Ultimate Judo is a multi-award winning Judo club based in the North East of Scotland, coaching Judo to students aged 4 years to 104 years. With classes to suit every level from recreational to competitive, we have something for everyone. Judo is so much more than a sport, it teaches important life lessons and skills.
We are so confident you or your child will enjoy learning Judo with us that we offer all new members a free trial session to let you experience the dojo.
Looking for a fresh challenge in 2026? Our Adult Beginner Judo Course is perfect for complete beginners of all ages. No experience or fitness level required — just a supportive environment where you can learn safely, build confidence, and enjoy something new at your own pace.
"I've been called Happo Biggins by the Japanese in the past while competing, this translating to Everyone's Friend. I can't think of anyone closer to this title than Gordon McCathie. I applaud his quest for technical excellence for himself and for his club with it's members. Ultimate Judo is an apt name as this is Gordon & his staff's attitude towards the progression and legacy of our sport."
Neil Adams MBE 9th Dan, World Champion 1981, 2 x Silver Olympic Medallist ('80 & '84), EJU Coaching Expert & IJF Hall of Fame inductee 2015
18 December 2025
2025 marked 15 years of Ultimate Judo and a year full of growth, connection, and shared achievement. From major milestones on the mat to community outreach, schools programmes, and international exchanges,… Read more >
17 December 2025
Huge congratulations to Nurul on achieving his Black Belt in Judo! This is a milestone that means a great deal to everyone at the club. Nurul has been part of our judo family for many years, and seeing… Read more >
16 December 2025
What a way to end the year for the club — another black belt. We are incredibly proud to congratulate Josh Davidson, who has achieved his 1st Dan in Judo at just 16 years of age, making him the youngest… Read more >
In 2019 i have got my 1st dan and i cannot express all my appreciation to Gordon who has inspired me to get to this point. For last few years i was ' distant ' member (having moved to Qatar), but it really did not matter the spirit of the gentle way to achieve the goal is going to remain with me for life only thanks to Gordon! He is trully inspirational Sensei who believes in what he teaches as well as believes in every person who is about but hesitant to step on mat !
Zaur, senior member
Head Coach and Partner
Gordon has been doing judo for over 35 years.
BJA Grade: 5th Dan
Age started: 4
Favourite technique: Seoi-Nage
Favourite judoka: Toshihiko Koga
Hobbies: Judo
Favourite food: Chateaubriand, medium rare
Favourite country to visit: Indonesia
Gordon started judo at the famous Edinburgh Club aged 4 following in the footsteps of his father and sisters. He trained under Dr. George Kerr (10th Dan) for many years before setting up Ultimate Judo in 2010 with his friend, Mark Mateer. Gordon met and married Yati in 2007 and they have 2 sons, Tristan and Raphael.
Gordon, now a 5th Dan through the British Judo Association, has won multiple awards for his approach to coaching including:
Yong persons Coach of the Year – Judo Scotland
Participation Coach of the Year – Judo Scotland
Scotland Award – British Judo Association
Service to Sport Award – Aberdeen Sports Council
Service to Sport Award – ClubSport Aberdeen
Shogun grade and Budo Hall of Fame member – Order of the Scottish Samurai
Gordon is currently Vice-Chair of Judo Scotland and chair of ClubSport Aberdeen.
Partner and Admin Lead
Yati has a love for travel and food.
Although not a Judoka herself, Yati was thrown into the Judo world when she met and married Gordon in 2007. Bringing her experience and skills in management and IT, Yati runs the day-to-day operations of Ultimate Judo and helps with the strategic planning within the club. Born in Indonesia, Yati is no stranger to martial arts, a former practitioner of Pincak Silat, her father and grandfather were masters of the art.
