A packed Walsall Campus buzzed with energy as the best of British judo took centre stage at this year’s National Team Championships — and it was Scotland’s young stars and London’s seasoned fighters who left everyone talking.
Scotland’s Golden Sweep Leaves Rivals in the Dust
What a day for Scottish judo! From the first bout to the final throw, Scotland’s teams brought grit and glory home. The Minor & Pre-Cadet Boys squad edged past a strong London side 4–3 in a nail-biting final. Thomas McCall and Jude Buchanan lit up the tatami with textbook throws, while Toby Ofakansi sealed the deal with a calm, clinical performance that earned Scotland gold.
One line: They didn’t drop a single match on their road to the final — wiping out Wales, Northern Home Counties and the South with ruthless efficiency.
It’s not every day you see a national squad sweep gold across all male age brackets. But Scotland did just that. Their Cadet & Junior Boys, Senior Men, and even Senior Women mirrored the Minor squad’s brilliance, making it a festival of gold for the Saltire flag.
London Keeps the Heat On
London, true to form, didn’t just turn up for the medals — they fought for every point. Their juniors and seniors locked in multiple podium finishes, showing why they’ve been a powerhouse in team judo for years.
One line: A London coach summed it up best — “The kids fought with heart. The seniors with brains. That’s London judo.”
The London boys pushed Scotland to the wire in the Minor & Pre-Cadet final. Though they took silver, their performance set the stage for a promising generation. Their Senior Women also put up strong fights, snagging critical wins that helped keep London near the top of the medal table.
Drama, Throws, and Roars of Team Spirit
Ask anyone who’s been — the National Team Championships are unlike anything else in British judo. Sure, individual titles mean the world. But this is about standing shoulder to shoulder, fighting not just for yourself but for the person next to you.
One moment summed it up: in the Minor final, Thomas McCall’s throw that scored ippon sent the Scottish corner into pandemonium. Coaches yelled. Parents cried. And teammates who’d fought earlier hugged like they’d won the Olympics.
Scotland’s Route to Glory: Perfect Run
It’s not easy to go unbeaten. Scotland did exactly that. Here’s a quick look at how their Minor & Pre-Cadet Boys squad made the final look almost too easy:
| Opponent | Result |
|---|---|
| Wales | Won — 5–0 |
| Northern Home Counties | Won — 5–0 |
| South | Won — 5–0 |
| London (Final) | Won — 4–3 |
Talk about consistency! Not one single slip — until the final’s last point, where they had to dig deep to keep the gold streak alive.
Big Smiles, Bigger Future
The feel-good factor in Walsall was real. Coaches, parents and officials all agreed — team events like this shape not just fighters, but friendships that last a lifetime.
One line: It’s about more than medals — though Scotland’s haul will take some beating next year!
As the tatami mats are packed away, the message is clear. Scottish judo is thriving. London’s not far behind. And the British judo community is growing stronger, one throw, one team, and one roar at a time.
