MEET THE TEAM
Lorraine Cusack-Brown
Role: Lead Business Support
Contact Lorraine for any information about classes and booking a trial session. Talk to her via our chat, send an email to enquiries@edinburghjudo.com or press the button below!
Jade Cusack
Role: Business Support
Andrea Robertson
Role: Design & Marketing
Our Coaching Team
Billy Cusack
Role: Director of Coaching
Grade: 7th Dan
Coach Level: IJF Master Coach
I have 30+ years of coaching from grassroots to the Olympic stage. While still competing, I began coaching children in schools in Edinburgh and set-up a full-time
training programme in Scotland for athletes with aspirations of competing on the world and Olympic stage. Many athletes chose to be part of this set-up, and it became one of the most successful in Great Britain.
Having been involved in the Olympic Games as either a player of a coach since 1992, I have extensive experience coaching and developing people to be the best they can be, passing on knowledge and experience and coaching people for sport
and for life.
I am happiest when spending time in the club and on the mat talking with peoplefrom all walks of life and coaching people of all ages and abilities.Kosei Inoue
Uchi mata
Stepping out onto the judo mat at the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games, knowing that my mum, dad and sisters Lorraine and Karen were in the crowd, having driven there to support me, was an unforgettable moment.
Looking back I feel incredibly proud to have been selected to compete at the Olympic Games. I put in so much hard work and had the support of so many people and I was glad that I could make them proud.
My two grandchildren, watching rugby in and around Edinburgh and looking at cars on auto trader.
Sarah Clark
Role: CEO
Grade: 6th Dan
Coach Level: UKCC Level 2
I am me, because of judo. At age nine, I found the sport that would dominate and shape my life and take me on an incredible journey—one filled with highs, lows, and
everything in between.I trained as a full-time elite athlete for 18 years, competing at three Olympic Games and winning a European and Commonwealth title along the way. Judo taught me to push physical and mental boundaries and to believe with
discipline and hard work, anything is possible. My parents instilled a drive to be the best I could be, and sport reinforced this mindset.Throughout my career, I learned about teamwork, resilience, and
performing under pressure and I have taken these learnings into all areas of my life. I recently studied for an Executive MBA at Chicago Booth and it’s one of the toughest
things I’ve ever done!
I love to coach and learn about judo. As a role model and mentor for young people, I have a desire to positively impact the lives of others.Kosei Inoue
Uchi mata
Claiming the European title in 2006 and winning the final against one of the greatest female players of that generation, Lucie Decosse of France. In the lead up to the tournament I’d been injured, but I'd prepared in every way possible around the injury to be in the best shape I could be. I was psychologically in a great place (I felt less pressure) and I was super excited to compete. I felt relaxed throughout the day and the fairly long walk between the warm up mat and the competition arena each time you fought seemed to bring an element of calm.
Spending time with family and friends. Cooking and eating good
food and learning about wine (unsuccessfully)!
Sarah Adlington
Role: Programme Manager
Grade: 4th Dan
Coach Level: UKCC Level 2
I began practicing judo at five in my hometown of Shrewsbury, inspired by my dad, who had trained in the sport when he was younger. In 2005, I moved to Edinburgh to dedicate myself to judo full-time. That decision has shaped who I am today - a motivated and passionate individual keen to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Some of my career highlights include making history at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games by becoming the first judo athlete to win two gold medals, as well as competing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
In addition to my competitive journey, I graduated from Edinburgh University with a BSc (Hons) in Sport and Recreation Management. Sport has profoundly influenced my life, and I am incredibly grateful for the experiences, skills, and connections it has brought me. I am also excited by what the future holds.
Kosei Inoue
O-Soto Gari/Harai Goshi
Winning my second Commonwealth Games in Birmingham 2022, being able to share that moment with family and close friends that had travelled down to watch.
Trying to learn the guitar, paddleboarding, having a fire pit on the beach, eating good food with friends!
Performance Programme Coaches
Scott Cusack
Role: Lead Performance Coach
Grade: 2nd Dan
Coach Level: UKCC Level 2
Judo for me has not been an option, it is something I have been born into with everyone in my family being involved with the sport.
As a child, I played football and rugby alongside judo, so have always been very active. Until I was 18, my focus had mostly been rugby, however as I grew older I started competing more in judo and finding my passion. Judo has given me confidence and self-belief that I would never have imagined having as a child and has allowed me to travel the world to places such as Mongolia, Germany and Japan.
At the start of my judo journey, I always thought it was about medals and what you won in judo but the last 10 years have shown me that the friendships and funny moments made are even more valuable; from 6 of us sharing a 2 person bedroom on Paris training camp to fighting Grand Slams with the best judokas in the world. Judo has been and will always be my life.
Yasuhiro Yamashita
Tai otoshi
Meeting and going for dinner with Yasuhiro Yamashita.
Playing rugby and watching sports.
Craig Arundel
Role: Performance Coach
Grade: 2nd Dan
Coach Level: UKCC Level 2
My passion for judo started when I first stepped on the mat at EdinburghJudo and I'm now known for my energetic presence and booming voice that can be heard across any sports hall no matter the size.
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced judoka, my aim is to make sure you’re learning, improving, and having fun every step of the way and I always push everyone to give their best.
Takanori Nagase
Uchi Mata
Getting my black belt!
Pints & Formula 1.
Nicholas Thwaits
Role: Performance Coach
Grade: 2nd Dan
Coach Level: UKCC Level 2
I am a passionate judo coach. My work is not just a job - it's my calling. With over two decades of experience in the sport, I’ve immersed myself in judo. I quickly earned my black belt and competed at various levels.
My love for judo fuels my desire to inspire the next generation, instilling in my students the core values of discipline, respect, and perseverance that are essential both on and off the mat.
Coaching is my heart’s work, and I believe in the profound impact it can have on young lives. I also advocate for men’s mental health, promoting open conversations
about emotional well-being.Toshihiko Koga
Ippon Seoi-Nage
Being awarded captain of team Scotland after winning the British National Teams championship.
Live music, cooking and reading books.
Scott Cusack
Role: Lead Performance Coach
Grade: 2nd Dan
Coach Level: UKCC Level 2
Judo for me has not been an option, it is something I have been born into with everyone in my family being involved with the sport.
As a child, I played football and rugby alongside judo, so have always been very active. Until I was 18, my focus had mostly been rugby, however as I grew older I started competing more in judo and finding my passion. Judo has given me confidence and self-belief that I would never have imagined having as a child and has allowed me to travel the world to places such as Mongolia, Germany and Japan.
At the start of my judo journey, I always thought it was about medals and what you won in judo but the last 10 years have shown me that the friendships and funny moments made are even more valuable; from 6 of us sharing a 2 person bedroom on Paris training camp to fighting Grand Slams with the best judokas in the world. Judo has been and will always be my life.
Yasuhiro Yamashita
Tai otoshi
Meeting and going for dinner with Yasuhiro Yamashita.
Playing rugby and watching sports.
Craig Arundel
Role: Performance Coach
Grade: 2nd Dan
Coach Level: UKCC Level 2
My passion for judo started when I first stepped on the mat at EdinburghJudo and I'm now known for my energetic presence and booming voice that can be heard across any sports hall no matter the size.
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced judoka, my aim is to make sure you’re learning, improving, and having fun every step of the way and I always push everyone to give their best.
Takanori Nagase
Uchi Mata
Getting my black belt!
Pints & Formula 1.
Nicholas Thwaits
Role: Performance Coach
Grade: 2nd Dan
Coach Level: UKCC Level 2
I am a passionate judo coach. My work is not just a job - it's my calling. With over two decades of experience in the sport, I’ve immersed myself in judo. I quickly earned my black belt and competed at various levels.
My love for judo fuels my desire to inspire the next generation, instilling in my students the core values of discipline, respect, and perseverance that are essential both on and off the mat.
Coaching is my heart’s work, and I believe in the profound impact it can have on young lives. I also advocate for men’s mental health, promoting open conversations
about emotional well-being.Toshihiko Koga
Ippon Seoi-Nage
Being awarded captain of team Scotland after winning the British National Teams championship.
Live music, cooking and reading books.
Junior Programme Coaches
Role: Lead Junior Coach
Grade: 1st Dan
Coach Level: UKCC Level 2
Karen Clarkson
Role: Junior Coach
Grade: 2nd Dan
Coach Level: UKCC Level 2
Jason Davis
I got taken along to watch my brother Billy do judo as a child, and then I started at age 7 and had lots of fun.
I only started competing at age 13, where I had my ups and downs but I took some time to train full-time and won a Commonwealth Games bronze medal in Birmingham in 2002.
I was initially persuaded into coaching, as at the time I had many other things going on and didn’t want to do it. However, I
discovered I loved it, and I never looked back!Christa Deguchi. Her journey to becoming the 2024 Olympic Champion was amazing.
Kouchi-gari
Meeting my best mate at a judo competition in Amsterdam at age 15 when I was away with the Team GB cadet team. Then going to the Commonwealth Games with her, and Sarah Clark, after all being on the same cadet team. Judo has given me so many great friends and memories!
Running my children to their sport/activities.
Hi, my name’s Jason, I joined judo at the age of 3 as a quiet, shy and not-so-confident kid. When I arrived at my first judo session, I instantly knew this was the sport for me. Through my years of training and coaching, I have learned so many invaluable skills which have made me physically and mentally stronger. I hope to pass these skills on to the younger generation of judo players.
Davlat Bobonov
O-goshi
Getting onto the British team.
Football, rugby, bouldering, mechanics and history.
Role: Junior Coach
Grade: 1st Dan
Coach Level: UKCC Level 2
Jack Ferry
🧑🏻🚀🏴🦦☃️
Aine Ferry
Yoko Wakare
Getting my black belt.
Film 🎬 and Football ⚽️.
Role: Lead Junior Coach
Grade: 1st Dan
Coach Level: UKCC Level 2
Karen Clarkson
Role: Junior Coach
Grade: 2nd Dan
Coach Level: UKCC Level 2
Jason Davis
I got taken along to watch my brother Billy do judo as a child, and then I started at age 7 and had lots of fun.
I only started competing at age 13, where I had my ups and downs but I took some time to train full-time and won a Commonwealth Games bronze medal in Birmingham in 2002.
I was initially persuaded into coaching, as at the time I had many other things going on and didn’t want to do it. However, I
discovered I loved it, and I never looked back!Christa Deguchi. Her journey to becoming the 2024 Olympic Champion was amazing.
Kouchi-gari
Meeting my best mate at a judo competition in Amsterdam at age 15 when I was away with the Team GB cadet team. Then going to the Commonwealth Games with her, and Sarah Clark, after all being on the same cadet team. Judo has given me so many great friends and memories!
Running my children to their sport/activities.
Hi, my name’s Jason, I joined judo at the age of 3 as a quiet, shy and not-so-confident kid. When I arrived at my first judo session, I instantly knew this was the sport for me. Through my years of training and coaching, I have learned so many invaluable skills which have made me physically and mentally stronger. I hope to pass these skills on to the younger generation of judo players.
Davlat Bobonov
O-goshi
Getting onto the British team.
Football, rugby, bouldering, mechanics and history.
Role: Junior Coach
Grade: 1st Dan
Coach Level: UKCC Level 2
Jack Ferry
🧑🏻🚀🏴🦦☃️
Aine Ferry
Yoko Wakare
Getting my black belt.
Film 🎬 and Football ⚽️.
Senior Programme Coaches
Samir Zhani
Gavin McNeill
Role: Senior Coach
Grade: 5th Dan
Coach Level: UKCC Level 2
Role: Senior Coach
Grade: 2nd Dan
Coach Level: UKCC Level 2
I started judo in 1985 as I was too young to start fencing lessons and my parents thought judo would be good for me. There hasn't really been a time when I've been away from judo and I can't see it happening.
I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been able to represent Great Britain, Scotland and Northern Ireland over the decades but even more so for the opportunities/experiences that judo has afforded me and the incredible people that I've been able to meet.
It's an absolute honour for me to be associated with the EdinburghJudo coaches, staff and members.
Billy Cusack
Harai Goshi
Watching Sarah Adlington win her second Commonwealth Games title while surrounded by my family and friends.
Kayaking, mountain biking, paddleboarding & clay pigeon shooting.
Born, raised and trained in France, I arrived in Edinburgh three years ago and the first thing I did was look for a judo club. That's how I ended up at Edinburgh Judo. I started as a member, and many unsolicited tips later, I began training adult Kyus with my sidekick Euan, under Billy's expert guidance.
Kosei Inoue
Uchi Mata
Every time I learn or teach something.
History, philosophy, literature, among many others.
Euan Morse
Role: Senior Coach
Grade: 3rd Dan
Coach Level: UKCC Level 2
Club Coaches
David Gibson
Role: ???
Grade: 5th Dan
Coach Level: UKCC Level 2
Participating in judo for nearly 40 years as a player and coach. BJA Level 2 Coach, Senior Examiner, Kata Examiner, National ‘C’ Referee and Contest Recorder. I have been influential in participating and promoting Masters/Veterans judo for many years, receiving the BritishJudo Veterans Athlete Of The Year Award 2023, I also sit on the BritishJudo Veterans Commission. My interest over the last few years which continues to grow is the promotion and coaching of Technical Theory and Kata, I have realised the importance of these as paths to learn and improve your judo, which includes contest judo.
Yeldos Smetov
O-soto Gari
My first international training camp in Belgium.
Star Wars, Lego, Spider-Man, musicals and football.
Reece Edwards
Role: Assistant Junior Coach
Grade: 1st Dan
Coach Level: UKCC Level 1
I’m originally from Elgin and moved to Edinburgh for University in 2021. I’ve been doing judo since I was 8 years old and I'm now training and coaching within the best environment to progress my judo career. I have worked my through national development squads and competed at junior European Cup level for Britain. My dream is to compete on the world stage.
Yeldos Smetov
O-soto Gari
My first international training camp in Belgium.
Star Wars, Lego, Spider-Man, musicals and football.
Aine Ferry
Role: Junior and Senior Coach
Grade: 1st Dan
Coach Level: UKCC Level 1
The mother of a chubby-cheeked two year old girl and grumpy five year old boy drove past a judo club one day, where she saw a bunch of children running out of the judo club and thought her two children would look adorable in little judo kits of their own. She then decided on the spot to sign her son up for a class, and a year later, once her daughter could walk sufficiently, she started judo too.
Fifteen years later, both siblings got their black belts on the same day and now, twenty one years later, both kids still train and coach for the club; and after those twenty one years of judo, I can confirm I still look adorable in my judo kit.
Tadahiro Nomura
Ippon Seoi-nage
The first medal I won after returning from an injury.
Bouldering, biology and travelling.
Andrew Lappin
Role: Assistant Junior Coach
Grade: 1st Dan
Coach Level: UKCC Level 1
Originally from Glasgow. I’ve been doing judo since I was 5 years old. I moved to Edinburgh for university and started coaching for the club shortly after. I’m looking to compete at the highest level and take my judo career as far as possible, while helping the next generation develop too.
Yeldos Smetov
Uchi Mata
Travelling to different countries with the team.
I like to travel and play sports; all sports interest me.
David Gibson
Role: Senior Examiner
Grade: 5th Dan
Coach Level: UKCC Level 2
Participating in judo for nearly 40 years as a player and coach. BJA Level 2 Coach, Senior Examiner, Kata Examiner, National ‘C’ Referee and Contest Recorder. I have been influential in participating and promoting Masters/Veterans judo for many years, receiving the BritishJudo Veterans Athlete Of The Year Award 2023, I also sit on the BritishJudo Veterans Commission. My interest over the last few years which continues to grow is the promotion and coaching of Technical Theory and Kata, I have realised the importance of these as paths to learn and improve your judo, which includes contest judo.
Masashi Ebinuma
Uchi Mata
Gaining my last forty points for my competitive 3rd Dan at the Samurai Masters. Dislocated my shoulder in the first contest but carried on to win my next four contests by Ippon; completing my 3rd Dan and winning gold.
Spending time with family, travelling and cooking.
Reece Edwards
Role: Junior Coach
Grade: 1st Dan
Coach Level: UKCC Level 1
I’m originally from Elgin and moved to Edinburgh for University in 2021. I’ve been doing judo since I was 8 years old and I'm now training and coaching within the best environment to progress my judo career. I have worked my through national development squads and competed at junior European Cup level for Britain. My dream is to compete on the world stage.
Yeldos Smetov
O-soto Gari
My first international training camp in Belgium.
Star Wars, Lego, Spider-Man, musicals and football.
Aine Ferry
Role: Junior and Senior Coach
Grade: 1st Dan
Coach Level: UKCC Level 1
The mother of a chubby-cheeked two year old girl and grumpy five year old boy drove past a judo club one day, where she saw a bunch of children running out of the judo club and thought her two children would look adorable in little judo kits of their own. She then decided on the spot to sign her son up for a class, and a year later, once her daughter could walk sufficiently, she started judo too.
Fifteen years later, both siblings got their black belts on the same day and now, twenty one years later, both kids still train and coach for the club; and after those twenty one years of judo, I can confirm I still look adorable in my judo kit.
Tadahiro Nomura
Ippon Seoi-nage
The first medal I won after returning from an injury.
Bouldering, biology and travelling.
Andrew Lappin
Role: Junior Coach
Grade: 1st Dan
Coach Level: UKCC Level 1
Originally from Glasgow. I’ve been doing judo since I was 5 years old. I moved to Edinburgh for university and started coaching for the club shortly after. I’m looking to compete at the highest level and take my judo career as far as possible, while helping the next generation develop too.
Yeldos Smetov
Uchi Mata
Travelling to different countries with the team.
I like to travel and play sports; all sports interest me.
Assistant Coaches
Evan Lees
Role: Assistant Junior Coach
Grade: 1st Dan
Coach Level: UKCC Level 1
I’ve been involved with the club since I was 4 years old so almost 13 years, I started judo because my friend kirsty started and we have both always done judo and we are now both coaches at the club. Judo has helped me form some of the best friendships in my life and it gives me goals to work towards. Judo also gives me a routine I know that most nights of the week I will be on the mat training. I’ve been coaching now for about a year and have recently got my coaching license. My favourite thing about coaching is seeing the kids develop within judo and off the mat, as people becoming more confident.
Sanshiro Murao
Uchi Mata
Meeting Ono Shohei or seeing big Sarah win her second Commonwealth gold, although I wasn’t there.
Watching football and buying clothes from Turkey.
Kirsty Wilson
Role: Assistant Junior Coach
Grade: 1st Dan
Coach Level: UKCC Level 1
I've done judo at the club since I was three, and now I train, compete, coach, referee
and generally just mill about the club. I have made lots of friends through judo and I spend a lot of my free time at the club.Not sure I've got a favourite?!
The "Keyhole" turnover
Watching the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
I enjoy art and drama and I do rowing with school.
Thomas Cran
Role: Assistant Junior Coach
Grade: 1st Kyu
Coach Level: UKCC Level 1
I’ve been doing judo for about 10 years now. I started judo doing it once or twice a week at the George Heriot’s sessions, I remember it being either Connie, Nicky, or Big Sarah that coached me when I was starting out. I moved to train at the main dojo at Meadowbank when I was 10 and have been coming regularly since. I coach the Heriot’s P4/5 session once a week on a Tuesday, and sometimes fill in at other classes. I’ve been competing since May 2023 and fight in the Junior Under 81s Category.
Takanori Nagase
Osoto Gari
Fighting at the Welsh Open 2024.
I play guitar and piano and enjoy running.
Ethan Wyper
Role: Assistant Junior Coach
Grade: 1st Dan
Coach Level: Assistant Coach
I’ve done judo since I was about three years old and I’ve always really enjoyed doing it. I enjoy competing along with it, which I started doing many years ago and have continued on since. I have recently been coaching and have developed a real passion for it.
Teddy Riner
Harai Goshi
Getting my black belt.
Bridges, working at Sainsbury’s.
Archie MacGowan
Role: Assistant Junior Coach
Grade: 1st Dan
Coach Level: UKCC Level 1
I really enjoy judo as it is really fun and keeps me active. I started the sport when I was really young and have loved it ever since. I am really passionate for the sport and love helping to teach others.
Teddy Riner
Osoto Gari
My first competition.
Lifting weights.
Elaine Featherstone
Role: Assistant Junior Coach
Grade: 1st Dan
Coach Level: UKCC Level 1
I'd like to think of myself as an encouraging and thoughtful person, and I really enjoy helping people. I've been doing judo since I was 6 and never fell out of love for it! I developed my confidence, determination and work ethic through this club, which I also apply to other areas of my life as well.
I've made life-long friendships in this club, as well as connections to other players around the world. I will always be grateful towards the club and judo for shaping me into who I am today.
Amandine Buchard
Ko-uchi-gari
Going down as a team to fight the British Schools, having fun in the hotel and bringing back a silver!
Science nerd! I study Chemistry but I love all aspects of science. I also love baking and art.
Sarah Clark
Child Protection Officers
Lorraine Cusack-Brown
Colin Aitken
