News

Young people (aged 16 – 24) in judo have usually been involved in the sport for several years. Many have had amazing experiences from which they’ve learned a lot and formed their own opinions and ideas.

We want to provide support for young people in order for them to intern support their clubs and/or community. To help us all achieve this we are launching a ‘Young Leader Programme’, the first of its kind for young judoka in Scotland, and to give us the best chance of getting this right – we want to hear from you.

We want to know how we can best help young people shape the future of judo in Scotland. What specific skills and knowledge would help young people make better contributions to the sport, their personal development or their wider communities?

If you are a young person between the ages of 16-24 or you are currently in a position as a Club Leader (committee member, club coach, safeguarding officers, club management etc) please take a few moments to help shape the future of judo in Scotland by filling in the attached form appropriate to you.

Watch our short video to hear how Sam, and the team at JudoScotland, are hoping to support you.

How to get involved:

Click below if you are between the ages of 16-24 and want to help us learn what roles and activities you have the opportunity to perform in your clubs.

Please note, both surveys close on Sunday 12th November.

Click below if you are a club leader and you can share your experiences as to what roles and activities young people in JudoScotland clubs perform.

Stuart McWatt (-90kg) has been selected for the GB team for the upcoming 2023 European Championships in Montpellier, France, from 3rd – 5th November.

Stuart, who came through at Garioch judo club,  secured his spot in the -90kg category with back-to-back medals at the Prague European Open (gold) and Malaga European Cup (bronze).

With the BJA announcing him as part of the final stage selections, Stuart spoke to us ahead of the upcoming championship:

“It’s great to be selected for another European Championship, any time you get to represent GB at a big Championship like this It’s an honour. I moved up to -90kg this year after my latest ACL injury and have been fighting well recently with medals at a European Open and European Cup. I know I can go toe-to-toe with the best in the world and looking forward to proving that in Montpellier.”

Stuart isn’t the only Scottish judoka preparing to represent Team GB on the European stage.

Finlay, who trains with Camberley Judo Club, will compete in the -66kg category following some excellent European circuit displays. As well as his success in Spain, he won a silver medal at the Gaia European Cup and claimed a bronze at the Podcetrtek European Cup.

Finlay said: “I’m looking forward to competing at this year’s Under 23 European Championships. I have had my best year results-wise so far and I’m hoping to take away a medal at a European Championships for the first time.”

Ollie Short, trains with Edinburgh Judo and will be fighting in the -73kg category. Like Finlay, he has impressed in European competitions, gaining a bronze at the Riga European Cup as well as earning another bronze recently at the Malaga European Cup.

Ollie said: “It’s really great to have the opportunity to compete at such an event – especially in the last year I am eligible to do so. I have been able to improve a lot in the last year with some-top quality training opportunities and guidance. The Under 23 European Championships is an exciting challenge and an opportunity to put in a performance that reflects my training as well as the hard work of those who have supported me.”

The full squad announcements for each team can be found below:

Final Stage Selections for European Championships

European U23 Championships

The JudoScotland Coaching and Volunteering Awards are our National Awards programme recognising the hard work and dedication of the Judo workforce in Scotland. This year we have been overwhelmed by the quality and quantity of award nominations celebrating individual contributions to the Sport it has been our busiest awards yet!

Although announced at this weekend’s AGM, the awards will be presented in the Judo club, surrounded by those who have nominated the individual. We look forward to visiting the clubs of each of our 2023 winners!

The winners of the 2023 Awards are:

Disability Coach of The Year

Charles Strachan – Tams Brig Judo Club

“Charlie is passionate and enthusiastic about bringing Judo to many different people. He sees the individual and what they can do, rather than what they can’t.”

Community Coach of The Year

Reanne Wylie – Orkney Judo Club

“Reanne is an excellent example of how a coach adjusts their teaching style to meet the needs of the students.”

Pathway Coach of The Year

John Buchanan – Sportif Judo Club

“John always goes above and beyond in his role as coach and mentor. Through his dedication and passion for the sport, he inspires judoka to want to be the best that they can be.”

Volunteer of The Year

Nicola Brawley – Irvine Judo Club

“Nicola is a Volunteer who only has the smooth operation of the club on her agenda.”

Referee/Official of the Year

Victoria Kirk – Tryst Judo Club

“Victoria is always willing to help and explain any decisions to players and coaches to improve partnerships between coaches, referees and judokas north and south of the border.”

Young Coach of The Year

Rebecca Bradley – Clyde Judo Club

“Rebecca listens to the children and adapts her sessions to suit who is on the mat and what is planned for them competition-wise.”

Young Volunteer of The Year

Jane Lawson – St Andrews Uni Judo Club

“Jane always brings a smile to training sessions and is an inspiration for all members due to her talent and passion for the sport and club.”

Young Referee/Official of the Year 

Kirsty Wilson – Edinburgh Judo Club

“She really is an exceptional role model who possesses a strong desire to make a positive impact on the people around them.”

A Brief update from the Chair of some key events and recent news from September.

Hi Judo Community,

September had a few memorable events and occasions to savour.

Judith and I attended Hibari Kan’s event on 16^th September in Motherwell.  A great day of competition which attracted the biggest ever entry for a Grand Prix Event in Scotland!

On 18^th September I attended a very interesting event hosted by sportscotland on the ‘Role of the Chair’.   I personally think it’s very important to keep up-skilling and learning so that we improve in our roles.   This is the second such event I’ve attended this year.

On the 20^th, I met up online with the Nomination Committee to discuss and agree on our recommendation for President of JudoScotland.   This was subsequently passed by a unanimous decision at the Board of Directors meeting on the 26^th.

On the 26^th of September JudoScotland hosted our annual MacMillan Coffee morning. I was really sorry not to make it along where I heard there were wonderful judo memories and stories being shared as people enjoyed their home-baked treats. The judo community is a pretty special one and we aim to have some more social events in the near future to bring everyone together.

And at the end of the month, on Saturday 30^th, we had the AGM and the Gathering.

The Gathering surpassed expectations.   An excellent event, which hosted 200 judoka, organised by the JudoScotland team.   A special mention should go to Paul McGuinness here – great effort Paul!

It was fabulous to welcome Mike Callan who gave a great talk on the history of judo in Scotland.  We were honoured to have Masashi and Kana Ebinuma, and Shohei Ono from Japan deliver the sessions.  I suggest this is the best lineup we’ve had in living memory on these shores.

Special congratulations go to Dr George Kerr 10^th Dan who was awarded the new title of JudoScotland’s first President Emeritus.   I’ve known George since I was a boy, and he’s had a great influence on my own development.  And equally big congratulations go to Colin McIver, who was awarded the position of President of JudoScotland, an accolade he richly deserves.

Well done too to Susie Wright who was re-elected to the Board and to Jason Moore in his first term. I look forward to working with you all.

On a personal basis, on the day before the Gathering Lee McGrorty and I took Masashi and Kana out for a day flying gyr falcons (the largest falcons in the world).  Suffice to say it didn’t go completely smoothly!  There were very high winds.  We used our drone to take the falcons up – and they both flew some distance away!  Lee had to use all of his falconry skills to recover both bird and machine.  But he did!!   So a big thank you to him and to his son Harris for a great day.

And finally, at the AGM the revised Articles were voted in with a 79.7% approval rate.  So thank you all for considering – and accepting – this move to embrace these progressive and best practice changes.  It gives the Board a big boost to know that we have your backing.

Marc Preston

6^th Dan

Starting a new sport at any age can be a daunting experience, but even more so as an adult. The doubt sometimes creeps in before you step foot on the dojo or the pitch; Will I be made to feel welcome? Will I be any good? Am I fit enough? Will I enjoy it?

Whilst taking my daughter along to a weekly gymnastics class at Drumbrae Leisure Centre, I spotted a poster on the centre’s notice board advertising Drumbrae Judo Club, stating ‘all adults welcome’. That night I sent an email that would start me on my own judo journey.

The email conversation went a bit like this; “I am 40 with no martial arts experience, can I come along to the club?” The answer from the club “Yes”.

I would describe my first experience at the club as welcoming.  They accepted me straight away and guided me, making me feel really involved from the first day. I came away exhilarated and really part of something.

Although at times I have visited my local gym, I was not someone who had ever consistently taken part in sport before finding judo. Judo is something personal for me, with two children and a busy job in the NHS it can be hard to find the time to do something just for me. I have also noticed the improvement in my fitness and strength since I started.

My kids are proud of me and think it is great that I am part of a judo club, at my age!  Although they were surprised at the beginning, as they were nervous that I was taking part in something so physical, but I explained that you get taught how to practice judo safely.

Having recently achieved my 1st Kyu, I credit my club and coaches for the support and camaraderie.  Rosemary Blaikie my coach, motivates me to believe in myself and my abilities. Working through the syllabus with patience and guidance. We then support each other to keep up the motivation.

I have recently started coming along to Monday night randori at the JudoScotland National Training Centre, where I have the opportunity to train with a mix of abilities.  There is no pressure, no criticism it is just a great opportunity to practise judo.

As someone who joined Judo at a later stage in life, my advice for an adult looking to start judo for the first time, is simple, let’s talk about it, take the opportunity to talk to your local club to find out about what judo can do for you as it may not be what you think. I learned to love everything before I learnt to do it, it is not as scary as it may look and being part of the judo family is a real pleasure.

If you have been inspired by Denise’s story, find a Judo club near you here. 

Following the transition of Dr George Kerr 10^th Dan to President Emeritus for JudoScotland, we are delighted to announce that Colin McIver 9^th Dan will take up the position of JudoScotland President.

Colin was elected by the JudoScotland Board of Directors following a recommendation from the Nominations Committee. Colin will bring with him a wealth of knowledge and experience from his lucrative career in Judo.

Colin has made an exceptional contribution to the development of the sport of Judo in the UK. Taking on almost every role within the sport from athlete to coach through to referee as well as the British Judo Performance Director, he will now add JudoScotland President to his long list of accomplishments.

As an athlete, Colin claimed the title of British Champion in 1966 before going on to represent Great Britain at the World Championships in 1967. He has continued to develop his Judo even after retiring as an athlete, achieving the second highest grade in Judo of 9th Dan.

Colin’s achievements as a Coach are arguably even more impressive and resulted in him being awarded a Lifetime Achievement award at the 2015 UK Coaching Awards.

As the Great Britain Team Manager at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Colin led a team to three medals: Neil Adams MBE (Silver), Kerrith Brown (Bronze) and Neil Eckersley (Bronze).

As British National Coach his team won many World Titles and Olympic medals through players like Craig Fallon, Karina Bryant, Neil Adams, Neil Eckersley, Densign White, Kerrith Brown and Elvis Gordon.

However, where Colin has really excelled is within the development of the sport. Athletes who have progressed under his leadership have now gone on to coaching or development roles within judo and continue to contribute significantly including Joyce Heron, Graeme Randall, David Somerville, Euan Burton, John Buchanan and Sarah Clark.

Colin has inspired and developed athletes through the positive relationships that he has built with athletes based on the values of judo. Through his skills, experiences and focus on individual’s needs, he truly has been able to help others improve themselves and maximise their performance potential.

Serving in the past as Chief Executive of JudoScotland and British Judo Performance Director Colin has been involved in many projects to raise the profile of the sport including the planning and organisation of the 1979 European Judo Championships (Edinburgh) and the Judo tournament at the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh.

On his appointment, Colin commented “I am very proud to be appointed as President of JudoScotland. I will endeavour to do my best to represent the federation as best I can. George Kerr will be a hard act to follow, but I will certainly try my best.”

JudoScotland look forward to working with Colin as in embarks on this next stage of his Judo career.

JudoScotland is proud to announce President Dr George Kerr has accepted the new position of President Emeritus. This is the first time this position has been given and reflects the lifetime of contribution George has made to promoting Judo and Scottish Judo globally. This honorary role will allow George to pass the position of President to another fantastic ambassador.

JudoScotland Chair Marc Preston commented, “George has contributed enormously to the sport of Judo in Scotland and around the world in his role as President. I would like to take the opportunity to sincerely thank him for the strides he has made in making the sport what it is. It has been a great honour to work alongside him, and I speak for the entire Board when I say, thank you.”

We as an organisation are grateful for the doors George has opened for Scottish judoka in countries across the world.

Starting Judo aged eight, George was instantly taken with the sport. Showing a natural talent, George won a scholarship to train at the Budokwai Judo Club London, under the tuition of Master of Judo Mr T.P. Leggett who orchestrated a lifechanging opportunity for George to live and train in Japan. George attended Nihon University, known as Nichidai University where he studied Judo for four years and 3 months. He credits his time here as not only the place where he learnt to speak Japanese but also where he learnt to speak English!

Georges judo CV is unrivalled, helping him being awarded accolades the world over including the Order of the Rising sun with gold rays from the Emperor of Japan, an honorary doctorate from Heriot Watt University, the Edinburgh Award which saw his hands immortalised in the paving slabs at the Edinburgh city chambers and his CBE from her Majesty the Queen.

As a competitor he helped to secure Gold for Team Great Britain at the European Team Championships in Rotterdam. This was to become one of an impressive 4 European medals in total. It would have been more Gold if he hadn’t faced the formidable Anton Geesink in the final of the open weight.

Returning from Japan to the UK, George was sought after for his new knowledge and skills and settled in as head coach of the Renshuden and Budokwai in London. After controversially being banned from competing in the trials for the 1964 Olympic games in Tokyo for being deemed a professional, George decided to return home to his native Edinburgh where he set up the infamous Edinburgh club. The Edinburgh Club quickly became an institution, not just for Judo but for Edinburgh.

George didn’t let the disappointment of 1964 stop him leaving his mark in Olympic history, after becoming a referee in the Olympic Games  both at 1972 in Munich and at the 1976 Montreal Olympics where he became the first Brit to referee 3 finals, he made his coaching debut at The 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games winning a bronze medal before becoming the first British Coach to produce an Olympic Gold medallist, for Austria. In 1988 he topped this by become the first coach ever to produce a double consecutive Olympic Gold Medallist at the Seoul Olympic Games.

As chairman of The British Judo Association, George was pivotal in developing International Judo relations. Under George’s leadership, Great Britain hosted The 1955 European Judo Championships in Birmingham.

Whilst President of the BJA George Kerr went to the 2004 Athens Olympic Games to represent the interests of the British Judo Association. The Athens Olympic Games marked a significant change in the way Judo is presented including the introduction of Blue Gi’s and the introduction of back patches. He has continued to support the interests of British Judo at the Olympic Games and hosted dignitaries at the London 2012 Games.

Speaking of his time in the sport, George says ‘I have thoroughly enjoyed my career in judo and upon travelling the globe, I am proud to say I am Scottish. Having learnt to speak Japanese and through my time in Japan, I built strong relationships between Japan and Scotland which continue today. Judo is a truly wonderful sport and I wish JudoScotland all the best in continuing to inspire future generations to take part and enjoy it as much as I have.’

As part of The Gathering 2023, we were pleased to host the JudoScotland Annual General Meeting 2023. With a busy agenda, we are pleased to update our memberships with the following updates:

Board of Directors

Ahead of this year’s AGM, JudoScotland gave notice for the nomination of two directors and a treasurer to join our Board to help realise our new strategic plan ‘Judo For All’. After a comprehensive election period, our member clubs have elected two directors and treasurer.

We are pleased to welcome back Susan Wright to the Board who will continue in her role as Director for one more term. On her appointment Susie said; “I believe judo is for all and there’s a pathway for everyone I’ve been involved in delivering training courses for new officials and promoting our current volunteer workforce and want to continue over the next 4 years helping to upskill and increase that workforce.”

We are also delighted to welcome Jason Moore to the Board, bringing with them a wealth of experience. On his appointment, Jason said “I am delighted to be voted on to the JudoScotland Board, it is something that I have thought about for a lot of years and what I hoped I could bring to the members of JudoScotland. I am hopeful I can add a lot of experience both in the world of Judo coaching and with my competitive history. I am very much looking forward to seeing what I can bring to the board to help the team develop Judo in Scotland.”

Both board members bring with them a wealth of experience and knowledge that will help JudoScotland realise its goals as set out in our new strategy ‘Judo For All’.

We were also pleased to re-appoint Graham Campbell as the Treasurer of the Company.

JudoScotland would like to thank all candidates for putting themselves forward for these roles.

Articles of Association

One of JudoScotland’s key goals identified in our ‘Judo For All’ strategy is Corporate Excellence, and as part of this review, The JudoScotland Proposed the following amendments to the Articles of Association, a summary of which can be found here.

We are pleased that our member clubs have shared in this ambition and have voted to implement these changes.

JudoScotland President

At this years AGM, we were delighted to welcome Dr George Kerr 10^th Dan, who has accepted the new position of President Emeritus of JudoScotland. After a comprehensive nominations process and unanimous agreement from the Board, George will be succeeded by Colin McIver 9^th as President of JudoScotland. Watch this space as we share more about this appointment, in the coming days.