Three Scottish Judoka Ready for Birmingham 2022 Experience with Achieve Programme
Scottish Judoka Sunny Doig, Gregor Miller and David Scobbie will join a group of 66 up-and-coming athletes and coaches in a multi-games experience in Birmingham later this month as part of the 2022 Achieve programme.
They will be supported by a network of mentors with an impressive range of backgrounds and experiences to call on.
Travelling to Birmingham in two groups, the participants will get a feel for a large Games environment, from attending sport sessions to taking part in bespoke workshops.
First run in 2010, when 45 young athletes and coaches travelled to the Dehli Commonwealth Games, Achieve has since seen a further 90 participants go through the programme. Many have since made the step-up to compete or coach for Team Scotland at a Commonwealth Games.
The scheme, supported by the Team Scotland Youth Trust and sportscotland, aims to propel more future stars into sporting success, whilst helping them develop a host of vital and transferrable skills.
The programme is led by Achieve Director Kevin Moran, who participated in Achieve 2010 before representing Team Scotland in Squash at Glasgow 2014 and Gold Coast 2018.
Kevin said: “We are delighted to welcome the 66 athletes and coaches onto Achieve 2022.
“The Achieve Programme has the potential to be a really significant step in the development of some of Scotland’s up and coming athletes and coaches, showing what it takes to be part of Team Scotland.
“It was a significant stage in my progression as an athlete and I’m sure the participants will get as much out of it as I did.
“We have a really strong mentor group from a diverse range of backgrounds who will pass on their knowledge and experience, and the schedule of activities will be enjoyable and challenging for the participants.
“We look forward to seeing everyone in Birmingham.”
Jon Doig, Chief Executive Officer of Commonwealth Games Scotland, said: “I’d like to extend my welcome to the participants and mentors.
“Your first Games experience can be a step into the unknown, so this programme is a key part of our strategy to prepare athletes and support staff to perform for Team Scotland at future events.
“Importantly it also develops a lot of key core skills, so even if the athletes and coaches never make that final step, they will still hugely benefit from their experience
at Birmingham 2022.”
Gavin Hastings, Chair of Team Scotland Youth Trust, said: “Congratulations to the aspiring athletes and coaches on their selection.
“The Team Scotland Youth Trust exists to support the next generation of athletes on their sporting journey, and the Achieve Programme can be a key part of that development.
“We look forward to seeing them in Birmingham.”
Team Camp: Image Credit Craig Watson
News From the Chair
A Brief update from the Chair of some key events and recent news from June:
Hi Judo Community,
A quick update from me on events in June in the judo world.
Since our last update, Ronnie Saez and Andrew Scoular from British Judo came up to Scotland to present the BJA strategy going forward. Our full board, Vice Presidents plus several member clubs all attended the session, which we found of particular interest, given that we are currently working on a strategy for JudoScotland. My thanks go to all those involved.
On 4th June, a few colleagues from the Judo world and I had the pleasure of attending the wedding of Andy Miller and his new wife, Paula, in Gifford, East Lothian. For those of you who don’t know, Andy worked for JudoScotland for several years. It was an absolutely beautiful and joyous day and we wish Andy, Paula and the boys all the very best for their future life together.
The next day – I attended the excellently presented Nage No Kata course in Kilmarnock. I’d like to thank Paul McGuinness, Paul Laverty and Alex Reid for organising and running this extremely informative event for JudoScotland. I certainly learned a lot!
Later that week we had the announcement that 11 judoka have been picked to represent Scotland at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games. I wish them all the best and looking forward to seeing them in action in early August.
And, on 18th June we had the very well-run and well-attended Granite City Grand Prix. Again, thanks for all the organisation and help there.
And now, a few congratulations are in order.
- First of all, well done to Billy Cusack for receiving the IJF Master Coach Award – brilliant recognition for a life dedicated to judo.
- Also to Gary Edwards on achieving his 7th Judith McCleary and I went to Tulliallan on 14th to see the programme and to present Gary with his award.
- Special mention must also go to Rick Kenney, our VP, who was successfully nominated to be Scottish representative on the British Judo Council
- And finally, congratulations to Ronnie Saez on being elected to the role of Education Director on the European Judo Union Executive. It has been many years since a Scot held such an influential and important position, and a great honour for Ronnie and Scotland.
- And, from those towards the pinnacle of their judo career, to those starting out….fabulous to hear Judith’s son, at the tender age of 5, has taken up judo and won his first player of the week award. Many congratulations go to Glen!
And finally, we are now at around 90% of our pre-covid membership – and growing! I’d like to thank all of our coaches, clubs and Judo Scotland colleagues for all the tremendous work that’s gone on to get us back up there. Keep it going guys!
You can certainly never say that the judo world is boring!! More from me next month!
Marc Preston
JudoScotland Chair
Hannah Wood Selected for World Junior Championship
Scottish Judoka Hannah Wood has been selected to represent Great Britain at the World Junior Championships in Guayaquil, Ecuador from 10 – 13 August. Hannah who will join a team of five will compete in the -52kg category following her Commonwealth debut in Birmingham.
Hannah saw success earlier this year when she secured Gold at the Poznan Junior European Cup. JudoScotland would like to congratulate Hannah on her selection and wish her the best of luck.
Fighting Fit Returns For Summer 2022
Fighting Fit: The Summer Edition
With the summer holidays here, Fighting Fit returns!
Whether you took part last time or are new to the challenge, Fighting Fit is the perfect opportunity to keep or increase your fitness during the summer break!
Do you have what it takes to be named Fighting Fit champion and win some fantastic prizes?
Who Can Get Involved?
Anyone can get involved in the challenge as you don’t need any previous judo experience to take part!
How Do I Get Involved?
JudoScotland has subsidised this exciting challenge, meaning that entry to Fighting Fit is Free!
Once you have signed up you will be emailed the Participation Guide and added to the leader board when you submit your results for all the challenges. To get an idea of what the challenge will look like, look at our handy video guides below.
Why Should I get Involved?
There are many reasons to get involved from increasing your fitness, to being part of a community as well as a range of awesome prizes!
Prizes are available for the winner of each category as well as the ‘lucky dip’ prizes you have to be in it to win it!
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Time Left In The Challenge
New to Fighting Fit or in need of some extra guidance? Our National High-Performance Coach Euan Burton is here to help. Watch his guidance below where he explains each exercise in full to help you perfect your technique.
Obituary: Joseph Doherty
It is with great sadness that we have recently lost a member of the Scottish Judo family.
Joseph (Joe) Doherty 6th Dan, passed peacefully on the 29th of June in the company of his family at his home in Port Glasgow. He put up a brave fight as he did in his 60+ years in our sport.
Joe was a hard player, Scottish champion, coach, former SJF committee member, sponsor, examiner, referee and a great supporter of all things family and judo. Founder and coach at St Ninians JC then Boglestone JC. He will be missed for his good sense of humour, can-do attitude, stoicism, generosity and always someone to help you when necessary.
British National Team Championships Returns This Weekend!
This weekend marks the return of the British National Team Championships, the first since Scotland hosted the event in 2019! This year's event will be held at the Walsall Sports Centre, The University of Wolverhampton on Saturday 2nd of July.
This year's event will return to the 2018 format with separate male and female teams. JudoScotland will be sending teams to compete in the Pre-Cadets, Cadets/Junior and Seniors in the hope of being named British Teams Champions once again.
This year's event will be a fantastic opportunity to come together and compete under the saltire in preparation for the Commonwealth Games next month. Our senior Teams will also feature three of our Birmingham 2022 Team Rachel Tytler (+70kg), Finlay Allan (-66kg) and Billy Rodman (-73kg).
Good luck to all the Scottish Teams and coaches!
For all event, information click here.
Talent Development Session Summer Break
The 29th of June will be the last Talent Development session before the summer break. Talent Development sessions will then take a break over the summer holidays, resuming on the 10th of August in the East & West (North session TBC).
Ronnie Saez Elected To European Judo Union Executive Committee
British Judo Chairman, Ronnie Saez, has been elected to the European Judo Union’s (EJU) Executive Committee in the role of Education Director.
Saez is one of 16 members that has been elected to the EJU Board alongside new President Laszlo Toth.
Saez has been Chairman of the British Judo Federation since July 2015 and was Vice Chairman for 4 years prior to that.
Earlier this year he stepped down from his role as Chairman of Judo Scotland, after 10 years, in order to take on the role of Interim Chief Executive Officer and currently holds the position of Secretary and Treasurer of the Commonwealth Judo Association in addition to being Chairman of Clyde Judo Club.
6th Dan Saez is a huge advocate for Masters Judo in the UK and is a 6-time medallist at British National Masters Championships, three of which were British Champion. Saez also represented GB Judo at the World Veterans Championships in 2002.
JudoScotland would like to wish Ronnie the best of luck in the role.
Dr George Kerr 10th Dan and Gordon McCathie Honoured at the Scottish Samurai Awards
On Sunday 19th June Dr George Kerr 10th Dan and JudoScotalnd Board member Gordon McCathie were honoured at the Scottish Samurai Awards at Broomhall House.
Based on the Japanese ‘Order of the Rising Sun’ (ORS), the Scottish Samurai Awards were founded in 1994 by Ronnie Watt. The awards celebrate those who excel and those who serve with distinction. In order to be nominated individuals are put forward because they are appreciated and admired for what they have done.
Dr George Kerr was promoted to the highest award the OSS Taisho ( General ) for his services to the martial arts, Japan and Scotland whilst Gordon McCathie received the OSS Shogun for his contribution.
Gordon MaCathie said "Kano said 'The purpose of the study of judo is to perfect yourself and to contribute to society.' This award recognises that achievement which is very humbling and confirms that we are on the right path."
JudoScotland would like to congratulate both Judoka on such a tremendous and well-deserved achievement.
Gary Edwards Awarded 7th Dan
JudoScotland is pleased to share that Gary Edwards has been awarded his 7th Dan diploma from the IJF. Obtaining a Dan grade is one of the highest accolades for a Judoka, working your way through the Dan grades is a truly phenomenal achievement.
In the words of Prof Jigoro Kano; “rank advancement should signify not only technical proficiency, but your level of advancement in issues of morality and character development, and contributions to society, community and the greater world around you."
Gary has dedicated his life to Judo, competing at the highest level for GB Judo at the World Championships in 1995 and three European Championships. In 2002, the former British no1 represented Scotland at the Manchester Commonwealth Games. In recent years Gary has been laying the foundations for the next generation of Scottish Judoka as the National Talent Development Coach for JudoScotland.
JudoScotland would like to congratulate Gary on his tremendous achievement of attaining 7th Dan.