Business Details
Expert Judo Training in Edinburgh for All Ages
Edinburgh Judo has been a cornerstone of martial arts training in Scotland for over three decades. Our main dojo at St Margaret's House offers more than 25 weekly classes catering to all ages, from children as young as three to senior practitioners. With a team of highly qualified coaches, including Olympic-level instructors and Commonwealth Games medalists, we deliver structured judo programmes that emphasize technical excellence, personal development, and competitive success. Our community outreach extends to five Edinburgh locations and partnership schools, ensuring accessible training opportunities across the city.The club's philosophy combines traditional martial arts values with modern coaching methodologies, fostering physical fitness, mental resilience, and character development. Our coaches bring extensive competitive experience from grassroots to international levels, creating a supportive environment where members achieve personal milestones while preparing for regional, national, and global competitions.
Services
Judo Classes
Community Training
School Programmes
Competitive Coaching
Beginner Sessions
Highlights and features
- We offer Olympic-standard coaching from 7th Dan Master Coaches
- Our Commonwealth Games medalists deliver proven competitive training programmes
- Community classes available in five Edinburgh locations
- Structured pathway from beginner to elite competition levels
- Family-friendly environment with classes for ages 3 to seniors
Services
Judo Classes
Structured judo instruction for all ages and abilities. Our main dojo offers over 25 weekly classes with expert coaching from beginner to elite levels. Specialised sessions develop technical proficiency, physical conditioning, and competitive strategies. Programmes accommodate children from age 3 through to senior practitioners.
Community Training
Accessible judo programmes across Edinburgh's districts. Five community locations provide convenient training opportunities with qualified instructors. Term-time sessions focus on grassroots development and family participation in Corstorphine, Portobello, Broughton, Ravelston, and Roseburn areas.
School Programmes
Curriculum-based judo instruction within partner schools. Qualified coaches deliver term-time sessions focusing on physical development and character building. Programmes align with educational objectives while introducing martial arts fundamentals to pupils aged 5-18.
Competitive Coaching
High-performance training pathway for aspiring competitors. Olympic-level coaches provide technical refinement, competition strategy, and mental preparation. Athletes progress through regional, national, and international competition levels with personalized development plans.
Beginner Sessions
Welcoming environment for new judo practitioners with no prior experience. Foundational techniques, safety protocols, and basic movements taught in structured beginner programmes. Free trial sessions available to experience our training approach before committing.
People
Billy Cusack
Director of Coaching
7th Dan IJF Master Coach with 30+ years' experience developing Olympic athletes. Established Scotland's most successful full-time training programme, coaching from grassroots to international competition levels.
Sarah Clark
CEO
6th Dan coach and Commonwealth Games medalist with 18 years as a full-time elite athlete. Combines competitive expertise with strategic leadership, holding an Executive MBA from Chicago Booth School of Business.
Sarah Adlington
Programme Manager
4th Dan coach and double Commonwealth Games gold medalist. University graduate in Sport and Recreation Management, specialising in athlete development pathways and programme coordination.
Scott Cusack
Lead Performance Coach
2nd Dan UKCC Level 2 coach with international competition experience. Specialises in developing technical proficiency and competitive strategies for advanced judokas through personalised training programmes.
Lorraine Cusack-Brown
Lead Business Support
Club administrator managing class bookings, trial sessions, and member communications. Provides first point of contact for prospective members seeking information about programmes and availability.
Questions
What age groups do you cater for?
We offer classes for children starting at age 3 through to senior practitioners, with specific programmes tailored to different age groups and skill levels.
Do you offer trial sessions for beginners?
Yes, we provide free trial sessions to help newcomers experience our training environment and determine if judo suits their needs and goals.
Are community classes available outside central Edinburgh?
Our community outreach includes five locations across Edinburgh: Corstorphine, Portobello, Broughton, Ravelston, and Roseburn/Murrayfield areas.
Can school pupils join your judo programmes?
We partner with local schools to deliver judo sessions during term time, with classes specifically designed for enrolled pupils' development needs.
What competitive opportunities exist for members?
Our structured pathway supports competitors from regional events through national championships to international competitions, guided by Olympic-experienced coaches.
