidance around the submission of the ‘pen portrait’ for aspirant members of the Board. To look towards ensuring uniformity and equality, we would appreciate that any submitted ‘pen portraits’ do not exceed two (2) pages of A4 paper in length.
Aspirant Board members can submit a document of their own design, or alternatively, we have supplied a pro-forma template that individuals may wish to utilise and submit:
All nomination forms received that meet the requirements of the Articles will be issued to member Clubs as part of the formal notice of the AGM, to be sent at least fourteen days prior to the date of the AGM.
News From the Chair
A Brief update from the Chair of some key events and recent news from August
Hi Judo Community,
Some exciting news as we are now moving into a different period for JudoScotland.
Currently, our main focus is the development of our Strategic Plan for the next 4 years. The process is already well underway, with a survey having been sent out to all members. This was followed up by an online consultation session with members of the judo community. I would like to thank you for the incredible response we have had. Thanks to all of those who took part. A special mention to Keira Ansell, Shishi Kai Club who, to the best of my knowledge, and at the age of 11, is the youngest JudoScotland member to have participated in such a conversation. Keira contributed some valuable – and well-thought-through - ideas and suggestions. Thank you, Keira.
During our recent Board of Directors meeting on 23rd August, we welcomed our new, Independent Director, Jodie Cox. She is a dual-qualified solicitor with experience in sports litigation – and her current role is Legal Case Manager at the International Tennis Integrity Agency. Her skills are a valuable addition to the Board and she has already added value in helping us put together our new, proposed Articles. Thanks Jodie.
Another piece of good news. I would also like to announce that the Board of Directors wanted to mark the significant contribution that both Ronnie Saez and Tam Brown have made to Scottish Judo. Lifetime membership for each of them was approved this August in recognition of the great amounts of hard work and dedication they have shown over the years to our sport. Well done both – much deserved!
Thanks also go to Andy Ramage, member of the Scottish Judo Community. During the Edinburgh Festival, he kindly invited a group of ‘auld judoka’ from JudoScotland and British Judo to his Japanese Restaurant just off the Pleasance and provided us with fantastic hospitality. Andy is closing this much-loved venue down, after many years, and we wish him and his family all the best for the future.
And finally, as the new academic year gets underway our numbers are continuing to grow – with membership back to 91% of pre-covid levels. I would like to congratulate our coaches, clubs and JudoScotland staff for their efforts in developing our sport and increasing membership. Judith, myself and the JudoScotland team are all looking forward to spending the day with many of you at The Scottish All Stars Championship this Sunday at Ravenscraig. I will let you know how it all goes in next month’s report.
Marc Preston
JudoScotland Chair
JudoScotland Appoints New Independent Director
JudoScotland is pleased to announce that Jodie Cox will be joining the Board as an independent director.
As Legal Case Manager at the International Tennis Integrity Agency, Jodie brings a wealth of knowledge to the legal and governance side of JudoScotland Board Activity. A keen sportswoman and sports volunteer herself, she also brings expertise in anti-corruption, disciplinary procedures, and anti-doping. Jodie is also an Independent Disciplinary Panel Member for Scottish Athletics.
On her appointment to the Board, Jodie commented “I am thrilled to be joining the JudoScotland Board as an Independent Director. The unique and exciting opportunity to actively participate in an organisation responsible for the anti-corruption, discipline and anti-doping within the sport in Scotland, will allow me to bring my experience and knowledge at an independent international sporting body to a national governing body. As someone who is passionate about sport, I strive to make a difference and that is what I hope to do by being on the Board. I am really looking forward to helping shape JudoScotland as we currently move into a new strategic cycle and continue the growth of the sport in Scotland.”
Marc Preston, JudoScotland Chair added “Jodie, who is originally from Carnoustie, will bring a lot to the Board as a dual-qualified solicitor with experience in the sports sector, – and her current role as Legal Case Manager at the International Tennis Integrity Agency. Her skills will be a valuable addition to our Board and make us a stronger team.”
Jodie's appointment coincides with an exciting time for JudoScotland as we look to shape the new strategic plan for 2023 -2027.