Bio:
Men’s Head GB Coach for London 2012 Olympic Team. High Performance Coach for Scotland. Billy has been involved in every Olympic Games, as either a player or coach, since the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
Billy was personal and mat side coach for five of the London 2012 Olympians and was the coach for many athletes in the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Billy has been involved in judo his whole life, and began his coaching career in schools within Edinburgh.
He has 29 years of coaching experience, from grassroots level, through to World Championships, Commonwealth and Olympic Games. Travelling through judo, has allowed him to see parts of the world, that as a child, he could have only dreamed of. He has met many people on his judo journey, leading to long lasting friendships.
Billy is involved with Edinburgh Judo on every level and you will often see him on the mat coaching all of our children and adults, passing on his knowledge and experiences.
Motto:
"It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog"
Role Model:
My father Patrick
Favourite Judo Moment:
Competing in the Barcelona Olympics!
Favourite Judo Player:
Yasahiro Yamashita
Favourite Judo Technique:
Uchi Mata
What Makes You Laugh:
The Marx Brothers

Billy Cusack
Director of Coaching
Coach Level:
Level 3 UKCC
Nickname:
Billy the Boss
Grade:
7th Dan
Bio:
I have always had a ‘never give up’ attitude, it’s helped me throughout my sporting career and I know it will stand me in greater stead moving forward. I now love what I do. I am part of a wonderful family within the judo club and the wider community.
People that care and want to make a difference. I’d like to continue being part of growing and developing and helping people to fulfil their potential.
Motto:
"The real journey begins when you stand back up again"
Role Model:
My mam and dad
Favourite Judo Moment:
Winning the European title in 2006 and beating one of, if not the greatest female player of our generation, Lucie Decosse of France. Also, because, in the lead up to the tournament, I’d been injured, and I believe most people didn’t think I could do it.
Favourite Judo Player:
Kosei Inoue, Neil Adams
Favourite Judo Technique:
Uchi Mata
What Makes You Laugh:
Lorraine when she laughs at “Billyyyyyyyy”

Sarah Clark
CEO
Coach Level:
Level 2 UKCC
Nickname:
Clarky
Grade:
6th Dan
Bio:
I've not added my bio yet, but it'd be great to meet you! Why don't you come in and join us for a free trial!
Motto:
"You'll never know if something is for you until you try it. Why don't you come and try Edinburgh Judo?!"
Role Model:
Billy Cusack
Favourite Judo Moment:
Commonwealth Bronze – took a lot of blood sweat and tears..I’d set my heart on it and did it!
Favourite Judo Player:
Ryoko Tani
Favourite Judo Technique:
Kouchi Gari
What Makes You Laugh:
I laugh every day and a lot at myself

Karen Cusack
UKCC Level 2 Junior Development Coach
Coach Level:
Level 2 UKCC
Nickname:
Cusack
Grade:
1st Dan
Bio:
Tokyo Olympian and Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Champion. I have endured many ups and downs during my judo career. This has made me the person I am today and has built in me a drive to help others become better today than than they were yesterday. I believe that having the right people around you to support your journey, whatever that may be, is extremely important and leads to better experiences and results.
Involved in coaching judo on many levels from grassroots to performance. I have delivered programmes as an athlete mentor, and as a role model for young people from a diverse range of backgrounds that has led me to positively influence the lives of many more.
Motto:
"The only person you should try to be better than, is the person you were yesterday!"
Role Model:
My Mum
Favourite Judo Moment:
Winning the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow because both my Mum and Dad were in the crowd.
Favourite Judo Player:
Kosei Inoue
Favourite Judo Technique:
O Soto/Harai Goshi
What Makes You Laugh:
A lot of things, it’s good to laugh.

Sarah Adlington
UKCC Level 2 Coach
Coach Level:
Level 2 UKCC
Nickname:
Big Sarah
Grade:
4th Dan
Bio:
Edinburgh Judo member since I was 5 years old, Sarah Adlington’s training partner for Commonwealth Games.
Motto:
"Have fun and smile!"
Role Model:
My Dad
Favourite Judo Moment:
National Teams GOLD because I won the deciding fight.
Favourite Judo Player:
Ryunosuke Haga
Favourite Judo Technique:
Uchi Mata
What Makes You Laugh:
Vines

Reece Calder
UKCC Level 2 Junior Development Coach
Coach Level:
Level 2 UKCC
Nickname:
Mowgli/Rooster
Grade:
2nd Dan
Bio:
I've not added my bio yet, but it'd be great to meet you! Why don't you come in and join us for a free trial!
Motto:
"It's hard to beat a person that never gives up"
Role Model:
My parents
Favourite Judo Moment:
Commonwealth Games Bronze Medal!
Favourite Judo Player:
Sabrina Filzmoser
Favourite Judo Technique:
Koshi Guruma
What Makes You Laugh:
Being with my crazy friends and family

Connie Ramsay
UKCC Level 2 Junior Coach
Coach Level:
Level 2 UKCC
Nickname:
Ronnie
Grade:
2nd Dan
Bio:
Motto:
"Working hard or hardly working?"
Role Model:
Billy Cusack
Favourite Judo Moment:
Meeting, and going for dinner with, Yasuhiro Yamashita.
Favourite Judo Player:
Yasuhiro Yamashita
Favourite Judo Technique:
Uchimata
What Makes You Laugh:
Breakfast

Scott Cusack
UKCC Level 2 Coach
Coach Level:
Level 2 UKCC
Nickname:
Big Conky
Grade:
1st Dan
Bio:
I've not added my bio yet, but it'd be great to meet you! Why don't you come in and join us for a free trial!
Motto:
"Life is too short to wake up with regrets, so love the people that treat you right, forget about those who don’t BELIEVE everything happens for a reason, if you get a chance, take it. If your life changes, let it. Nobody said life would be easy but they promised it would be worth it."
Role Model:
Billy Cusack
Favourite Judo Moment:
Watching Sally Conway win Bronze a the Olympic Games 2016.
Favourite Judo Player:
Kosei Inoue
Favourite Judo Technique:
Ko-Uchi-Gari
What Makes You Laugh:
My kids everyday

Kirsty McNeill
UKCC Level 2 Coach
Coach Level:
Level 2 UKCC
Nickname:
Kurst
Grade:
1st Dan
Bio:
Involved in judo since the age of five. Team NI member for 2014 CWG. British medallist at junior, senior and master events. Numerous British Police titles.
I feel extremely fortunate to have been able to compete/train all over the world and meet lots of amazing people, many whom have become firm friends. Very proud to be part of Edinburgh Judo and really do believe that they change lives for the better. Constantly impressed by the incredible team and members.
Still clinging on to my competitive side but focus is switching to give something back, along with providing support to those who wish for it.
Motto:
“Speak softly and carry a big stick”
Role Model:
My dad
Favourite Judo Moment:
Seeing the club members (of all ages and levels) develop and achieve their goals is pretty cool.
Favourite Judo Player:
Yasuhiro Yamashita
Favourite Judo Technique:
Harai Goshi
What Makes You Laugh:
My kids

Gavin McNeill
UKCC Level 2 Coach
Coach Level:
Level 2 UKCC
Nickname:
Gav
Grade:
5th Dan
Bio:
I Started judo when I was 4 years old. My parents thought I needed to be able to defend myself and hoped it would build my confidence. It has definitely ticked both of these boxes as well as so much more.
Motto:
If you cant find a way, make a way!
Role Model:
My Mum
Favourite Judo Moment:
Getting my black belt and my first Senior British Medal to get onto the British Squad
Favourite Judo Player:
Beka Gviniashvili
Favourite Judo Technique:
Eri Seoi Nage
What Makes You Laugh:
Too much to say!

Jason Davis
UKCC Level 2 Coach
Coach Level:
Level 2 UKCC
Nickname:
Jamazin
Grade:
1st Dan
Bio:
I've not added my bio yet, but it'd be great to meet you! Why don't you come in and join us for a free trial!
Motto:
"You'll never know if something is for you until you try it. Why don't you come and try Edinburgh Judo?!"
Role Model:
I look up to lots of people, I'm not short though!
Favourite Judo Moment:
Receiving my Black Belt!
Favourite Judo Player:
Shohei Ono
Favourite Judo Technique:
Harai Goshi
What Makes You Laugh:
Me

Craig Arundel
UKCC Level 2 Coach
Coach Level:
Level 2 UKCC
Nickname:
Arnold
Grade:
2nd Dan
Bio:
I've not added my bio yet, but it'd be great to meet you! Why don't you come in and join us for a free trial!
Motto:
"You'll never know if something is for you until you try it. Why don't you come and try Edinburgh Judo?!"
Role Model:
Billy Cusack
Favourite Judo Moment:
5th at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014.
Favourite Judo Player:
Patrick Dawson
Favourite Judo Technique:
Osoto Gari
What Makes You Laugh:
People trying to do my (Irish) accent!

Eoin Fleming
UKCC Level 1 Coach
Coach Level:
Level 1 UKCC
Nickname:
Irish
Grade:
2nd Dan
Bio:
I've not added my bio yet, but it'd be great to meet you! Why don't you come in and join us for a free trial!
Motto:
"You'll never know if something is for you until you try it. Why don't you come and try Edinburgh Judo?!"
Role Model:
Billy Cusack
Favourite Judo Moment:
Being awarded my Black Belt!
Favourite Judo Player:
Georgii Zantaraia
Favourite Judo Technique:
Ippon Seio-Nage
What Makes You Laugh:
TV comedies

Jack Ferry
UKCC Level 1 Coach
Coach Level:
Level 2 UKCC
Nickname:
Jack
Grade:
1st Dan
Bio:
I've not added my bio yet, but it'd be great to meet you! Why don't you come in and join us for a free trial!
Motto:
"A river cuts through a rock not because of power but because of persistence."
Role Model:
My mum
Favourite Judo Moment:
Getting my black belt!
Favourite Judo Player:
Tadahiro Nomura
Favourite Judo Technique:
Ippon Seio-Nage
What Makes You Laugh:
My best friend

Aine Ferry
UKCC Level 1 Coach
Coach Level:
Level 1 UKCC
Nickname:
Ferry
Grade:
1st Dan
Bio:
Motto:
"Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you sew."
Role Model:
My Grandad
Favourite Judo Moment:
Having a training session at the Kodokan – the birthplace of Judo.
Favourite Judo Player:
Shohei Ono
Favourite Judo Technique:
Osoto Gari
What Makes You Laugh:
Come Fly With Me

Ollie Short
UKCC Level 1 Coach
Coach Level:
Level 1 UKCC
Nickname:
Ol
Grade:
1st Dan
Bio:
I've not added my bio yet, but it'd be great to meet you! Why don't you come in and join us for a free trial!
Motto:
"What we believe we become"
Role Model:
Billy Cusack
Favourite Judo Moment:
Joining the club and feeling at home straight away!
Favourite Judo Player:
Tadahiro Nomura
Favourite Judo Technique:
Ippon Seo
What Makes You Laugh:
Most things

Alex Short
Assistant Coach
Coach Level:
Assistant Coach
Nickname:
Chong
Grade:
1st Dan
Bio:
Motto:
"You'll never know if something is for you until you try it. Why don't you come and try Edinburgh Judo?!"
Role Model:
None
Favourite Judo Moment:
Training at Ratho with the national team!
Favourite Judo Player:
Georgii Zantaraiai
Favourite Judo Technique:
Seio Nage
What Makes You Laugh:
Steve Carell

Parham Benham
UKCC Level 1 Coach
Coach Level:
Level 1 UKCC
Nickname:
Paz
Grade:
1st Kyu
Bio:
As young person I was always very active and sporty. I tried many sports from swimming to gymnastics but in the end judo was the one I fell in love with. It’s taught me so much more than I ever expected. I’ve not only learned how to fight but more importantly how to get back up and go again, in training and in life. This mentality has set me in good stead.
Motto:
"Doesn’t matter what happened just get back up and don’t stop"
Role Model:
Patrick Dawson
Favourite Judo Moment:
Becoming a coach.
Favourite Judo Player:
Shohei Ono
Favourite Judo Technique:
Ouchi Gari
What Makes You Laugh:
Tom and Jerry

Ethyn Smith
UKCC Level 1 Coach
Coach Level:
Level 1 UKCC
Nickname:
Smithy
Grade:
1st Dan
Meet The Team
We're here to Help
Contact Lorraine for any information about classes and booking a trial session. Talk to her via our live chat, give her a call on +44 7710 795216 or press the button below!
Lorraine Cusack-Brown
Admin & Office Manager
Nickname:
The Problem Solver
