Linlithgow Judo Club logo
Est. 1989
Linlithgow Judo Club
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Linlithgow • Est. 1989 • Traditional Judo

Train real judo in Linlithgow.

A welcoming Scottish club focused on strong fundamentals, practical Newaza, and steady progress. No nonsense. Just proper judo.

Established
1989
Focus
Adult Judo
Strength
Newaza
Linlithgow Judo Club logo artwork
Classes

Training that meets people where they are and helps them move forward.

From complete beginners to returning judoka, sessions focus on practical technique, steady improvement, and a club environment where people can train seriously without feeling out of place.

Main club sessions

Adult Judo

Structured technical coaching, drilling, situational work, and randori in a supportive training environment.

Start from zero

Beginners Welcome

You do not need prior experience, superhuman cardio, or a mysterious samurai bloodline. Just turn up and train.

Groundwork emphasis

Newaza Focus

A strong club interest in groundwork, transitions, control, escapes, and submissions within judo rules and culture.

Suggested next step

Training currently runs once per week at Queen Margaret Hall, Linlithgow ( ///sudden.releases.ferried ). Please arrive around 19:45 to help with mat setup if possible, and allow time after the session to help pack away. This keeps the club running smoothly and builds a strong team atmosphere.

Why Join

Why people stay once they start.

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Traditional Judo, Modern Club

A welcoming club with serious coaching, practical groundwork, and a strong focus on steady improvement.

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Adults First

Built with adult judoka in mind, whether you are returning to training or stepping on the mat for the first time.

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Technique That Works

Throwing, movement, control, and Newaza, all taught with a focus on usable, repeatable skill.

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Friendly, No-Nonsense Atmosphere

Hard training without the ego circus. The black belts are real, and so is the encouragement.

About

Linlithgow Judo Club has been building judoka since 1989.

The club blends traditional judo values with practical, high-quality coaching. It is designed to feel approachable without becoming watered down.

There is a strong appreciation for groundwork and technical detail, while still respecting the full shape of judo as a martial art and sport.

Linlithgow Judo Club is for people who want proper training, a supportive atmosphere, and the kind of steady progress that keeps you coming back.

Club Values
  • Respect on and off the mat
  • Good technique over empty intensity
  • Steady progress for every level
  • Supportive training culture
Perfect place for
  • Beginners looking for a proper start
  • Adults returning after time away
  • Judoka who enjoy Newaza and technical learning
  • People who want a real club, not a fitness gimmick
Male and female judoka training
Technique • Timing • Control

Real judo, taught in a welcoming club environment with strong technical coaching and a respect for steady improvement.

Coaches

Coaching built on decades on the mat.

Linlithgow Judo Club is led by coaches who have been part of the club since its earliest days. The aim is simple: teach proper judo in a friendly, supportive environment, with a strong focus on solid fundamentals, technical detail, and steady progress.

Coach

Paul

2nd Dan Judo · Black Belt in BJJ

An early member of Linlithgow Judo Club, Paul brings a strong emphasis on practical technique, steady development, and high-quality groundwork.

He also holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has spent years training across a wide range of clubs. Having been thrown by some of the best in the world, he is always glad to pass on the knowledge gained along the way.

Coach

Barclay

1st Dan Judo

Barclay has been part of Linlithgow Judo Club since the beginning and brings years of experience, continuity, and commitment to the mat.

His coaching helps keep the club grounded in proper judo, taught in a way that is approachable, supportive, and technically sound.

Club Continuity

Both coaches have been members of Linlithgow Judo Club since its earliest days, helping shape the club’s standards, atmosphere, and long-term identity.

First Session

Curious about joining? Come and try a session.

Reach out for class details, what to bring, and how to get started. No hard sell. No weird pressure. Just judo.

Contact the Club
FAQ

Questions people usually ask before stepping on the mat.

Can complete beginners join? +

Yes. Beginners are welcome. You will be introduced to the basics safely and progressively.

Do I need my own gi straight away? +

Not usually. Contact the club before your first session and we can let you know what to bring and whether loan kit is available.

Is the club suitable for adults returning after years away? +

Absolutely. Many adults come back to judo after a long break. The aim is to rebuild skill and confidence, not recreate 1998 in one night.

What should I bring to my first class? +

Bring comfortable training clothes, water, and a willingness to learn. Leave giant belt-tying confidence at the door if needed; that part comes later.

Contact

Ready to get started?

The easiest way to get in touch is by email, through Facebook, or by popping in before training. We are in the hall from 7:45pm on Tuesdays setting the mats out, so feel free to come and say hello.

Venue
Queen Margaret Hall, Linlithgow, West Lothian
what3words: ///sudden.releases.ferried
Training Time
Tuesdays, 8:00pm to 9:00pm
Arrive from 7:45pm if you want to say hello before training starts.
Social
First Visit

Come in, say hello, ask anything.

If you are thinking about starting judo, you are very welcome to pop your head in before training and have a chat. There is no pressure and no need to arrive knowing anything.

Our sessions are for adults aged 18 and over. If you are looking for children’s classes, we would be very happy to point you towards the excellent local Sportif Judo Club.

Bring comfortable training clothes, a bottle of water, and any questions you have. The rest can be figured out from there.

When
Tuesday
Time
8pm–9pm
Age
18+
Club Spirit

Serious judo. Good people.

The best clubs are not just built on technique. They are built on respect, consistency, and the kind of atmosphere that makes people want to come back next week.

Linlithgow Judo Club aims to give adults a proper place to train, improve, and enjoy being on the mat.

Respect Progress Community
Two judoka at Linlithgow Judo Club sharing a relaxed moment after bowing