Max Stewart and Stuart McWatt Appointed as Olympic Development Coaches
June 10, 2026
British Judo is pleased to announce the appointment of Max Stewart and Stuart McWatt as Olympic Development Coaches within the World Class Performance Programme.
The appointments mark an exciting addition to the Performance team as British Judo continues to strengthen its coaching pathway and invest in the next generation of coaching talent to support future international success.
Both Stewart and McWatt bring a wealth of experience to the role, having progressed through the British Judo pathway as athletes before embarking on successful coaching careers. Their appointments further reinforce British Judo’s commitment to developing high-quality coaches who can support athletes throughout the Olympic pathway.
Stuart McWatt joins the National Centre after gaining valuable coaching experience at club level with Garioch Judo Club, while also drawing upon his experiences as a former athlete within the World Class Programme.
Speaking about his appointment, McWatt said:
“I’m very excited to start the new role of Olympic Development Coach at the National Centre. I have a lot to offer with my experiences as being a former athlete there and coaching at grassroots level at my club, Garioch Judo, for the last two years.
“I hope I can bring a different style of coaching and bring Britain back to being a powerhouse within the world of judo. We’ve got a great group of athletes, coaches and staff and I can’t wait to do my part within that.”
Max Stewart also joins the programme following a successful transition into coaching through Stewart Judo Academy and was appointed as an England Judo Associate Coach in September 2025, and will play a key role in supporting the development of athletes progressing through the Olympic pathway.
“I am excited to be joining the Olympic Programme Coaching Team and contributing to the development of British athletes. I hope to bring passion, enthusiasm and a strong focus on athlete development, helping athletes reach their full potential.”
Performance Director Kate Howey MBE welcomed the appointments and highlighted the importance of investing in the future of British Judo’s coaching workforce.
“We are delighted to welcome both Max and Stuart back into the National Centre in their new roles as Olympic Development Coaches.
Both have experienced the demands of high-performance judo as athletes and have already demonstrated great potential as coaches. They bring fresh ideas, energy and a real understanding of the journey our athletes are undertaking.
These appointments represent an important investment in the future of our performance programme. Developing talented young coaches is essential if we are to continue building a world-class environment and create sustainable success for British Judo over the coming Olympic cycles.
Max and Stuart have already shown a strong commitment to athlete development and I am excited to see the impact they will have as part of our coaching team.”
The appointments form part of British Judo’s continued commitment to strengthening its World Class Performance Programme and creating an environment where athletes and coaches can thrive together.
Everyone at British Judo would like to congratulate Max and Stuart on their appointments and wish them every success in their new roles.
