Message from Welsh Judo Chair, Marc Longhurst

Dear Members,

As we approach the end of 2022, I wanted to connect to share some highlights from the year and introduce our strategy for 2023-26. 

Firstly, it’s been great to see so many of you at events throughout the year and I was particularly pleased at our National Championships where I was able to connect and, most importantly, catch up after many years with those who played an instrumental part in my own Judo journey.  Throughout the year there have been many highlights, starting with the first time Welsh Judo had both male and female selections for the European senior championships.  This was followed by the arrival of Masashi and Kana Ebinuma who are truly remarkable people and a pleasure to host within our Welsh Judo community. 

As we headed towards the summer months, all attention turned to the Birmingham Commonwealth Games and we had our own adaptive player Deryn-Bach Allen-Dyer selected as part of the Queens Baton Relay team that travelled through Merthyr.  After months of hard work and preparation by the team, I had the pleasure of watching our Judoka take to the mat and come away not just with 2 medals but an experience that will never be forgotten.  This was particularly inspiring for our next generation of Judoka, many of whom are already performing at the highest level.  In 2022, we had 3 of our cadets compete at the European Cadet Championships and one of our Junior players compete at the European Youth Olympics.  This was in addition to several attendances at European Cups throughout the year and bodes well for the future.  

Looking towards 2023 I am pleased to communicate our new strategy that will guide us for the next 4 years.  Our strategy importantly recognises the impact Judo can have on people and the communities we serve, encapsulated by our mission:

“Building a better society through Judo – embracing the core principles and values of Judo to enable Judoka and the communities they serve to realise their full potential”.

And by delivering our strategy our vision for 2026 is to be:     

“A recognised sport in Wales renowned for empowering individuals and transforming society”

These statements are underpinned by 6 core goals and commitments to:

1. Broaden exposure and access to Judo for everyone
2. Foster a united “one Wales Judo” community
3. Deliver a positive experience for all
4. Be a leader in governance across sports in Wales
5. Embed ethics and integrity at the heart of Welsh Judo
6. Achieve podium success at all levels and abilities

Click here to download the WJA 2023 – 2026 Strategy or visit the Governance & Strategy Resource page here.

This is not a pivot away from competitive Judo but a drive to grow participation and maximise the impact we can have as a truly incredible martial art and sport.  Within Welsh Judo the team will be focused on living our mission daily and ensuring we achieve these goals.  As always, we cannot achieve this without the support and engagement of our clubs, members, officials, parents, and volunteer network.  We have great clubs across Wales but over the next 4-year period I want to further grow our reach whilst building a stronger, united “one Wales Judo” community.  I want to see our clubs grow together and support each other to achieve our vision as one.  Throughout 2023 you will see several new initiatives to help us achieve our ambition and I thank you in advance of your support in making these a success.  If you would like further information on the strategy the full document is available on our website (accessible here).

That’s all for now and I’d like to conclude by saying a huge thank you to you all for your continued efforts to deliver Judo to our members across Wales.  I wish you and your loved ones a happy and relaxing Christmas, and best wishes for a healthy 2023.

Warmest regards,

Marc   

Message from Welsh Judo CEO, Lucy Scott

Dear Welsh Judo community,

I am absolutely delighted to launch our new strategy for 2023-26 with the overarching aim of building a better society through Judo. Sport has given me so much and so many opportunities across my own life, and my own personal career spans across performance all the way through to grassroots and inclusivity. Judo is a fantastic sport, which we want to share with as many people and communities across Wales and create opportunities to build better lives and a better society.

It has been a pleasure meeting many of you so far in my first three months in post, and I hope to meet many more of you in 2023.

Have a wonderful Christmas and here is to a happy and healthy 2023.

Lucy