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.
Our Summer Timetable will be in operation from Saturday 4th July through to Saturday 15th August (inclusive).
During the summer holidays, some class times have changed to reflect our seasonal schedule, so please take a moment to check before attending.
As an added bonus, all of our Under 16 members can attend as many classes as they like throughout the summer at no extra cost. It's a great opportunity to train more often, build confidence, and continue developing your judo over the holidays.
Click here to see the full Summer Timetable.
We look forward to seeing you on the mat and hope you all have a fantastic summer!
"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
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 >
26 June 2026
As we approach the summer holidays, we'd like to thank all of our members and families for another fantastic year so far. Like every summer, we've made a few adjustments to our timetable to reflect… Read more >
10 June 2026
On 31st May, Ultimate Judo hosted its second kata course of 2025, bringing together judoka from across the region to develop their understanding of Nage no Kata and prepare for the recent changes to British… 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 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.
