3 July 2026
Thanks to funding from the Summer of Sport programme through Judo Scotland, this initiative is designed to remove financial barriers and give more children and young people the opportunity to enjoy regular sport in a safe, welcoming environment.
Whether your child has never tried judo before or is looking for a new activity to keep active over the school holidays, this programme offers sessions for beginners and experienced participants alike.
Finding activities that keep children active, engaged and building confidence over the summer can be challenging. Judo offers much more than exercise.
Participants develop:
Confidence and self-esteem
Balance, coordination and fitness
Respect and discipline
Resilience and problem-solving skills
Friendships and social connections
Unlike one-off holiday activities, our aim is to introduce young people to a sport they can continue enjoying long after the summer holidays have finished. Ultimate Judo provides a pathway from beginner sessions through to recreational participation and competitive opportunities for those who wish to progress.
This programme is available to new members aged 4–23 who meet one or more of the following criteria:
Young people living in areas of deprivation
Children and young people from low-income households
Care-experienced children and young people
Young carers
Disabled children and young people or those with additional support needs
Young people from minority ethnic communities
Refugees, asylum seekers and displaced young people
Young people who face financial or social barriers to participating in sport
If you're unsure whether your child qualifies, we're happy to have a confidential conversation.
The programme runs throughout the summer school holidays.
Please note that there will be no classes between 11–24 July due to our scheduled summer break.
After this, sessions continue for the remainder of the holidays.
Classes take place across two Aberdeen venues:
Garthdee Dojo – Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with an adult beginners class (16+) on Tuesdays.
Alex Collie Centre, Bridge of Don – Tuesday sessions for under-16s.
Our timetable includes classes for different ages and experience levels.
You can view the latest timetable here:
https://ultimatejudo.co.uk/news-and-events/2026/06/26/ultimate-judo-summer-timetable-2026/
Ultimate Judo has been helping children, teenagers and adults in Aberdeen enjoy judo since 2010. Our qualified coaching team provides a friendly, inclusive environment where everyone is welcome regardless of experience or ability.
Many of our members start through funded programmes like this before continuing as club members, making friends and developing skills that benefit them both on and off the mat.
Yes. Eligible new members can attend free sessions throughout the funded summer programme.
The programme is open to new members aged 4–23 years.
No. Beginners are welcome, and we'll place everyone into an appropriate class.
For a first session, comfortable sports clothing is suitable.
Eligible participants can attend classes throughout the summer, with sessions available up to six days per week, depending on age and timetable.
Our hope is that participants enjoy their experience and choose to continue with Ultimate Judo. We provide a clear pathway into regular club membership for anyone who wishes to keep training after the funded programme ends.
Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you'd like to find out more or check whether you're eligible, email gordon@ultimatejudo.co.uk.
You can also comment "INTERESTED" on our social media post advertising the programme, and we'll send you all the information you need.
We look forward to welcoming new families to Ultimate Judo this summer and helping more young people discover a sport they can enjoy for life.