Ultimate Judo head coach Gordon McCathie feels the strength of the sport is growing in the region after winning a national award.
McCathie and Stuart McWatt senior, who is head coach at Garioch Judo Club, won the Scotland award at the British Judo awards ceremony this month, alongside Commonwealth Games athlete Billy Rodman.
Coming out of a difficult period during Covid, McCathie reckons the club is at its busiest level and it continues to feed his enthusiasm for the sport.
He also spoke of working with McWatt senior, to ensure anyone who has an interest in judo, at whatever degree of competitiveness, has access to it.
“The award was for people who contribute to their communities through and leading by example of judo values, such as discipline, respect and courage,” said McCathie.
“I love the sport. It’s a great feeling seeing adults and kids pushing themselves to improve, seeing their behaviour get better and confidence grow.
“It was a bit of a challenge coming out of Covid where behaviours had changed and people were tending to socialise more.
“But it’s playing a more important part in the mental health side of thing than we have previously noticed.
“We’re currently at 370 members a week, which for a minority sport up here is great.
“I think people are looking for things for their kids to do and see value in an established martial arts. It’s one of the biggest participation sports worldwide and I think people are realising that more than ever.”
North-east judo was represented on the international stage this summer, as McWatt’s youngest son Andrew competed at the Commonwealth Games. His eldest son Stuart junior is also a competitive judoka who has fought on the international stage for Great Britain.
“Me and Stuart (senior) work as close as we can together,” added McCathie. “We approach the same problem from different angles.
“My older kids, who are competing regularly, train with him as well and he has some seniors who come to us.
“We both just want judo to get bigger and better and for everyone to get the best experiences possible. It’s nice to have another club who want to grow the sport.”
