Judo WA was proud to showcase our sport to the wider community as part of a special Commonwealth Games activation at Northbridge Piazza over the weekend of 1–2 August 2026.
With judo included as one of only 10 sports on the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games program, Judo WA was invited to participate in the City of Perth’s free, family-friendly celebration of the Games.
The activation accompanied live screenings of the final Commonwealth Games events on the Northbridge Piazza big screen, giving visitors the opportunity to watch some of the world’s best athletes in action while also trying two of the sports featured at the Games.
Judo was one of just two sports represented at the activation, alongside basketball.
Introducing the community to judo
Judo WA was represented by Operations Officer Cody Robinson, together with Tomoe Ochi and Jolie Reutens from UWA Judo Club.
Throughout the activation, the team welcomed members of the public onto the mats and introduced participants of all ages to the fundamentals of judo.
Visitors had the opportunity to put on a judogi, learn some basic skills and experience the unique combination of movement, balance, coordination, discipline and fun that makes judo such an engaging sport.
For many participants, it was their first experience of judo.
The activation provided an excellent opportunity to demonstrate that judo is an accessible and inclusive sport, with pathways available for children, adults, recreational participants and aspiring competitors.
Celebrating judo on the Commonwealth stage
The activation took place during an exciting weekend for Australian and Western Australian judo, with the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games bringing the sport to a major international audience.
Four Western Australian athletes represented Australia in Glasgow, with Saya Middleton, Vas Middleton, Keishin Ochi and Maria Swan competing across the three days of judo competition.
Their performances, together with the Northbridge activation, created an important opportunity to celebrate judo both on the international stage and within the local community.
While Australia’s leading athletes competed for Commonwealth Games medals, participants in Northbridge were able to step onto the mats themselves and discover what makes judo such a phenomenal sport.
Thank you
Judo WA sincerely thanks the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport and the City of Perth for the opportunity to be part of the Commonwealth Games celebrations and to showcase judo in the heart of the city.
We also thank Cody Robinson, Tomoe Ochi and Jolie Reutens for generously contributing their time and enthusiasm to the activation and for providing such a welcoming introduction to our sport.
Opportunities such as this play an important role in bringing judo into public spaces, connecting with new audiences and encouraging more Western Australians to become involved.
Judo WA was delighted to support the activation and share our phenomenal sport with the Perth community.
