As we approach the end of 2024, I find myself reflecting on a year filled with incredible opportunities, meaningful connections, and exciting growth. From presentations and international training camps to new collaborations and personal achievements, it’s been a year of learning and pushing boundaries—both in my career and my personal life.
One of the year’s standout moments was in February, where I had the honor of presenting to the Scottish Judo Cadet Coaches alongside Tatum Keen. Invited by Gary Edwards, National Development Coach for Scotland, the positive reviews and heartfelt thanks from Judith McCleary, the CEO of JudoScotland, were both humbling and motivating.
In April, I joined Lele Nairne and Skye Knoester for an international training camp in Valencia. The experience was not only enjoyable but also enriching, offering a chance to grow alongside other talented athletes and coaches. The connections made here truly inspired me.
June was another highlight as I accompanied Ethan Nairne to Japan for three weeks of immersive Judo training. The trip allowed us to visit top Judo universities, meet World and Olympic champions, and even train alongside the Korean Olympic squad. One of the most unforgettable experiences was training at the Kodokan, where I enjoyed an inspiring randori session with an international group of seasoned judoka.
Returning from Japan, I had the privilege of attending the Olympic Prep Camp at the British Judo HQ in Walsall. It was a valuable opportunity to support athletes and coaches as they prepared for the Paris Olympics.
Speaking of the Paris Olympics, traveling with the coaches and players from Bradley Stoke Judo Club to support Lele was an amazing experience and a memory I will carry forward.
Throughout the year, I had the opportunity to work with talented judoka at The Athlete Factory in Chester, where I teamed up with Paul Reed and Marcus Unwin for strength and conditioning training. The ongoing collaboration with them has been invaluable, fostering growth in both coaching and athletes.
In August, I reached an important milestone: completing my Brainspotting Certification under the guidance of Thad Frye, verified by David Grand. I’m particularly excited about the presentation I’m planning with Thad for the Association of Applied Sport Psychology in 2025, where we hope to explore the use of Brainspotting in sports.
September brought new horizons through my connection with Ruth Chiles, author of A Focal Dystonia Cure and Free to Perform. We’re crafting an exciting collaboration that will culminate in presentations next year, including an opportunity to speak at the International Judo Federation’s Science Commission Conference in Croatia in June 2025. I look forward to the chance to share insights on mental performance coaching with judoka, using Ruth’s transformative Free to Perform model.
October was another enriching month, where I attended a training course with Dr. Gordon Barclay in Glasgow, learning the TDS (Toward Dialectic Self) model of integrative trauma therapy. This new knowledge has already added an exciting dimension to my practice, and I look forward to applying it to my work in the future.
As the year comes to a close, I’m gearing up for the C2 Winter Judo Camp at the end of December. It’s always a fantastic camp for young judoka, and it’ll be a great chance to catch up with coaches like Chris Bowles and Carl Finney.
I would like to make a special mention and thanks to Neil Eckersley, for his support during 2024 and opportunities opened to me through him.
I’d like to take a moment to express my gratitude to everyone I’ve had the pleasure of working with throughout this year. Your support, collaboration, and shared wisdom have been pivotal to my journey in 2024. As I look to 2025, I’m filled with excitement for the new challenges, collaborations, and opportunities that await.
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