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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:
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:

"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:
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:

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

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