JudoScotland is delighted to welcome a new cohort of passionate young leaders into the 2026 Senpai Programme!
Building on the success of the Senpai Programme in 2024 and 2025, we are delighted to welcome eight judoka from seven venues across four clubs, to the 2026 Senpai Programme. Designed to develop the next generation of leaders within Judo in Scotland, the programme has had a powerful impact in recent years, with participants playing a vital role in bringing the Judo For All strategy to life.
The programme offers meaningful opportunities to meet new people, build lasting friendships, and connect more deeply with the wider judo community. Throughout the journey, Senpai participants explore a range of development pathways within JudoScotland, gaining insight into coaching, officiating, volunteering, club support and personal development.
The impact speaks for itself: 80% of the 2025 participants reported feeling more confident after completing the programme, with 20% saying they felt much more confident, and 100% would recommend the Senpai Programme. We can’t wait to see what this year’s cohort will achieve.
JudoScotland Club Support Officer Sam Ingram, who leads the Programme, added “Building on the incredible achievements of previous Senapi participants, I am excited to work with this year’s cohort and see what they will achieve. In recent years, participants have embraced opportunities within their clubs and the wider community, taking on volunteer and paid roles, supporting younger judoka, and contributing with growing confidence and professionalism. With the strength and scope of this year’s cohort, I’m looking forward to seeing what they achieve through the programme.”
Introducing the 2026 Senpai Programme:
