The Scottish Judo Championship is a very special event in the Judo calendar. This year, Pro Judo had an amazing 41 entrants across all age groups. The club is going from strength to strength and the players managed to win an incredible 10 gold, 7 silver and 17 bronze medals. A fitting reward for the hard work and dedication throughout the year.

There were so many wonderful stories on the day. And plenty of fabulous judo to watch. As ever, the players did themselves, their families and the club proud – fighting with courage and demonstrating superb sportsmanship – whilst supporting their teammates to the hilt.

Rachel Tytler, our Commonwealth Games bronze medallist retained her Scottish title – adding another golden note to a very special year.

Bohdan and Platon – here in Scotland to escape the tragic events unfolding in Ukraine are wrestlers back home. Through hard work and application, they have taken to judo well. Bohdan created a stir at cadet u90kg, giving experienced players plenty of food for thought. His wee brother, Platon did even better. In a skilful group of pre-cadets, he fought through to the final to pick up a very well-deserved silver medal. We have been delighted to open the doors at the club to our Ukrainian friends and we hope that judo has helped make the difficulties they face, just a little more bearable.

Reza and Kawan are friends of the club who have settled in Scotland having fled their homes in Iran. International refugee coaches were here to offer a road back into international competition and the boys worked hard to secure their places. Kawan did especially well, retaining the u66kg senior title he won last year.

Largs local girl and a judoka with Projudo for 10 years, Esther won her first Scottish Gold on home soil. Having won the cadet title – she gamely fought in the senior group on Sunday, only to suffer a nasty shoulder injury. Esther also secured the final points required for her black belt. Eden Heffernan, back after five months following a nasty knee injury won the u73kg cadet title and then – much to our relief, came through the senior event unscathed – winning four fights and some much prized 2nd dan grade points.

Brother and sister Logan and Lois won their respective categories, cueing up some great family celebrations over the weekend – and ensuring that bragging rights were shared equally. Logan won his category as a first-year cadet a special achievement indeed.

And who could forget the tears of joy from Jack Docherty as he won his category in fine style. Or the sigh of relief from Finlay Whitelaw when – after a lot of close things at Grand Prix through the year, he was able to clinch the big prize with some wonderful throwing.

The East Dunbartonshire duo – Rachel Tytler and David Ferguson are thrilled to be named in the 11-strong judo squad for this year’s commonwealth games – to be held in Birmingham this summer.

Judo was a huge hit at the 2014 games in Glasgow when Team Scotland delivered a massive haul of judo medals.

Rachel and David are hopeful that the team can repeat that success at this year’s games and are keen to play their part.

The pair grew up in east Dunbartonshire and still coach at the ProJudoclub. They train full-time at the national centre in Ratho, Edinburgh, where the coaching team includes past medal winners Euan Burton and Billy Cusack.

For them, this represents a proud moment and a fitting reward for thousands of hours of hard work and preparation.

Rachel (24) – will fight at under 78kg. She said – the commie games are special and we all have great memories of Glasgow 2014. Normally we represent Team GB and the chance to fight for Scotland is a great honour.

David (24) is a 60kg player and added – being picked is a great buzz and we are both really proud to be going as part of a great Scotland team. The training is really hard – but enjoyable. Events like the games only come along every so often – so we are hoping to do well.

The countdown for the games in Birmingham has started and team Scotland’s judo preparations are well underway. Let’s hope Rachel and Davis can do well for Glasgow and Scotland.

Photo Credit – Louise Mallan Photography