This week marks Scottish Women in Sport Week, a celebration of the women and girls who are breaking down barriers, building confidence and inspiring others to get involved in sport. Representation matters at every level, from grassroots participation to the highest levels of competition, and initiatives like JudoScotland’s Judo Girls Rise are helping ensure more women and girls feel welcome, supported and empowered to step onto the mat.
We caught up with Vikki Lawrie from Garioch Judo Club to hear about her judo journey. What began as a desire to try something new has developed into a passion for judo, lifelong friendships and a commitment to helping other women discover their own potential.
What first interested you in taking part in judo?
“My dad has taught judo my whole life, so I’ve always been involved in it in some way but never as a judoka. My son started judo at the age of 9 at Garioch Judo Club and continues to train with them when he’s back from uni, this meant I was lucky enough to be friends already with most people at the club. When it was mentioned that a ladies only class might start it was a no brainer. I actually had an accident in 2021 which resulted in fractures to my back, it was during my recovery that I decided I wanted to try new things, be braver and get fitter. Judo was the answer.”
Why did a Judo Girls Rise female only class appeal to you?
“I had never taken part in any sport as an adult, and I was quite conscious of the fact that I wasn’t very fit and a ladies only class made it so much more comfortable and helped me feel less self-conscious.”
What motivates you to keep coming back to judo every week?
“Judo is quite addictive, I love learning new things and being the fittest I’ve ever been, but it’s also the social aspect of it, I’ve made so many new and lifelong friends through judo, especially within my own club, I absolutely love our group of warrior women! A huge reason I keep coming back is also the women who have taught me judo, now my fellow coaches, Carol and Kirsty. I now attend mixed classes too, not just the ladies class and get the chance to learn from some really talented coaches within our club.”
Looking back, how has judo changed/ influenced you on and off the mat?
“I’m way more confident in myself and I have gained so many friends; I’m also fitter which is one of the main reasons I began judo.”
What has made you want to take the step into becoming a coach?
“Due to my prior injury I’m a little restricted on how much fighting I can do which sadly ruled out a competitive route, coaching was the other route, I’m quite good at taking things in and I enjoy helping others.”
Is there anything you have learned through judo you hope to pass on to the women and girls you coach?
“That I’m way more capable than I thought I was and other women are too, no matter their age or capability. Having injuries shouldn’t restrict you, judo is for all.”
Why do you think female only classes are important to encourage more women and girls into sport?
“I think to a degree, and for me, it allows you to relax more, be less self-conscious and less scared you’re going to be up fighting men. We also chat a lot in our group, mostly female subjects like periods and menopause and probably wouldn’t if it were a mixed class, it allows us to speak more freely.
What advice would you give to another woman who wants to take on a leadership role in their club, or is looking to start judo for the first time?
“Just go for it, learning a new skill, getting fitter and stronger and making amazing new friends is nothing to be embarrassed about and judo is such a male dominated sport but that’s not going to change unless more women get involved! Also, don’t think that age, injury or anything else means you can’t do judo, it’s a very adaptive sport which means anyone can do it!”
Through stories like Vikki’s, Scottish Women in Sport Week reminds us that representation is not just about being seen. It is about creating opportunities, building confidence and inspiring the next generation of women and girls to rise.
