Avonhurst Judo Club

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About our Sensei's

The teaching of one virtuous person can influence many; that which has been learned well by one generation can be passed on to a hundred.  Jigoro Kano

Toshi Shinmura

Godan-5th Degree Black Belt

Shimnura Sensei received his shodan (1st degree black belt) in high school in 1968 from Kodokan in Kakegawa. In competition he quite successful in Japan.  In 1977 he immigrated to Canada. In 1978 he was teaching at the YMCA in Regina, and he was provincial champion in the under-157 lb, but was unable to compete at the Canadian National Championships because he didn’t have Canadian citizenship.  In 1980, he decided to start is own dojo. Shinmura Sensei started the Seidokan in Regina (named in honor of his club in Yaizu, Japan). His ability to recognize athletic potential in young athletes and help them achieve their goals is unmatched in Regina. Over his 39 years of dedicated coaching in Regina, he has proven his ability to bring judoka to elite levels of competition.  In 2016, Shinmura Sensei decided to officially retire from coaching. In 2017, Judo Saskatchewan recognized his long term commitment to Judo in the province by awarding him the inaugural Jim O’Sullivan Memorial Award for Long Term Dedication to Judo in Saskatchewan.  Shinmura Sensei will be working with our Senior Advanced class on Thursday evenings. It is an honor to have him return to the mats and share his knowledge and expertise with our Avonhurst judoka.

Kimberly Bergey Kaip

Godan-5th Degree Black Belt

Kim was recently inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame 2018 & the Regina Sports Hall of Fame 2017 for her accomplishments as an athlete for Judo & Wrestling.

She is a NCCP Level 3 Certified Coach, with over 35 years in the sport as a athlete, coach and official.  She is also National "A" Level Official & National Level "Kata" Judge and a member of the Judo Saskatchewan Referee Committee. Kim has an extensive competitive background at the national and international level.  She was a member of the Canadian National Team for a span of 5 years, representing Canada at numerous international events.

Lorna Hattum Snider

Sandan-3rd Degree Black Belt
Lorna is NCCP Level 2 Certified Instructor, with over 30 years involvement in the sport.
She is also a National "B" Level Official & National Level "Kata" Judge.  Lorna has an extensive competitive background, winning 2 Canadian National Championships
Lorna is currently a member of the Judo Saskatchewan Executive.

About our Sensei's

"If there is effort, there is always accomplishment"  Jigoro Kano

Ross Kostron

Sandan-3rd Degree Black Belt
Ross is NCCP Level 2 Certified Dojo Instructor, National "A" Level Official & National Level "Kata" Judge and currently the Judo Saskatchewan Chair of Officials. Ross has been involved in coaching at the regional, provincial and national levels. In 2014, he coached the Regina District Saskatchewan Winter Games Team to a gold medal.

Andrew MacLeod

Nidan-2nd Degree Black Belt
NCCP Certified Dojo Instructor.  Andrew's interests include learning better ways of teaching judo and studying Kata.  Andew has recently become a certified as a National Level "Kata" Judge.  Andrew brings over 20 years of Judo experience from Saskatoon to the club.

Aidan Skaf

Shodan--1st Degree Black Belt

NCCP Certified Dojo Instructor and a member of the Judo Saskatchewan Coaches Committee.

Aidan competed in 6 national championships as a member of the Judo Saskatchewan Provincial Team.  In 2016,  he finished 7th as a member of the Junior Pan American.  In 2017 he was a member of the Junior European tour team.


About our Sensei's

"The purpose of the study of Judo is to perfect yourself and contribute to society." Jigoro Kano

Adam MacDonald

Nikyu-Blue Belt & Administration Chair

Avonhurst Judo Logistics and Support Team, is a committee led by Adam.  He is a practicing recreational judoka, referee and coach of our new "recreational adult class". The committee functions as a support for the club in a variety of activities, like fundraising, club socials, etc.   If you are interested in working with Adam to support the club, let us know.

Mike Smook

Ikkyu-Brown Belt-Assistant Coach

Mike Smook started Judo in 2012 at the Thunder Bay Judo Club. Mike and his son joined the U8 class and shortly after, his daughters were signed up for our youth program. Mike is currently an Ikkyu (brown belt) and working on his NCCP Dojo Assistant certification. He continues to compete in veterens, newaza and kata competitions, but has a passion for coaching and sharing his knowledge. Mike offered to join our coaching crew and assist with our youth advanced programs on Tuesday & Thursday evenings.

Marianne Jacobsen

Nikyu-Blue Belt-Assistant Coach
Marianne joined the club 4 years ago with her 2 daughters. She has a great passion for the martial arts and is very passionate about sharing her knowledge. Marianne is currently a Nikyu (blue belt) in Judo and a Shodan (black belt) in Jujitsu. Marianne is busy coaching her own Jujitsu club and is assisting with our Judo youth beginners on Tuesday and Thursdays.