News

Clyde Judo Club has become the first club in 2026 to achieve JudoMARK accreditation status since the scheme was updated in 2024.

The JudoMARK club accreditation scheme recognises clubs that are committed to upholding the highest standards in Safeguarding and Wellbeing, People Development, Club Management and Governance. As the national governing body for judo in Scotland, JudoScotland is dedicated to supporting affiliated clubs to further develop systems, processes and workforce by providing the guidance and resources needed to create safe, well-run environments where judo can thrive.

Reflecting on the process of obtaining JudoMARK status, Clyde Judo Club Secretary and Coach Paul Grady said:

“We had a bit of a headstart because we had done it before under the old scheme, however a lot of that was on pieces of paper so by taking some of that and using it as a template was useful. It was quite an involved process for a lot of people at the club.”

The biggest change for us was to actually have written documentation that is designed and written with what we do in mind and written for us, rather than just be a generic off-the-shelf policy. Having defined role descriptors for our Committee Members was a big deal and because we are also going through the process of making the club a registered charity, JudoMARK helped a lot with that process too as we had a lot of the paperwork now in place that we needed for that application.”

Becoming accredited is not only beneficial in establishing trust among members and parents, it also serves as a signpost to external stakeholders as a mark of the club’s commitment to ensuring everyone’s safety and professionalism. Paul highlighted this saying:

“It was important for us to do JudoMARK because although we had done it before, we are one of the bigger clubs in the area so it was important for us to have this in place and it’s a good marking tool for us. It aligns with what we want to do when it comes to engaging with the community sports hubs and Active Schools, it’s always good to go through processes like this because it highlights little things that maybe we didn’t have in place so it’s a worthwhile exercise to go through for that if nothing else.”

The JudoMARK accreditation scheme offers clubs a valuable opportunity to review and strengthen key aspects of their club infrastructure, ensuring these priorities remain central to day-to-day operations

The club was presented with their JudoMARK certification this week by Club Support Officer Sam Ingram. Speaking about the club’s journey to achieving JudoMARK status Sam said:

“Clyde Judo Club has been through a period of change over the past few months, most notably they have secured a new dojo after their last facility had to close at short notice. We are pleased to see that Clyde Judo have managed to overcome difficult circumstances and have continued to deliver judo to their members with little disruption, they have committed a lot of time and effort to the development of their club and achieving the JudoMARK accreditation is part of that.”

We hope to see more clubs in 2026 begin and complete the JudoMARK process as we continue to work together ensuring that judo clubs throughout the country are safe and welcoming environments where everyone can thrive and enjoy taking part in judo.”

To learn more about JudoMARK and to find out how your club can get involved click here.

Following the success of the Scottish Open at the weekend, it was brilliant to welcome international judoka to the National Training Centre for three days of training and collaboration.  

Judoka from Canada, Japan, Greece and the Home Nations spent three days at the National Training Centre, taking part in a range of judo sessions and training exercises that provided valuable international experience on home soil. 

The Canadian National Team Coach, Kouga Kagei highlighted the benefits to taking part in the camp following the tournament:  

“The biggest benefit is the opportunity to reflect and improve immediately after a competition. Our athletes were able to work on the areas they identified during their matches, especially grip fighting, transitions, and tactical decision-making. 

“Training with international athletes also gave them new perspectives and confidence. For the team, it strengthened our unity and focus moving forward.” 

Reflecting on the key learnings from the camp, Canadian judoka Maxine Maruyama Prasard said: “I enjoyed the camp because I got to fight and train with people who are at a higher level of judo than me but were in my weight class. It’s hard sometimes to have a lot of girls who are in the –48kg and –52kg categories back in Canda so it was good for me to challenge myself.” 

Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, the Performance Programme aims to continue supporting Scottish judoka while strengthening how we work with the wider judo community to prepare athletes for progression onto the GB World Class Performance Programme. 

Speaking about the training sessions, Alberto Borin, JudoScotland Head of Performance said:  

“It’s always great to have international judoka in the National Training Centre and we hope to continue to create these opportunities for Scottish judoka throughout the year. 

“Training camps provide a great opportunity for athletes to train with different partners, learn from each other and expand their learning.” 

The traditional Scottish weather didn’t dampen the atmosphere of an incredible weekend of judo at this year’s Scottish Open Tournament. The sportscotland National Centre, Inverclyde welcomed over 485 competitors from 143 clubs across 14 countries for a display of some intense judo action.

Saturday morning began on a high note as the Adapted, VI, and Veteran categories took to the tatami. Edinburgh Judo set the standard early, topping the Veteran medal table. Euan Morse (VM1-2 –100kg) claimed gold after a strong performance in the final against Hackney Judo Club’s Dominic D’Paw. It was also an impressive showing from Bradford Judo Club, who secured four medals across the Veteran categories.

Pro Judo’s Solomon Rice built on his 2025 Scottish Open silver medal with an outstanding performance, taking Gold in the AD L1 –100kg category and winning every contest by Ippon. Max Karalus and Ethan Watkin of Kin Ryu Judo Club secured gold and silver respectively, contributing to their club topping the medal table in the adapted categories.

Competition reached a new level of intensity as the Cadets stepped onto the tatami on Saturday afternoon. Ealing Judo Club’s female athletes delivered standout performances, with Alexsandra Dudko securing gold in the –63 kg category and Deborah O’Neal dominating the +70 kg division to claim the top spot.

In the male Cadet categories, brothers Mohammed El‑Amir (–81 kg) and Najati El‑Amir (–90 kg) showcased exceptional skill and composure as they each captured gold, marking a remarkable double triumph for their family and club, Core Judo.

Adding to the international flavour of the event, the Canadian contingent proved formidable throughout the day, leaving a strong impression on Scottish soil and taking home five medals across the Cadet event.

On Sunday morning, the energy lifted and the tension sharpened as the Juniors took to the tatami. The Scottish judoka shone with gold medals for Rachael Gray (-52kg Destination Judo), Nicole Wood (-78kg Bishop Stortford), Joe Buchanan (-60kg Sportif) and Jaden Calder (-100kg Judo Club Esprit).

Once again, the Canadian Team dominated the Junior Male category with an impressive 5 medal win, with Wirral Judo Club topping the medal in the Junior female category.

With three all Scotland finals in the seniors in was a fierce battle for the top of the podium on home soil. First up Sunny Doig (Just Judo Yoshin) and Sophie Wood (Sportif) faced each other in the –63kg with Sunny Doig ultimately claiming gold by Ippon. In the –66 kg final, Nordine Adrif (Garioch Judo) faced Joe Buchanan (Sportif), and after a fiercely contested bout, Nordine emerged victorious to claim the gold. The final all Scotland contest of the day came in the –73kg category where Jack Macleod (Garioch Judo) claimed gold over Eden Heffernan (Pro Judo).

In an impressive –100kg final against Japan’s Otsuka Sakuya, Jaden Calder of Judo Club Esprit dominated to claim his second gold of the day. Aiden Moffat (Tayside) followed on Mat 5 soon after to win gold against Japan’s Koki Hase. Nicole Wood (Bishop Stortford) claimed her second gold medal of the day in the –78kg category, whilst Summer Shaw helped Camberly Judo Club top the Senior female medal table, with a gold in the –52kg.

It wasn’t just the competitors who shone this weekend, our incredible volunteers lit up the event every bit as brightly. Our dedicated Technical Officials and Referees kept the competition running seamlessly, but the volunteer effort didn’t stop there. We were supported by photographers, media volunteers, and countless coaches giving their time and energy to their players.

Our volunteer drivers, Michael Wilson and Robert Frood played an instrumental role this weekend in helping to transport our international players to and from the airport and their accommodation and we are incredibly grateful for their part in supporting the Scottish Open standing on the international stage.

We must also extend a special thanks to our international competitors, many of whom have stayed on to join our judoka for training this week at the National Training Centre in Ratho led by the JudoScotland Perfmance Coaching Team.

We’re truly grateful to the network of clubs that nurture and support these exceptionally selfless volunteers. Their commitment is what makes events like the Scottish Open not only possible, but exceptional.

Whether you’re across the country or across the globe, you don’t have to miss a second of the action. Tune in to the live stream and experience the event as it happens, wherever you are.

Date:

• Saturday 17th January: Adapted and VI, Cadets, and Veterans categories
• Sunday 18th Januray: Junior and Senior categories

Venue:

SportScotland National Centre Inverclyde, Burnside Road, Largs, KA30 8RW

Mat 1

Mat 2

Mat 3

Mat 4

Mat 5

Whether you’re across the country or across the globe, you don’t have to miss a second of the action. Tune in to the live stream and experience the event as it happens, wherever you are.

Date:

• Saturday 17th January: Adapted and VI, Cadets, and Veterans categories
• Sunday 18th Januray: Junior and Senior categories

Venue:

SportScotland National Centre Inverclyde, Burnside Road, Largs, KA30 8RW

Mat 1

Mat 2

Mat 3

Mat 4

Mat 5

The Scottish Open Judo Tournament takes place this weekend, 17th & 18th of January, marking the start of JudoScotland’s 2026 competition calendar and an exciting year for Scottish Sport.

The event returns to sportscotland National Centre, Inverclyde for an exciting weekend of international judo. The event will see over 700 competitors take to the mat from over 16 nations, including Japan, the USA, Germany, France and the Home Nations.

The weekend begins with the Veterans and Adapted & VI categories. Following the success of last year’s Adapted & VI categories, we are excited for them to return this year and see which judoka will be defending their titles.

European Champion Rebecca Lamb from Clyde will compete in the Adaptive Female L1 –52kg, whilst Castle Douglas Judo Clubs Sean Allan (-73 kg Adaptive Male L2) will also be competing following a successful 2025 season which included a gold medal win at the European Judo Union Gdansk Get Together Tournament.

European Champion Rebecca Lamb from Clyde will compete in the Adaptive Female L1 –52kg, whilst Castle Douglas Judo Clubs Sean Allan (-73 kg Adaptive Male L2) will also be competing following a successful 2025 season which included a gold medal win at the European Judo Union Gdansk Get Together Tournament.

In the Veterans category, Scottish judoka James McKelvie (M7 +100kg) of Boglestone Judo Club and Frazer McBeath (M1–M2 –100kg) from Alness Judo Club will take to the tatami. Both athletes return to competition following impressive performances at the Paris World Veterans Championships in November, where they secured 5th and 7th place finishes respectively.

In the afternoon, Cadets will step onto the tatami in pursuit of the Scottish Open Championship title. Among the competitors is Lois Goldie (Pro Judo), the 2025 sportscotland Young Sportswoman of the Year, who will contest the +70kg category following her bronze medal at the British Championships in December. She will be joined by fellow Scottish cadet Tabitha Callaghan of Judo Club Esprit (-40kg), who is fresh of her gold medal success at the British Championships last month.

On Sunday, it’s the turn of Juniors and Seniors. With the Commonwealth Games returning to Glasgow this summer, the Scottish Open offers a final chance for our judoka to compete against international competition on home soil.

European Cadet Championship bronze medallist Coen Gilbert (-60kg) continues his transition to the Junior ranks after an impressive bronze medal finish in the Junior category at the British Championships in December. Fellow –60kg judoka Joe Buchanan will also be aiming for the title after claiming the British Championship crown in December.

With Glasgow 2026 just around the corner, the Senior category at the Scottish Open promises world-class action, featuring six of the 14 Scottish judoka who have met a minimum standard for selection.

Leading the charge is Summer Shaw (-48kg – Camberley Judo Club), fresh from a bronze medal at the Tallinn European Open in July. She’ll be joined by Sunny Doig (-63kg – Just-Judo Yoshin), who demonstrated her strength with a podium finish at the Montreal Pan-American Open, and Nicole Wood (-78kg – Bishops Stortford Judokwai), stepping up from junior success after claiming silver and bronze at European Cups. Neil MacDonald (-66kg), will return to fight on home soil after becoming an African Open gold medallist in 2025. In the -100kg division, rising talents Kevin Gordon (Hibari Kan Judo Club) and Jaden Calder (Judo Club Esprit), both international medal winners, are set to battle for supremacy. With such depth and diversity, this year’s senior category promises thrilling contests and a glimpse of future Commonwealth Games stars.

Judith McCleary, JudoScotland CEO said: “We are pleased to open 2026 by hosting our flagship international event, welcoming judoka from across the globe to compete in Scotland. The Scottish Open is more than a competition, it’s a celebration of judo excellence on home soil. With Glasgow 2026 just around the corner, this weekend’s energy will set the tone for an unforgettable year of Scottish judo.”

The Scottish Open will take place this weekend on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th January at the sportscotland National Centre, Inverclyde. Click here for more information about the event.

Applications for the JudoScotland Kaizen Academy are now open.

Entering its fifth year, the Kaizen Academy continues to embody the Japanese philosophy of continual learning. The programme is designed to support club coaches to enhance their skillset, increase confidence and support their understanding and development of coaching principles to bring back to their dojos to continue to develop judo in Scotland.

Kaizen Academy coaches can expect to gain access to various coaching CPD opportunities throughout the year including: exclusive sessions with judo legend Neil Adams MBE, discounted invites to JudoScotland events and personalised dojo visits with a dedicated coach developer. Furthermore, involvement in the Kaizen Academy programme provides the opportunity to join a group of like-minded coaches and share experiences and learnings with each other.

JudoScotland Coaching and Volunteering Manager, Paul McGuinness said: “The Kaizen Academy offers valuable opportunities for judo coaches in Scotland to develop their skills and receive expert guidance and advice from coach developers.

“We are excited to welcome the next cohort of coaches from across the country into the programme and support them as they progress through their coaching journey.”

How to Get Involved

JudoScotland invites Level 1 or 2 coaches to join the professional development programme. Participation requires club support, and acceptance to the programme is based on an individual basis. Preference will be given to coaches whose clubs:

• Prioritise workforce development
• Show a strong commitment to personal and professional growth of coaches
• Demonstrate increased participation and pathway development opportunities

The two-year programme requires a £250 annual investment from clubs or coaches. The remaining cost of the programme (circa £2,000) will be subsidised by JudoScotland as part of our strategic commitment to workforce development.

The application period runs from Monday 12th January to Sunday 9th February 2026.

Anyone who wishes to apply for the programme should contact Paul McGuinness at 07949 888 278 or email paulmcguinness@judoscotland.com

Introducing the JudoScotland Podcast!
We kicked things off with a visit to our partners at Lost Shore, grabbed a coffee, and sat down for a great conversation with JudoScotland Vice Chair, Sandy Hodge. Hear from Sandy about his role with JudoScotland and his thoughts on the future.

This is just the beginning; we’ll be bringing you more voices and stories from the Board and the judo community throughout the year. Stay tuned!