Fife judo club scores green dojo award – the first in the UK
A Glenrothes Judo club has been awarded ‘green dojo’ status by the International Judo Federation (IJF) – the first dojo in the UK to receive this milestone certification.
Glenrothes Martial Arts Centre (GMAC) Judo Club has been recognised as a ‘Green Dojo Kiai’ under the IJF Green Dojo programme, reflecting months of work and a clear commitment to sustainability.
With support from Greener Kirkcaldy, the club has installed water-saving shower heads, improved its recycling measures, and is developing an energy efficiency plan. For the club, the certification is not an end-point but the beginning of a journey towards its long-term goal of becoming a net zero dojo.
Deeply rooted in the Glenrothes community, GMAC recognises that those who could benefit most from sport, particularly young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, are often the least likely to access it. To address this, it has built an inclusive environment, offering affordable access and funding programmes that remove financial barriers.
The dojo also runs initiatives aimed at supporting people's mental health, reinforcing its role as a centre for wellbeing as well as sport.
Stephen Black, chair of GMAC Judo Club, said: “We are incredibly proud to be recognised by the International Judo Federation as the UK’s first Green Dojo. This achievement reflects the hard work of our volunteers and members, including three generations of my own family who have been part of the club. Everyone has embraced the idea that judo is not just about what happens on the mat.
“We know that the biggest difference our club can make is within communities facing the greatest challenges, including poverty and young people who may be struggling to feel they belong. That drives everything we do from making the club accessible and affordable to all, to building a more sustainable future for the next generation.”
Councillor Lynda Holton, who has been supporting the club, welcomed an “impressive accolade.”
She added: “They have worked hard to improve the Club’s green credentials and have huge ambitions to make use of their riverside location to explore a hydro energy project.”
Jenny Gilruth, MSP for Glenrothes, added: “This is a fantastic testament to the hard work and commitment of Stevie and the entire team. The club offers a welcoming environment for all ages, and I would encourage anyone interested in learning a new skill to get involved.”