Hi all,
February started off with the All Stars – our developmental judo festival. During this event we trialled a range of different feedback mechanisms including feedback boards to gather comments and ideas, and given the nature of the event, we provided info sheets for parents with ‘an explanation of judo’. As always, these new style events are work-in-progress and we’ll be sure to use feedback to continue to evolve, improve and grow our offering.
On 6 February myself and my wife, Karen were invited to attend an event organised by the Consul General of Japan in Edinburgh, Mr Tadashi Fujiwara, to celebrate the Birthday of His Majesty The Emperor of Japan. We were there in my capacity as Chair and to represent Scottish Judo. It’s fabulous that judo is recognised in this way and the solid links our sport provides between both countries.
At the event we had the pleasure of meeting up with Dr George Kerr, 10th Dan and President Emeritus of JudoScotland and also Johnny Imrie, a long-standing member of the judo community in Scotland. And the sushi was delicious!
On 23rd February Judith and myself attended the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner, which, this year was held in New Cumnock. This gave us the opportunity to network and talk to potential business partners and leads.
And some good news from Gordon McCathie, our Vice Chair. He has just opened up his new permanent dojo which I will endeavour to visit at some point. Based on the photos/images I’ve seen of the dojo, it looks amazing! It has always been my opinion that judo in Scotland can only get stronger, the more permanent dojos we have.
On a Board level, we are currently appraising all of our Board Members – an ongoing process that happens this time every year.
And finally to finish, I – like many of you – am beginning to turn my mind to the Olympics in Paris in the Summer! Exciting times ahead!
Marc Preston
6th Dan