The Scottish Open Tournament 2023
Follow the Live results and running order from The Scottish Open Tournament 2023.
At the event? Join our Telegram channel for up-to-date event information.
The JudoScotland Coach Academy Opens For Second-Year Intake
We are excited to launch the second intake to The JudoScotland Coach Academy in association with Neil Adams Effective Fighting. This two year programme will recruit up to ten coaches from across the country with a view to improve their awareness of the ‘craft of coaching’; improving their technical knowledge and help them on the road to independent coaching through a dedicated programme of continued professional development.
On completion of the programme each coach should be qualified to Level 2 in Coaching Judo and be in a position to support improved sustainability, additionality or development of the club’s programme. They will also have a clearer view of our performance pathway and be on their way to working with athletes within it.
We are delighted that Neil Adams MBE from Neil Adams Effective Fighting and Masashi Ebinuma will work closely with each coach throughout the programme looking at their technical aspects of their coaching and providing the coach with some golden nuggets to add to their coaching.
Each coach will be able to access:
• 3 x Blueprint Sessions
• 3 x Disability Inclusion Training for Judo
• The Gathering annual weekend seminar
• 2 x Kata course
• 3 x 1 hour online one to one sessions with Neil Adams MBE
• 1 x exclusive academy group session with Neil Adams MBE
• 1 x exclusive academy group session with Masashi Ebinuma
Contact Paul McGuinness at PaulMcguinness@judoscotland.com to find out more.
JudoScotland Membership Update 2023
Moving into 2023 JudoScotland has made several changes to our membership;
- JudoScotland is pleased to share that our Junior under 8 membership will now cover Judoka from age four. Allowing those that start school and participate in judo while under five to receive the JudoScotland Membership benefits.
- In line with rising costs JudoScotland for the first time in five years has made the difficult decision to increase membership costs from the 1st of February 2023.
- Following communication with clubs last year, JudoScotland has also updated the four-month free membership via our online system to allow this to be added to a full membership when signing up as a new member for the first time.
From the 1st of February 2023, membership prices will be as follows:
- Junior Under 8: £17
- Junior: £26
- Senior: £40
- Replacement Record Book: £4.50
Michele Strachan Disability Coach of the Year 2022
Michele Strachan of Tams Brig Judo Club has been awarded the JudoScotland Disability Coach 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 Disability Coach of the Year Award recognises an individual who has gone above and beyond to support those with a disability to take part in Judo.
Luke Struthers of JudoScotland said “Michele and indeed Tams Brig Judo Club’s commitment to creating a culture of inclusivity has not gone unnoticed by the Scottish Judo Community. Their commitment to adapting the sport for those that want to take part is amazing. We have heard some incredible stories from their Judoka about their commitment to inclusivity from adapting the ‘Fighting Fit’ programme to allow a wheelchair user to take part (and even managing to stand), to learning the Deafblind alphabet to communicate and coach one of their members. Michele does all of this with incredible humility demonstrating the true power of sport.”
Michele Strachan added, “What we do here at the club would not be possible without the teamwork of myself and Charlie, for me this is an award for the club. We see judo as an all-ability sport for the mind and body which allows people to be part of a wider community enabling more confidence and choices. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Arnold Clark for their support and funding that has allowed us to install a wheelchair ramp.”
Michele was presented her award on the 17th of January at Tams Brig Judo Club by JudoScotland Regional Development Officer Luke Struthers.
The Scottish Open Judo Tournament 2023 Returns This Weekend
The Scottish Open Judo Tournament returns this weekend! For the first time since 2020, Scotland’s premier International Judo event will see over 550 competitors take to the mat at sportscotland National Centre, Inverclyde, for an exciting weekend of Judo. The event, which is at full capacity, will see athletes compete from 15 nations, across 6 of the 7 continents of the World, including Japan, the USA, Sweden, and the Home Nations.
This year’s competitors will feature members of Team Scotland Judo athletes from the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, including silver medallist Finlay Allen and bronze medallist Rachel Tytler. We will also see British Champion Neil MacDonald (-60kg) compete on Saturday as he aims to take the Scottish title following his success at the British Championships in Sheffield in December.
In a competition first, The Scottish Open will host cadet players alongside Juniors, Seniors, and Masters. British Cadet Champion Noah Black from Clyde Judo will compete in the -90kg category in an attempt to add Scottish Open Champion to his record.
Marc Preston, JudoScotland Chair said; “We are excited to host Judoka from across the globe for our flagship international competition. The Scottish Open is our opportunity to highlight the fantastic sport of Judo as well as showcase our famous Scottish hospitality. Hosting the Scottish Open is an opportunity for our Judoka to compete on an international stage, as well as an opportunity to train with some of the best judo nations in the world on home soil.”
The Scottish Open will take place this weekend the 21st and 22nd of January at the sportscotland National Centre, Inverclyde. Click Here for more details.
2023 JudoScotland Performance Programme
JudoScotland is pleased to announce the following Judoka have met the selection criteria to be included in the JudoScotland Performance Programme for 2023.
Scottish Institute of Sport Performance
Alex Short (Edinburgh Judo)
David Ferguson (Pro Judo)
Dylan Munro (Edinburgh Judo)
Hannah Wood (Sportif)
Josie Steele (Highland Budokan)
Malin Wilson (Invergordon Judo Club)
Neil Macdonald
Rachel Tytler (Pro Judo)
Sarah Adlington (Edinburgh Judo)
Scott Cusack (Edinburgh Judo)
Stuart McWatt (Garioch Judo Club)
Scottish Institute of Sport Performance (Para)
Kirsten Taylor (Tayside)
Scottish Institute of Sport Performance Potential (JNR)
Daniel Givan (Destination)
David Sommerville (Clyde Judo Club)
Jacob Callaghan (Destination)
James Gray (Destination)
Ross Dempsey (Clyde)
Sophie Wood (Sportif)
Sunny Doig (Just Judo)
Scottish Institute of Sport Performance Potential (SNR)
Cameron Foster
Chris Kumesu-Egri (Destination)
Daniel Pacitti (Jidel Judo 93)
Jason Davis (Edinburgh Judo)
Joe Lynch (Danderhall)
Kirsty Marsh (Destination)
Luke Caldwell (Pro Judo)
Nordine Adrif (Garioch Judo Club)
Oliver Short (Edinburgh Judo)
JudoScotland National Squad Judoka
Junior Women
Emma McCabe (Titan)
Harriet Jones (Pro Judo)
Jemma Smith (Sportif)
Jocelyn Callaghan (Destination)
Keira Pybus (Garioch Judo Club)
Lois Henderson (Sportif)
Maia McCran (Danderhall)
Sophie Carson (Clyde Judo Club)
Sophie McNeill(Titan)
Sophie Wood (Sportif)
Sunny Doig (Just Judo)
Junior Men
Andrew Lappin (Edinburgh Judo)
Ben Fox-Kennedy (Sportif)
Billy Rodman (Hibari-Kan Judo Club)
Dan Givan (Destination)
David Sommerville (Clyde)
Eden Heffernan(Pro Judo)
Fraser Clark (Clyde)
George Brown (Sportif)
Gregor Miller (Tayside)
Jacob Callaghan (Destination)
James Gray (Destination)
Ross Dempsey (Clyde)
Ross McWatt (Garioch Judo Club)
Sam Walker (Sportif)
Senior Women
Hannah Wilson (Hibari-Kan)
Hannah Wood (Sportif)
Hazel Taylor (Shishi Kai)
Josie Steele (Highland Budokan)
Kirsty Marsh (Destination)
Malin Wilson (Invergordon)
Rachel Tytler (Pro Judo)
Sarah Adlington (Edinburgh Judo)
Tomi Imrie (Jidel Judo 93)
Senior Men
Aiden Moffat (Tayside)
Alex Short (Edinburgh Judo)
Andrew McWatt (Garioch Judo Club)
Cameron Foster
Cameron Reid-Thomas (Sportif)
Chris Kumesu-Egri (Destination)
Daniel Pacitti (Jidel Judo 93)
David Ferguson (Pro Judo)
Del Imrie (Jidel Judo 93)
Dominic Zacharias (Garioch Judo Club)
Dylan Munro (Edinburgh Judo)
Euan Morse (Edinburgh Judo)
Finlay Allan (Sportif)
Jason Davis (Edinburgh)
Jay Proctor (Yamarashi Judo)
Joe Lynch (Danderhall)
Luke Caldwell (Pro Judo)
Neil Macdonald
Nordine Adrif (Garioch Judo Club)
Ollie Short (Edinburgh Judo)
Scott Cusack (Edinburgh Judo)
Stuart McWatt (Garioch Judo Club)
Sporting Chances Delivers Ambitious Judo Program in Partnership with St Andrew’s Secondary in Carntyne, Glasgow
St. Andrew’s Secondary in the East of Glasgow and new Judo Charity - Sporting Chances have embarked on an ambitious program of Judo for the pupils and the community in the surrounding areas. In a partnership brokered by community charity, Spirit Aid - this ground-breaking initiative seeks to bring judo to a wider audience and deliver key benefits to the pupils of St Andrew’s and the communities in which they live.
St Andrew’s and Sporting Chances will incorporate judo as a key element in the school environment - Providing judo lessons to as many pupils as possible and supporting a progressive program of learning and participation. The program will augment school life and widen exposure for the sport of Judo to new participants, their families and their communities.
The work has started well with hundreds of pupils taking part in the first full term of operations. In the near future Sporting Chances plan to work with primary schools in the surrounding area to introduce judo to the younger age groups and offer sponsored places within the Sporting Chances Squad system - so that promising judoka can progress as far as they want.
John McGhee Head Teacher at St Andrew’s Secondary commented “When Spirit Aid suggested judo and Sporting Chances to us a few months ago and we wanted to know more. When they spoke with passion about the benefits of the sport and the judo moral code, we could see immediately the connection with our own school values. In addition to giving our pupils another set of valuable life skills, I can see that they are having lots of fun. I see the pupils benefitting in a whole range of ways, some of which we haven’t even considered”
Robert Frood, Chief Exec, Sporting Chances added “St Andrew’s is a wonderful setting in which to develop judo. There is a really strong spirit of learning and collaboration. The pupils are enthusiastic and there’s an abundance of energy and athleticism. I’m sure judo can bring benefits to St Andrew’s and I’m equally sure that our sport will benefit from this work."
Niall Allison Volunteer of the Year 2022
Niall Allison of Orkney Judo Club has been awarded JudoScotland Volunteer of the year 2022. 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 Volunteer of the Year recognises the hard work and dedication of an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to their club, the wider judo community, and the development of judo.
Niall, on winning the award, commented, “When I received the email that I had been nominated for the award, I was totally lost for words, and anyone who knows me will realise this is an exceptional case. I feel I just do what needs to be done for the members to get the most out of their judo in my eyes. I am happy to drive 350-plus miles each way to attend competitions, gradings, and events. I enjoy seeing the kids' faces when they learn new techniques, and they work when they try them. I am so pleased that JudoScotland has made the effort to come to the furthest North judo club in the UK and can appreciate the position of our club when attending events with Paul having to spend 2 days in Orkney to do the presentation.”
Paul McGuinness of JudoScotland added, “Niall has been pivotal in helping Orkney Judo Club, a volunteer-run club, flourish into a successful Judo club with a waiting list to join. Between his day job and judo, Niall along with the other volunteers spend time arranging the logistics for their club members to attend competitions and events on the mainland over 300 miles away. His and indeed the club’s commitment to the development of the club and the sport of judo in Orkney is admirable, we need more volunteers like Niall.”
Niall was presented his award on Sunday 8th of January at Orkney Judo Club by JudoScotland People Development Executive Paul McGuinness.
Photo Credit: Martin Laird
Club Grading Incentive for 2023
Gradings Incentive for 2023
Did you know that JudoScotland offers grading incentives to clubs that conduct 3 gradings or more per year? Gradings are a valued aspect of a judoka’s player development journey, and as such we encourage clubs to schedule gradings into their calendar annually.
What credit will I receive?
We are delighted to be able to keep grading costs unchanged for 2023! If your club conducts three or more gradings throughout the year, you will receive credit that can be used against gradings in 2024, supporting wider club development.
Your credit will be calculated at the end of the year and will be available to all JudoScotland affiliated clubs who have conducted 3 gradings or more throughout 2023.
1/3 of the total number of gradings throughout the year will generate a 50% credit.
For example, if your club conducts 100 gradings + 200 gradings + 60 gradings (total = 360 gradings), your credit will be calculated at 50% of 120 (1/3 of 360 = 120).
How will I receive my credit?
Your credit balance will be calculated in December 2023 and will be added to you club account. You will receive regular updates from JudoScotland on the credit balance which can be used against any gradings conducted by your club in 2024.
Questions
If you have any questions, please get in touch with our Business Support team:
News From the Chair
A Brief update from the Chair of some key events and recent news from December:
Hi Judo Community,
I can’t believe that this is the final message of 2022. How the year has flown!
One of the first major events this month was the Board of Directors meeting on 6th December. We’d previously asked any Board members who were interested in the role of Vice Chair, to make themselves known. I was delighted to see that, of the 7 available directors, 3 of them put their names forward. It’s great to see such interest in all areas of JudoScotland and people willing to step up.
And I’m delighted to announce that, after much deliberation, Gordon McCathie was selected to fulfil the role. Well done Gordon. I’m looking forward to working closely with you.
On 7th December, myself, Judith and members of the JudoScotland Team attended the Scottish Sports Awards at the EICC. Sarah Adlington and Hamilton Judo Club were both nominated for awards and made it to the final four in their respective categories, unfortunately, they missed out on the award on the night however it was fantastic to see Scottish Judo recognised on the Scottish sports stage.
We all enjoyed the get-together, and it was a pleasure to spend the evening with one of my pupils – Kirsty Marsh. She started as a 5-year-old at our Dunfermline Club and I’m very proud of the way she’s developed, and the fine person she’s grown into. This year she’s shown great resilience, coming through a major injury to represent Scotland at the Commonwealth Games – whilst studying AND coaching in the very hall where she started as a young judoka!
On 12th December we had the British Championships. Congratulation to all those who participated and what fabulous results – Scottish judoka won 47 medals (29 pre-cadet/cadet, 7 Junior and 11 senior). Very impressive team!
I’ve just written a year-end message to the broader JudoScotland team to thank them for all their hard work this year. I acknowledged that it’s been a challenging – but ultimately rewarding year. Change is never easy but I’m seeing a real willingness and openness across the piece to step up and to innovate. So well done to each and every one of them!
And finally, I’d just like to take the opportunity to thank our judo community – clubs, members, coaches, volunteers, families and the wider JudoScotland team for all their support this year. As I write this our membership is up to 97% pre-covid, an unbelievable recovery, with I’m sure more to come! It really does bring to mind that old Japanese proverb: Fall Down Seven Times, Get up Eight!
To close, I’d like to wish you all a very Happy New Year. Slainte from the Chair and let’s smash 2023!
Thanks,
Marc Preston, Chairman, 6th Dan