About Me
I’m a dedicated Judo coach with over 30 years’ experience training as an athlete and coaching judoka across all levels, from beginners to competitive athletes. My passion lies in teaching the art and discipline of Judo while instilling values like respect, resilience, and continuous improvement on and off the mat.
Coaching Experience
• Head Judo Coach at Kanokwai Judo, 10 years
• Great Britain, Scotland and England support coach – involved with competitions, camps, squad & skill sessions in the UK and abroad.
• Support coaching roles with various clubs, helping to mentor and educate the next generation of coaches and to drive club development over the past 15 years
Rank & Certifications
• 5th Dan Black belt recognised by British Judo and JudoScotland.
• Certified Judo Coach through International Judo Federation, British Judo, JudoScotland and UKCC
• Masters degree in advanced sports coaching with Development
• IJF Academy Coaching Award
• UKCC level 5 coaching qualification
Coaching Philosophy
I believe Judo is more than a sport — it’s a way of life.
My approach focuses on strong fundamentals, discipline, and personal growth. Whether students aim to compete or train recreationally, I strive to create a supportive environment that builds confidence, technique, and character through inclusion for all as a community club
Athlete Development
• Personal coach to athletes who have competed and medalled at local, regional, national and international events
Achievements
• Commonwealth Gold medallist in 2014 Glasgow games
• Multiple medallist at international and national competitions. Reserve Olympian in 2012.
• Helped several students to earn their black belt
• Inducted to the hall of fame for North Lanarkshire, Scotland
• Voted for Womens Award for my work with the community
• Awarded lifetime membership with JudoScotland
Thomas Renicks is the founder of Kanokwai Judo and was the head coach of the club for 30 years.
He has now taken on an assistant coach role supporting Louise and Kim with their current projects within the community.
4th Dan Black belt recognised by British Judo and JudoScotland.
UKCC3 recognised by British Judo and JudoScotland
PVG, First Aid, CPD, child welfare officer and Child protection in Sport
Favourite technique – Uchi Mata or Tai Otoshi
Kim, the younger Renicks sister, similar to Louise, has had a successful Judo career competing across the world.
Kimberley won Scotland’s first Gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in the under 48kg category, followed closely by Louise in the under 52kg category.
3rd Dan Black belt recognised by British Judo and JudoScotland.
Scotland’s Golden Sisters have competed and worked closely in judo for many years but in their early years had to fight each other in competition, Louise likes to tell everyone what the score was…
Favourite technique – “in the old rules Te-guruma (leg grabs), in modern judo O goshi and Harai (hip throws)”
