Two Medals for Scottish Judoka on Day 1 of Birmingham 2022
Commonwealth Games 2022: Day 1 Round Up
An exciting first day for Team Scotland Judo as Finlay Allan claims Silver and Malin Wilson wins Bronze.
Finlay had an outstanding day at his debut Commonwealth Games fighting his way through the early rounds of the -66kg beating Mauro Nassone of Mozambique, Steven Mungandu of Zambia, Jasleen Saini of India in the semi-final to come up against Georgios Balarjishvili of Cyprus. The final proved to be a nail-biting performance and although a close match, Finlay missed out on Gold to take Silver.
Alex Short (-66kg) and Malin Wilson(-57kg), both made it into the bronze medal fights where they faced tough opponents in Northern Ireland’s Nathon Burns and England’s Lele Nairne.
Malin took Bronze, defeating England’s Lele Nairne in Golden Score. The road to bronze wasn’t easy for Malin after a first-round win, she was beaten by second seed England’s Acelya Toprak pushing her into the repechage where she defeated New Zealand’s Qona Christie which put her back in the running for a medal.
Alex had a strong start winning his first two fights but unfortunately lost out in the semi-finals to Georgios Balarjishvili of Cyprus, who would later win Gold. Heading for the bronze medal fight, unfortunately, it wasn’t to be for Alex as he lost out to Nothern Ireland’s Nathon Burns.
Meanwhile, it was a tough day in the -52kg category for Kirsty Marsh and Kimberley Renicks. Kirsty Marsh started the day with a win against Mariel Kalomor of Vanuatu but lost out in the quarter-finals to Kelly Deguchi of Canada. Moving into the repechage Kirsty faced Jacira Ferreira of Mozambique for a chance at bronze but was beaten ending her run at Birmingham 2022.
Kimberley Renicks returned to the Commonwealth Tatami in the -52kg facing Sofia Asvesta of Cyprus. In the sixth minute of Golden Score, Sofia secured a win putting Kim out of the running for a second Commonwealth title.
David Ferguson and Dylan Munro faced a hard day of competition in the -60kg category. With a bye in the first round, David faced Daniel Rabbitt of Wales but was unable to secure a win to progress.
Dylan had a fantastic first match against Sri Lanka’s Priyankara Wimukthi, however, was beaten by England’s Ashley McKenzie, who would later be crowned Commonwealth Champion, in the quarter-final. Moving into the repechage he faced Vijay Kumar Yadav but was unable to secure a win putting him out of the competition.
A massive congratulations to all Team Scotland Judoka for putting on a great performance.
Judo at Birmingham 2022: What You Need To Know
Venue: Coventry Arena1st - 3rd August
Judo is back at the Commonwealth Games! For the first time since Glasgow 2014, Judo is back in the Commonwealth Games for Birmingham 2022. Whether you are new to the Games or simply need a refresh here is what you need to know about Commonwealth Judo.
Monday 1st August: -48kg, -52kg, -57kg, -60kg & -66kg
Tuesday 2nd August: -63kg, -70kg, -73kg & -81kg
Wednesday 3rd August: -78kg, +78kg, -90kg, -100kg & +100kg
Competitive Judo
A competitive Judo match will last for 4 minutes, however, this can be cut short if one competitor scores an ippon, or can last longer if the match goes into golden score.
The objective in a judo match is to throw the opponent to the ground on their back; pin them to the ground principally on their shoulder; or force them to submit to a choke, strangle or armlock. Any of these score ippon, immediately winning the match. Scores from the match will be displayed on the scoreboard with the remaining time of the competition.
There are currently 14 categories within Judo and they are divided into weight and gender:
Female Categories: -48Kg, -52Kg, -57kg, -63kg, -70kg, -78kg and +78kg
Male Categories: -60kg, -66kg, -73kg, -81kg, -90kg, -100kg and +100kg
Are You Traveling For The Games?
If you are travelling for the Games, make sure to join us between sessions at The Novotel Coventry where British Judo will be hosting an official supporters lounge. Make sure to pop by and pick up your supporter’s packs!
This is an ideal location for all our judo family and friends to congregate in between sessions as it is just a 10-minute walk from the Arena. Food is available and there is a large open-plan bar area as well as a beer garden with a play area for children. We very much look forward to seeing you at the Games and the Judo House. The Novotel address is: 3 Wilsons Lane, Longford, Coventry, CV6 6HL
Judo Glossary
Hajime: Begin
Mate: Stop (wait)
Judogi: Judo Suit
Judoka: One who studies Judo
Rei: Respect/Bow
Shido: Penalty
Waza Ari: 1/2 point.
Ippon: Full point.
Ne Waza: Techniques on the ground.
Tachi Waza: Standing techniques
Golden Score: Golden Score is a sudden death situation and the first contestant to achieve any score wins.
Hansoku: Disqualification
Andrew McWatt To Represent Team Scotland Judo at Birmingham 2022
Andrew McWatt from Garioch Judo club has been selected to represent Team Scotland in the +100kg category at the upcoming Commonwealth Games, following Christopher Sherrington's withdrawal. Sherrington was hoping to make a comeback at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games following double ACL surgery last year, however, he has had to withdraw from the games due to injury.
Commenting on the news, Judith McCleary, JudoScotland CEO said, “We are pleased that Andrew will be joining Team Scotland at Birmingham 2022 for his first Commonwealth Games. Although we are disappointed that Chris will not be returning to the upcoming Games to try and retain his title his well-being is the most important thing. We wish him a speedy recovery.”
Andrew added “I am feeling very excited to be competing at my first commonwealth games. Always an honour to represent my country, especially at an event like this. After returning to competition from injury early this year and in a new weight category I’m glad I have the opportunity to perform in Birmingham next week.”
The Judo competition will be taking place at Coventry Arena between the 1st – 3rd of August.
The Gathering Is Back with A Boom As We Celebrate Its 10 Year Anniversary!
JudoScotland is delighted that our flagship coach development event is back for its 10th Year. From its conception, the gathering has hosted some incredible guests from the world of Judo including Go Tsunoda, Katsuhiko Kashiwazaki and Hidetoshi Nakanishi, as well as homegrown talents such as Euan Burton and the Glasgow 2014 medallists.
This year will be no different, as we line up Three-time World Champion Masashi Ebinuma to lead a weekend full of Judo! We will also welcome a selection of other guests including Neil Adams MBE 9th Dan, Greg Valentine the lead physical preparation coach for JudoScotland and the sportscotland institute of sport, Dr Andy Dalziell, a child development specialist who co-designed the Better Movers & Thinkers programme. The content this year is designed to bring the new JudoScotland Player development Framework, launching in September, to life in a practical way.
But the Gathering is about so much more than what happens on the mat! Don’t just take our word for it, here is what last year's attendees had to say;
“I like the fact for me it’s the opportunity to learn from others whether it’s the world-class coaches or your Uke or others around on the Tatami, to learn and to have that shared experience. I also like how it’s the coming together of our Scottish Judo community (although it's open to all) to mutually benefit all and to meet, train, socialise and have some fun !!”
“A great opportunity to catch up with friends from other clubs, have a bit of a social and take part in excellently coached sessions.”
“Very good Judo sessions. There was a very friendly atmosphere all weekend. A nice venue. Everyone involved was approachable and helpful.”
Spaces are filling up fast for this year, so if you would like to be part of what is set to be an epic event, book your space now! For more information and to book your space click here.
Team Scotland Judo Competition Kit Unveiled
The Team Scotland Competition Judo Kit was today unveiled for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The unveiling took place as the Team prepares at their final training camp ahead of next week’s opening ceremony.
Glasgow 2014 Gold Medallist Kimberley Renicks to Join Team Scotland Ahead of Birmingham 2022
Team Scotland and JudoScotland have today announced that Glasgow 2014 Gold medallist Kimberley Renicks will join Team Scotland’s Judo team for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The announcement was made today as part of the JudoScotland competition kit unveiling as the Team prepares for their final training camp ahead of next week’s opening ceremony.
Kimberley heads into the Games on a high following a gold medal win at the Winterthur Senior European Cup last weekend, where fellow Team Scotland teammates Malin Wilson (-57kg), Rachel Tytler (-78kg) and Sarah Adlington (+78kg) also medalled.
Commenting on her selection, Kimberley said, “I am excited because it is my second Games, and I will be fighting at a different weight so it will be a different experience from Glasgow 2014. It was difficult through the Covid period, and I knew that fighting a weight above I would be up against two other athletes during qualification. I am happy to have been selected and I will try and go out with a bang.”
Kimberley (-52kg) will join a team of 11 Judoka representing Team Scotland following the withdrawal of Hannah Wood from the Games due to injury.
Hannah Wood to Withdraw from the Commonwealth Games
JudoScotland is disappointed to confirm that Hannah Wood (-52kg) has withdrawn from the Commonwealth Games to be held in Birmingham later this month due to injury.
Commenting on the news, Judith McCleary, JudoScotland CEO said, “Although this news is disappointing, especially so close to the games, ensuring an athlete's welfare is always the most important thing. I would like to wish Hannah a speedy recovery and I look forward to seeing what she will achieve in her judo career in the future."
JudoScotland is working with Commonwealth Games Scotland to confirm a replacement athlete, more details to follow soon.
Scottish Judoka Daniel Givan Selected For Banská Bystrica 2022 European Youth Olympic Festival
Team GB will take a squad of 10 judoka to compete at the Summer European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) taking place in Banská Bystrica, Slovakia from 24 to 30 July 2022, including Daniel Givan (66kg) from Danderhall Judo Club.
Banská Bystrica 2022 will see around 3,500 athletes and officials represent 48 European nations across 10 Olympic sports. Team GB’s athletes, who will all be aged 13-18 at the event, will compete in five sports: badminton, cycling, gymnastics, judo, and swimming. Athletics, basketball, handball, tennis, and volleyball complete the sporting programme.
EYOFs play an important role in the development of young British athletes, providing crucial multi-sport event experience and guiding them towards realising their Olympic ambitions. Many athletes who have competed for Team GB at a summer EYOF have gone on to compete at an Olympic Games, including Rebecca Adlington (Paris 2003 EYOF), Dina Asher-Smith (Trabzon 2011), Nile Wilson (Utrecht 2013), Amy Tinkler (Utrecht 2013), Tom Pidcock (Tblisi 2015) and more.
Leading the Team GB delegation as Chef de Mission at Banksá Bystrica 2022 will be Lizzie Simmonds, who competed in the Lignano Sabbiadoro 2005 EYOF before going on to represent Team GB at the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic Games. She is also current chair of the British Olympic Association’s Athletes’ Commission.
Simmonds said: “Being selected for Team GB for the first time is a real honour and privilege, and I’m sure today marks a very proud moment for the 40 talented athletes that have qualified for Banská Bystrica 2022.
“Youth Olympic Festivals are a hugely important events, offering young athletes invaluable international competition and the opportunity to gain first-hand experience in a multi-sport environment. Embracing and learning from an experience like this one can be the first step in a journey towards competing for Team GB at a senior Olympic Games.
“Having experienced an EYOF myself as an athlete, I’m now looking forward to welcoming a new generation of sporting superstars to Team GB, and supporting them to perform at their best on the European stage this summer.”
2022 Commonwealth Games Judo Tickets
Join us in supporting Team Scotland at JudoScotland’s dedicated supporter zone for the 2022 Commonwealth Games!
We have limited tickets available to purchase through our members zone for the judo competition taking place between 1-3 August at Coventry Arena
Gold medallists at Glasgow 2014, Sarah Adlington and Chris Sherrington lead an exciting line-up of 11 judoka with the remaining nine judoka making their debut as the sport returns to the Games programme.
With the Games being so close to home, this is a fantastic opportunity to get behind the team and share in the experience.
The JudoScotland Grand Prix (2023 - 2025) Tender Process is Open!
Do you want to have a positive impact on the Scottish Judo events programme? We are pleased to announce the opening of the JudoScotland Grand Prix tender process for 2023 – 2025.
The purpose behind the delivery of the JS Grand Prix Events series is to provide competition experience that supports the development of judoka within positive, enjoyable and developmentally appropriate environments, in line with The JudoScotland Player Development Framework.
Whether you have hosted a Grand Prix before or if you have never considered it before but believe you can host a great event, we would like to encourage you to submit an application.
The deadline for submission is 8 August 2022.