Carnegie JC delivers the Yellow Belt Challenge programmes on behalf of The Fighting Chance Project (Scotland), a charity established in 2014 to bring the benefits of judo and the judo values to young people who would not usually have the chance to experience judo.

The Commissioner spent all morning with two groups of S1-2 pupils who take weekly judo classes—speaking with them for their views on many of the issues affecting young people today. Together with Jim Feenan and Andy Swinburne, Bruce presented each person with their JudoScotland licence, 1st Mon certificates and red belts.

The Commissioner’s visit was the second to a judo club, having recently been at the Edinburgh club. This visit gave Bruce a chance to see how judo can be used to help young people who may have social, emotional, or behavioural issues or other additional support needs.

We were delighted to have Bruce and his team with us to see first-hand how judo can help young people improve their lives and educational outcomes but also the challenges facing clubs and small charities working within the community.