As part of National Inclusion Week, we spoke with Stefan Newbury, British Judo’s Performance Pathway Senior Administrator and IJF International referee.

Stefan shared his judo journey with us from attending his local club in Pershore to officiating in the Olympic and Commonwealth Games. He also shared with us the opportunities he has had throughout his career and his personal experiences as part of the LGBTQ+ community. 

How did you get into judo?

“Basically, through my family. My uncle did judo so as soon as my brothers and I were old enough we started doing judo too! We originally started at the local club in Pershore, then when it closed, moved to Samurai, Kidderminster, which was much more vibrant, there was the chance to join in with competitions and try anything you wanted. They cater for everyone.”

Why did you become a referee?

“At Samurai, you could try everything, so I had the chance to give refereeing a go. Initially, I started table officiating then moved on to refereeing then followed the pathway to grow through attending local competitions, then national and then eventually international!”

What opportunities have you had since becoming a referee?

“I’ve had some great opportunities, to referee some really good judo, the opportunity to travel around Europe, I’ve made friends from all across the world, and had opportunities to referee things I used to watch. Even going to the Commonwealth Games and Olympics, watching the news then seeing your face on the TV is crazy!”

What challenges have you faced in your judo career?

“Challenges… I wouldn’t really say I can remember many. I’ve never really liked to dwell on the negatives I always try to focus on the positives, I deal with negativity in the moment and then let go. In my career, I have had a different route compared to other people in roles like mine so in the past there were a few comments, people saying I’m not competitive enough or wasn’t a high enough level athlete. After working with people with that point of view I can understand and appreciate their opinions and hope they can appreciate mine too.”

What is your greatest accomplishment?

“That’s difficult, I’m just here for the ride! I would probably say that in my judo career officiating at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games. In life, it would be getting married and having my own family. Even being allowed to get married and have a family! There are many people that don’t have the opportunity to do this and aren’t allowed and it is illegal for them. I am so lucky, and I am glad it is so open and accepting here. It can be so different in other places, some of my friends don’t have the same opportunities that I am grateful to have.”

Have you ever faced any discrimination because of your sexuality – either from the judo community or from your own personal experiences?

“No, I haven’t, I have been very lucky in my life as a lot of people today face a lot of discrimination, then going back in history there has been a lot of hard times faced in our community. Judo is such an open and tolerant sport; I have never faced discrimination from the judo community.”

Do you feel that the personal experiences you have had in judo have reflected our core values of respect, friendship, courage etc.?

“Yes!”

What advice would you give your younger self?

“I probably wouldn’t even recognise my younger self but if I had to say anything I would say look forward don’t look back! Just make the decisions that feel right at the time and move forward.”

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