28 October 2026
Belonging (noun): The feeling of being accepted, valued and included as part of a group, community or place.
It's a simple word, but when you really think about it, belonging means an awful lot.
I think when you strip everything else away, belonging is really about finding your people. Those people don't necessarily have to be like you, come from the same background or share the same ambitions. Sometimes the strongest friendships develop between people who might never have crossed paths otherwise. Yet through judo, they find a connection, sharing experiences, challenging one another, celebrating successes and supporting each other when things don't go quite to plan.
People walk through our doors for all sorts of reasons. Some have ambitions to become champions, others want to improve their fitness, build confidence, make friends or simply try something new. Whatever brings them to judo, I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to find their place within the club. Of course, that doesn't always happen immediately. For some, walking into a room full of strangers is easy, while for others it can be a huge challenge. Making friends, trusting people and allowing yourself to become part of a group isn't always straightforward, and that's something we have to recognise as coaches.
There's another side to belonging that I think is sometimes overlooked. Community isn't something that can simply be provided by a club or organisation. It has to work both ways. We can create the environment, offer opportunities and make people feel welcome, but a genuine community develops when people also invest something of themselves in it.
That doesn't mean everyone has to volunteer or give up hours of their time. Sometimes it's simply encouraging someone who's struggling, welcoming a new member or showing an interest in another person's progress. We all have different circumstances and different amounts to give, but those small gestures help create something much bigger.
And there's something particularly special about the trust involved. When someone joins our club, we're being invited to become a small part of their life. We get to share in their achievements, disappointments and sometimes challenges that have very little to do with judo. Equally, they become part of our story and help shape the club into what it is today.
We don't just invite people to become part of our club's story. They allow us to become part of theirs.
That's a real privilege, and something I don't think we should ever take for granted.
One of judo's fundamental principles, established by Jigoro Kano, is Jita Kyoei – Mutual Welfare and Benefit. It's a principle that fits beautifully with this year's theme. In judo, we rely on one another to learn and improve. We need training partners, coaches and people willing to share their time, patience and experience. The respect, trust and consideration we develop on the mat should extend well beyond it.
Since starting Ultimate Judo in Aberdeen in 2010, we've watched the club grow enormously, but it's the people and relationships that make it what it is. Our members, families, coaches, volunteers and even those who've moved on have all contributed to our story. We're certainly not perfect, and building a community takes work, patience and a willingness to keep learning, but I hope we never lose sight of what really matters.
As a coach, I've been fortunate enough to share in some wonderful achievements over the years. But alongside the competition successes, gradings and personal milestones, it's often the friendships and connections that stay with me. Seeing people find somewhere they feel comfortable, valued and part of something is incredibly rewarding.
You might walk through the doors looking for somewhere to learn judo, but somewhere along the way, you find your people.
On World Judo Day, thank you to everyone who has helped make our club what it is today. Whether you're still training, have moved on or are just beginning your journey, you're all part of our story.
Happy World Judo Day 2026!
Event date: 8th November 2026
