81-Year-Old Eddie Cassidy Completes 2025 IJF Academy UCJI Course
September 16, 2025
The 2025 IJF Academy UCJI (Undergraduate Certificate as Judo Instructor) course welcomed its oldest-ever participant, Eddie Cassidy, an 8th Dan Judo Scotland Hall of Fame judoka, at an incredible 81 years old.
Eddie’s judo journey is nothing short of inspirational. A former Team GB member, he competed at the highest levels, including World and European Championships, and even secured a gold medal at the European Team Championships in 1971 in Göteborg, Sweden.
Over the course of 70 years in judo, Cassidy has excelled at every level of competition. Now, at 81, he has pushed himself once again, taking on and passing the IJF Academy UCJI Assessment Week.
Speaking about his reason for joining the course and how he found the experience, Cassidy said: “I’ve got quite a few qualifications in judo, and my wife had passed away two years ago, and someone said, ‘Eddie, that will be a good course for you to take—it’ll take it off your mind. It’s something you’re doing anyway; you’re still coaching judo and still active.’ So I took it up, and it’s taken my mind off everything.
“I would recommend it for people who are trying to achieve something, and coaching is the thing, especially with katas and teaching involved. It’s very good for that aspect.
“Mark Huizinga and Daniel Lascau are ex-European and World champions, and they see this as a way forward for judo, and I see it that way as well.
“I would recommend it to everybody.”
The UCJI programme requires students to complete an 18-week online course, with assessments along the way. After successfully finishing the theory phase, students take part in a practical assessment, which is held at IJF Academy venues around the world.
The week brought together coaches and judoka to refine their skills, improve their technical knowledge, and experience high-level instruction under IJF Academy tutors. Participants worked through both tachi-waza and ne-waza techniques, focusing on correct execution, coaching methods, and uke skills — ensuring everyone left with practical tools to take back to their clubs.
The final assessment was held on 6 September, and we are delighted to announce that Eddie passed the UCJI Assessment Week, an incredible achievement and a testament to his dedication to the sport as he continues to pursue further qualifications at 81.
Congratulations, Eddie!
