An inspirational martial arts instructor has been bestowed with two awards at national and local level.
Chris Nicol, a dedicated member of Tam’s Brig Judo Club, was recognised as JudoScotland’s Disability Coach of the Year and South Ayrshire Sports Awards Inclusion Coach of the Year.
This incredible achievement highlights the outstanding work of Chris and his club in adapted judo – a commitment that has earned them the South Ayrshire award for an impressive three consecutive years.
As a Deaf-Blind Judoka, Chris is an inspirational leader, not only for the judoka he coaches at Tam’s Brig, but also within the broader Scottish judo community.
His dedication shines through his organisation and delivery of summer camps, showcasing his leadership and unwavering commitment to inclusivity.
A Level 1 Coach, Chris leads both junior and senior classes, earning praise for consistently delivering high-quality lessons. He has raised awareness of sensory impairments and demonstrated how local sports clubs can push boundaries and achieve remarkable outcomes. He also tailors sessions for children who have disabilities including team building activities that fully engage all students.
Mark McGarrie, from Tam’s Brig, said: “I have trained with Chris for over three years, and he is truly one of the most technically skilled practitioners of the sport I’ve ever encountered- a walking encyclopedia of Judo, so to speak. His coaching reflects an exceptional level of detail and precision, whether he’s teaching kids or adults, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to the sport and his students.”
Head Coach, Charlie Strachan, reflected on his own experiences in judo, noting that whilst he’s been involved in judo since the 1960s, the last five years have seen a big change since Chris joined the club.
Charlie and other members have embarked on their own development, embracing learning opportunities to enable them to enhance their support provision as they strive for ‘judo for all’.
JudoScotland CEO, Judith McCleary, added: “Chris is a remarkable coach and individual who’s coaching approach ensures that everyone under his guidance has a positive experience in judo. His passion for judo and dedication to his participants shine through, and it’s clear he has made a profoundly positive impact on both his club and the wider community.”
The JudoScotland Disability Coach of the Year Award celebrates a coach working with people with a disability, as part of the nationally recognised JudoScotland Coaching and Volunteering Awards. The award is made to an individual who has applied a person-centred delivery leading to successful performance and/or sustained participation of those taking part.