A brief update from the JudoScotland Chair Marc Preston on activity in August.
On Saturday 2nd August I had the privilege of meeting up with Hidetoshi Nakanishi, former World Judo Champion and world-renowned coach from Japan. We went for a meal, alongside our recently appointed Head of Performance, Alberto Borin and Performance Pathway Coach, Gary Edwards. We had a tremendous time catching up and remembering the time that Nakanishi spent in Scotland many years ago! The next morning he took a Technical Masterclass for JudoScotland at Ratho, and, during his visit he was also able to pick-up again with Dr George Kerr 10th Dan.
On 12th August I had an online meeting with British Judo to discuss some potential changes to the strategy for the next 7 years.
On 19th we had our JudoScotland Board Meeting. The Session was highly constructive and I’d like to personally thank Doc McKelvey, Chief Executive Officer at Scottish Gymnastics. He provided a fabulous presentation about his sport. Interestingly many of the challenges faced by his Board mirror our own and he provided some highly productive insights and ideas that we will take forward with the benefit of Scottish Gymnastics experiences.
Andrew Scoular, Chief Executive Officer of British Judo, was up towards the end of the month to meet with the Home Nation CEOs. I had the pleasure of meeting up with him and ex-Director Graham Campbell afterwards for a catch-up meal – super night had by all.
I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate Jason Moore and Neil Malone on their outstanding achievements in their recent Dan grade promotions. Neil was awarded his 7th Dan and Jason received his 6th Dan, both presented during the recent Kata course, very well deserved.
Then, on 28th August I was back in the JudoScotland offices where we filmed my Chair’s Annual Review of 2024 which will be played at the forthcoming AGM on 28th September. I’m really looking forward to linking up with many of you on the day, and I’m especially excited for you to meet our newly established Performance Team.
Marc Preston, 7th Dan