18 December 2025
Looking back on 2025, it’s hard to sum it up with numbers alone. This year wasn’t just about classes taught, belts earned, or events delivered — it was about people. It was about watching the club continue to grow in the way we’ve always hoped it would: as a community and a family.
Every session, event, and milestone this year has been shaped by the incredible people who step onto the mat, support from the sidelines, and give their time to make this club what it is.
One of the most special moments of the year was celebrating 15 years of Ultimate Judo at our anniversary gala, beautifully organised by Yati. It brought together members past and present to celebrate the journey we’ve shared.
We laughed, cried, danced, and drank the night away — and in that room, it was clear how strong the bonds within this club really are. It was a reminder that Ultimate Judo isn’t just a place to train; it’s a place where friendships are built and people look out for one another.
Throughout the year, the mats were never quiet.
We taught 1,153 classes, launched a Ne-waza-only session, trialled fitness sessions, and continued to welcome new members into the club. Seeing 26% of our membership now female is something we’re incredibly proud of and reflects the inclusive environment we work hard to maintain.
Along the way, we celebrated some huge individual milestones:
1 new 6th Dan
4 new Black Belts
Each one represents years of effort, setbacks, progress, and belief.
Our competitors stepped up time and time again, bringing home multiple medals from Grand Prix tournaments and Scottish Student Sport competitions. More importantly, they represented the club with humility, respect, and courage — exactly how judo should be.
This year also reminded us how powerful judo can be beyond our own walls.
We once again participated in a ParaSports Festival, ran 9 weeks of Fun Camps, installed a community defibrillator for public use, Coached Judo at activity weeks in schools, and launched the Sam Lynch Award, recognising the values that matter most to us.
We also continued to strengthen links with local schools, with judo being introduced into some schools as part of PE programmes through Stuart’s placements. Seeing judo reach new young people in an educational setting has been incredibly rewarding and is something we’re excited to build on moving forward.
Our partnership with Aberdeen Grammar Rugby Club was another major highlight, working with P6, P7, U16, and 1st XV teams and seeing judo principles make a real difference in another sport.
2025 deepened our connection to judo’s roots and its future.
We launched our Academy Project, introducing students to Japanese culture and leadership through monthly modules and talks, including:
Iaido with Sensei Robert Boyd
A leadership talk with Bob Keiller
We were honoured to host Takahama Judo Club from Japan, run Japan Day demonstrations, and learn from incredible coaches through masterclasses with the Sasaki Family and Rodger Bornowski.
These moments reminded us that judo is a lifelong journey of learning.
Supporting our coaches and members remained a priority. This year saw:
The launch of our Coaching Academy, to grow our youth into amazing coaches.
multiple training courses including Trauma awareness and mental health training for all coaches
The OSS Taisho Award presented to Coach Gordon
These steps ensure the club continues to be a safe, supportive, and high-quality environment for everyone.
None of this happens without the people who give their time, energy, trust, and support — members, families, volunteers, coaches, and friends of the club.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
Built on values. Driven by people.
Here’s to whatever the next year brings.
