About Us
Saltire represents an exciting new non-profit addition to the Scottish judo landscape.
This welcoming club is open to judoka of all levels, from beginners to experienced practitioners, and aims to deliver an enjoyable and comprehensive judo experience.
Meet The Team
David Halliday - Level 2 Coach
David started training in 1984 as a child in Musselburgh. He is passionate about Judo and believes that it should be available to all and no boundaries should be in place to allow access to it.
David has experience in other Martial Arts and has trained in Europe and Asia but he has chosen to focus solely on Judo after he fell in love it. He gets great enjoyment out of seeing students learning and smashing there goals.
Iain Scott - Level 2 Coach
Iain has been involved with grappling sports since the early 90's. Starting at Lasswade Judo Club at age 5, he continues his passion for developing his knowledge and skills in grappling such as Judo, BJJ and Wrestling.
As a competitive 1st Dan and Level 2 coach, Iain brings his passion and knowledge of Judo to support others who are keen to learn and embrace Judo
Andrew Collinge
Andrew serves as both the Club Welfare Officer and Treasurer. In his role as Club Welfare Officer, Andrew helps ensure a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all members. As Treasurer, he is responsible for overseeing the club’s finances and supporting its ongoing sustainability.
Alongside his committee roles, Andrew is also a student at the club, giving him a strong understanding of the member experience and allowing him to represent the interests of students effectively.
Contact: SaltireJudoClub@gmail.com (Subject: FAO CPWO)
The History of Judo - The Judo Code
Judo (often translated as “the gentle way”) is a Japanese martial art and Olympic sport founded by Jigoro Kano (1860–1938). Kano developed judo in the late nineteenth century by drawing on classical jujutsu schools and refining them into a system that emphasised safe practice, technical efficiency, and character development alongside effective throwing, holding, and groundwork.
In 1882, Kano established the Kodokan in Tokyo, which became the centre for judo’s development and teaching. The Kodokan helped standardise training methods, a formal curriculum of techniques, and a structured grading system that allowed students to progress through coloured belts towards black belt, reflecting increasing technical competence and understanding.
Judo grew rapidly in Japan and then internationally in the early twentieth century, supported by demonstrations, organised instruction, and its adoption within education and physical training. Kano’s guiding principles—Seiryoku Zenyo (maximum efficient use of energy) and Jita Kyoei (mutual welfare and benefit)—remain central to how judo is taught and practiced, shaping both the sporting and personal-development aspects of the art.
Judo made its Olympic debut at the 1964 Tokyo Games, cementing its global status as a major sport. Today, millions of people practise judo worldwide. Some focus on competition, following a ruleset designed to reward decisive throws and effective groundwork, while others practise for fitness, confidence, discipline, and practical self-defence skills. Across all settings, judo’s culture of respect, safety, and continual improvement reflects Kano’s enduring legacy.
