Looking for judo classes in Aberdeen? Ultimate Judo provides expert coaching for children, adults, and complete beginners. Whether you want to build confidence, improve fitness, or compete, our classes are designed for all levels.
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.
We’re welcoming new beginners now!
Judo is a great way for children and adults to build confidence, fitness and new skills — and you don’t need any previous experience to start.
Find out what to expect, what to wear and how to book your FREE first session.
"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
15 August 2026
Success in judo isn't guaranteed by talent or hard work alone. It requires consistency, discipline, recovery, humility, resilience, good coaching and ownership of performance. The question is simple: if… Read more >
26 July 2026
Ultimate Judo was delighted to welcome Team Nigeria to our Aberdeen dojo as part of the team's final preparations for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Read more >
3 July 2026
If you're looking for free summer activities for kids in Aberdeen, Ultimate Judo is offering eligible young people the opportunity to take part in FREE judo classes throughout the summer holidays. 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 truly 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 judokas: Toshihiko Koga, Jeon Ki Young
Hobbies: Judo
Favourite food: Chateaubriand, medium rare
Favourite country to visit: Indonesia
Gordon McCathie is the founder and Head Coach of Ultimate Judo and a British Judo Association 5th Dan, with nearly 40 years of experience in judo.
Gordon started judo at the age of seven and has spent most of his life involved in the sport as a player, coach and volunteer. He co-founded Ultimate Judo in Aberdeen in 2010 with the aim of creating a club that combines high-quality technical judo with a welcoming environment where people of all ages and abilities can enjoy the sport and develop.
Over the years, Gordon has coached thousands of children and adults, from complete beginners taking their first steps onto the mat through to competitive judoka and black belts. His work has been recognised with a number of awards, including JudoScotland Participation Coach of the Year and the Scottish Samurai Award for his contribution to judo.
Gordon's involvement in sport extends beyond Ultimate Judo. He is Chair of ClubSport Aberdeen, supporting and representing sports clubs across Aberdeen, and a Trustee of Chat on the Mat, a Scottish mental health charity that uses judo and the values of the sport to help change lives.
He previously served as a Director and Vice-Chair of JudoScotland, the governing body for judo in Scotland.
Gordon has also developed strong international relationships through judo, particularly in Japan, and has helped create opportunities for Ultimate Judo members to train, travel and learn from some of the world's most respected judoka and coaches.
Despite those wider roles and experiences, Gordon's main focus remains the same as when Ultimate Judo began: helping people discover judo, enjoy being part of the club and become the best version of themselves both on and off the mat.
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.
