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.
Graeme Maclachlan Promoted To IJF A Referee
Scottish referee Graeme Maclachlan has been promoted to the highest level of referee recognised by the International Judo Federation at this weekend's Madrid European Open. Graeme successfully completed his examination under the supervision of IJF Head Refereeing Director, Daniel Lascau to become an IJF A Referee.
Graeme, shortly after his promotion, said: “I am very proud to represent both Great Britain and Scotland. This has been a dream for me for many years and I’m thankful to all my friends and colleagues who have encouraged and motivated me without each and every one of you I could not have come close to achieving this result.”JudoScotland would like to congratulate Graeme on this tremendous achievement, which is a true reflection of his hard work and dedication to the role. We look forward to seeing Graeme represent Scotland at future major championships.
Obituary: Alistair Davidson
Obituary: Alistair Davidson
It is with great sadness that we have recently lost a significant judoka in the North East of Scotland.
Alistair Davidson was laid to rest on Thursday 26th May 2022 at the age of 80 years old.
Alistair along with his wife Jean Davidson contributed a significant amount of their lives to judo over the years. Alistair was coach of Aberdeen Judo Club for many years, coaching several junior players to National and International success.
Alistair was a referee and was awarded his 5th Dan in 2015 as well as being a JudoScotland life member. Alistair was a role model and someone who inspired many that learnt from him for so many years.
Alistair will be greatly missed.
JudoScotland and Commonwealth Games Scotland Announce a Team of 11 for Birmingham 2022!
JudoScotland and Commonwealth Games Scotland Announce a Team of 11 for Birmingham 2022!
50 Days to Go: 11 Judoka Selected to Represent Scotland at Birmingham 2022
Team Scotland has marked 50 days to go to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games with the selection announcement of 50 athletes across seven sports including badminton, boxing, judo, netball, para-powerlifting, squash and triathlon.
Gold medalllists at Glasgow 2014, Sarah Adlington and Chris Sherrington lead an exciting line-up of 11 judoka and, should either repeat that achievement in Birmingham, they would become the first athlete to win two Commonwealth Games gold medals in Judo. The remaining nine judoka will all make their debut as the sport returns to the Games programme, having not been included at Gold Coast 2018.
Sarah Adlington said “It’s a great honour to be selected to represent Scotland at any event but even more so at a Commonwealth Games, I am really excited to compete! It is also another opportunity for the public to see some world class judo. I know there will be a lot of Scottish support in the crowd and this will be great for all the Scottish athletes.”
Team Scotland Chef De Mission Elinor Middlemiss said “I am delighted to welcome another 50 athletes to Team Scotland, taking our total selected so far to 119. What a special way to mark 50 days to go to the Games.
“It is a real honour to represent Scotland and I am really pleased for the athletes who have been selected. There is a real depth of experience and potential in this squad, and I have no doubt that our more experienced members of the team will actively support those who are making their Games debut.
“The excitement for Birmingham 2022 is now really starting to build and I am really looking forward to watching our athletes in action this summer and hearing the roar of support from our fans in the stands.”
The Judo competition will take place at Coventry Arena between the 1st and 3rd of August.
Kirsty Marsh -52kg
Hannah Wood -52kg
Malin Wilson -57kg
Rachel Tytler -78kg
Sarah Adlington +78kg
Dylan Munro -60kg
David Ferguson -60kg
Alexander Short -66kg
Finlay Allan -66kg
Billy Rodman -73kg
Christopher Sherrington +100kg
Tam Brown Steps Down as National Grading Officer
After over a decade in the role, Tam Brown has retired as National Grading Officer for Scotland. Throughout his tenure, Tam has contributed to the development of hundreds of Judoka and Officials, standardising the assessment process and advocating for senior examiners in Scotland.
Head of Business Delivery at JudoScotland, Tony Penfold said "Tam has given himself tirelessly to the role over the years, offering judoka valuable help through their judo journey. The sport has benefitted from his dedication, and he will be greatly missed at National gradings. We wish Tam the best of luck in the future and as a keen fisherman, hope that he enjoys some valuable time by the water."
Tam added, “I have enjoyed every minute in the role and have been lucky enough to make a lot of friends along the way.”
JudoScotland would like to take this opportunity to wish Tam all the best in the future and we look forward to welcoming him back to events as a guest.