A Brief update from the Chair of some key events and recent news from June:

Hi Judo Community,

A quick update from me on events in June in the judo world.

Since our last update, Ronnie Saez and Andrew Scoular from British Judo came up to Scotland to present the BJA strategy going forward.   Our full board, Vice Presidents plus several member clubs all attended the session, which we found of particular interest, given that we are currently working on a strategy for JudoScotland.   My thanks go to all those involved.

On 4th June, a few colleagues from the Judo world and I had the pleasure of attending the wedding of Andy Miller and his new wife, Paula, in Gifford, East Lothian.    For those of you who don’t know, Andy worked for JudoScotland for several years.  It was an absolutely beautiful and joyous day and we wish Andy, Paula and the boys all the very best for their future life together.

The next day – I attended the excellently presented Nage No Kata course in Kilmarnock.  I’d like to thank Paul McGuinness, Paul Laverty and Alex Reid for organising and running this extremely informative event for JudoScotland.    I certainly learned a lot!

Later that week we had the announcement that 11 judoka have been picked to represent Scotland at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games.  I wish them all the best and looking forward to seeing them in action in early August.

And, on 18th June we had the very well-run and well-attended Granite City Grand Prix.  Again, thanks for all the organisation and help there.

And now, a few congratulations are in order.

  • First of all, well done to Billy Cusack for receiving the IJF Master Coach Award – brilliant recognition for a life dedicated to judo.
  • Also to Gary Edwards on achieving his 7th Judith McCleary and I went to Tulliallan on 14th to see the programme and to present Gary with his award.
  • Special mention must also go to Rick Kenney, our VP, who was successfully nominated to be Scottish representative on the British Judo Council
  • And finally, congratulations to Ronnie Saez on being elected to the role of Education Director on the European Judo Union Executive.   It has been many years since a Scot held such an influential and important position, and a great honour for Ronnie and Scotland.
  • And, from those towards the pinnacle of their judo career, to those starting out….fabulous to hear Judith’s son, at the tender age of 5, has taken up judo and won his first player of the week award. Many congratulations go to Glen!

And finally, we are now at around 90% of our pre-covid membership – and growing!  I’d like to thank all of our coaches, clubs and Judo Scotland colleagues for all the tremendous work that’s gone on to get us back up there.  Keep it going guys!

You can certainly never say that the judo world is boring!! More from me next month!

Marc Preston

JudoScotland Chair