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Ultimate Judo


Aberdeen’s premier judo club

Ultimate Judo is a multi-award winning Judo club based in the North East of Scotland, coaching Judo to students aged 4 years to 104 years. With classes to suit every level from recreational to competitive, we have something for everyone. Judo is so much more than a sport, it teaches important life lessons and skills.

Try judo for free

We are so confident you or your child will enjoy learning Judo with us that we offer all new members a free trial session to let you experience the dojo. 

Book a free trial

The Best Investment? People — and Your Future.

"Your future doesn’t just happen — you build it. At Ultimate Judo, we coach you to grow, lead, and thrive through Judo. By upskilling our members, we’re not just investing in them — we’re investing in the future of Judo itself."

 

Find out more

"I've been called Happo Biggins by the Japanese in the past while competing, this translating to Everyone's Friend. I can't think of anyone closer to this title than Gordon McCathie. I applaud his quest for technical excellence for himself and for his club with it's members. Ultimate Judo is an apt name as this is Gordon & his staff's attitude towards the progression and legacy of our sport."

Neil Adams MBE 9th Dan, World Champion 1981, 2 x Silver Olympic Medallist ('80 & '84), EJU Coaching Expert & IJF Hall of Fame inductee 2015

What’s been happening at Ultimate Judo

Robert boyd showing his katana's to the class

18 May 2025

A Night of Samurai Spirit: Judo Academy Hosts Japanese Sword Master Robert Boyd

As part of our ongoing cultural education at the Judo Academy, students experienced a remarkable event this Friday, diving deep into the world of the Samurai with none other than Robert Boyd, a 4th Dan… Read more >

News
Congratulations Ray Stevens on 5th Dan BJJ Promotion

13 May 2025

Congratulations Ray Stevens on 5th Dan BJJ Promotion

Ultimate Judo would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Ray Stevens, who was promoted to 5th Dan in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on Sunday, 12th May 2025. Read more >

News
photo of ultimate judo's dojo.

Event date: TBC

Ultimate Judo League – Local, Fun & Focused on Growth

We’re thrilled to launch the Ultimate Judo League, an in-house competition series designed to give every member of Ultimate Judo – from our newest 5-year-olds to our experienced youth – the chance to experience… Read more >

Event

In 2019 i have got my 1st dan and i cannot express all my appreciation to Gordon who has inspired me to get to this point. For last few years i was ' distant ' member (having moved to Qatar), but it really did not matter the spirit of the gentle way to achieve the goal is going to remain with me for life only thanks to Gordon! He is trully inspirational Sensei who believes in what he teaches as well as believes in every person who is about but hesitant to step on mat !

Zaur, senior member

Who we are

Image of Gordon McCathie

Head Coach and Partner

Gordon McCathie

Gordon has been doing judo for over 35 years.

Gordon McCathie

Head Coach and Partner

BJA Grade: 5th Dan

Age started: 4

Favourite technique: Seoi-Nage

Favourite judoka: Toshihiko Koga

Hobbies: Judo

Favourite food: Chateaubriand, medium rare

Favourite country to visit: Indonesia

Gordon started judo at the famous Edinburgh Club aged 4 following in the footsteps of his father and sisters. He trained under Dr. George Kerr (10th Dan) for many years before setting up Ultimate Judo in 2010 with his friend, Mark Mateer. Gordon met and married Yati in 2007 and they have 2 sons, Tristan and Raphael.

Gordon, now a 5th Dan through the British Judo Association, has won multiple awards for his approach to coaching including:

Yong persons Coach of the Year – Judo Scotland

Participation Coach of the Year – Judo Scotland

Scotland Award – British Judo Association

Service to Sport Award – Aberdeen Sports Council

Service to Sport Award – ClubSport Aberdeen

Shogun grade and Budo Hall of Fame member – Order of the Scottish Samurai

Gordon is currently Vice-Chair of Judo Scotland and chair of ClubSport Aberdeen.

Image of Yati McCathie

Partner and Admin Lead

Yati McCathie

Yati has a love for travel and food.

Yati McCathie

Partner and Admin Lead

Although not a Judoka herself, Yati was thrown into the Judo world when she met and married Gordon in 2007. Bringing her experience and skills in management and IT, Yati runs the day-to-day operations of Ultimate Judo and helps with the strategic planning within the club. Born in Indonesia, Yati is no stranger to martial arts, a former practitioner of Pincak Silat, her father and grandfather were masters of the art.