A brief update from the JudoScotland Chair, Marc Preston, on activity in June
June was a particularly month across Scotland with lots going on with clubs as they prepare for the end of the school term through to their performance athletes.
On Tuesday 2nd the JudoScotland Board met as part of a review of the JudoScotland strategic planning processes – and how best to refine the approach we use to develop our next working plan. My thanks go to James Allan of Windlaw Consulting who ran the session for us, as well as to all of our Board members, thank you all for your input. I think we all agree how important it is that, going forward, we refine our strategy in what is an ever-changing landscape.
I flew down to London on 8th June for Karen Robert’s leaving do. I have known Karen most of my life, she was an exceptional judoka with too many great results to mention – a fantastic fighter and, over the last few years, we’ve been working very closely due to her position as British Judo Development Director.
I’ve found Karen to be an exceptional operator who has brought many ground-breaking initiatives to the table. For example, she was instrumental in the development of the Three Steps Safe Strategy that British Judo and the Home Nations have put at the forefront of their direction going forward. JudoScotland wishes Karen great success in her new role and looking forward to catching up soon.
The following day, on 9th June, I attended the British Judo Board meeting, where I presented a deep dive review of JudoScotland – our current thinking and initiatives. My thanks go to Andrew and Gerry for this opportunity to present. It is so important that all the Home Nations are aligned, and this exercise supported this.
You may have already picked up that we are now recruiting for my successor for the position of Chair. I am looking forward to working with the successful candidate and supporting a smooth transition through a succession plan over the coming months. Exciting times and hopefully lots of new ideas.
Those who have completed their gradings will have noticed a new resource for the Kai grading system for our under 8 members. My own personal experience is that children are loving the new cow/keyring/collectables. A definite plus!
With the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games taking place later this month, June provided some exiting announcements.
I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate the thirteen judoka who qualified for the Commonwealth Games. I hope their training is going well and I am looking forward to catching up with them very soon in Glasgow.
And I’d also like to congratulate the 23 Scottish Officials who have been selected to aid the smooth delivery of the Games.
And finally I would just like to congratulate Gordon Cameron on receiving his 6th Dan. Well done Weeg!! Gordon and myself go back a long way to both competing at the Commonwealth Games in 1990 in New Zealand. Where did the time go Gordon!!!
Hope you are all having a fantastic summer and a bit more sunshine!
Marc Preston, 7th Dan