Janet’s fascination with Judo began at 10 years old during a visit to a dojo in Brunswick. Captivated by the scene of people in white suits being thrown around, and getting back up still in one piece, got her hooked onto the Art of Judo.
Judo, a sport and also a way of life that encompasses the 8 IJF Core Values: Friendship, Sincerity, Honour, Modesty, Self-Control, Respect, Politeness and Courage. To win or lose, both an opportunity to learn and grow.
Judo gave her opportunities to travel the world. A gift she would otherwise not have the chance at.
Her travels as an athlete included competitions over all Australian States & Territories, except for the NT.
She further traveled as an elite athlete competitor to New Zealand, England, France, Holland, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Tokyo and Hawaii.
After a break to start a family, she soon returned as a Veteran competitor in Shiai. As competitive Kata took shape, Janet and her partner entered its tournaments, medalling in both Kata and Shiai. Later, they progressed to compete in Canada and Brazil.
Next, they represented Australia at the inaugural IJF World Kata Championship in Paris. As well as in Malta, Hungary and Kyoto, in similar events.
Awarded a Sho Dan (1st Degree black belt) at age 18, Janet advanced to a Kodokan Sho Dan at age 23. With continued dedication, she trained and made her way up the ranks to an IJF Rokudan (6th Degree) and Kodokan Go Dan (5th Degree).
Outside of training, Janet felt keen to teach Judo in her younger days. She began teaching at 20-years of age and has since returned as Head Coach in Hallam. Past dojos under her care included Mordialloc, Melbourne Uni, Noble Park, Hampton Park and Endeavour Hills.
Janet holds dear the precious moments of her time in Judo. In particular, her family’s invaluable support whilst she pursued her dreams. Along with having met amazing people from all over the world and the friendships formed.
On the whole, she is grateful to have gained long-time friends since age 10 through Judo and continues making new friends. Janet would like to thank everyone who stood by her side on her everlasting journey in Judo.
An estimable coach, Stan's dedication to Judo, is visible in his many years of teaching and refereeing. He started Judo in 1964 at Caufield Technical School, training under Sensei A. j Moorshead and Kevin Todd at Caufield’s Judo School.
Stan’s vast coaching experiences cover many Judo clubs, such as Volkswagen Judo Club, Caulfield Judo Club, Waverley and Pine Forest Judo Club. Other clubs include Seymour/Puckapunyal Judo, Brentwood Judo Club and now Endeavour Hills Judo Club.
He first started as a State C referee in November 1982 and promoted National A in 1992. His next promotion in 1994 to Oceania B and to Oceania A in 1998. Stan also holds an Honorary IJF Certificate (Continental Licence) from 1st of January 2020 and Chair of JVI Refereeing for over 10 years.
In addition, he is a member of Men’s Shed Endeavour Hills and enjoys his time of community engagement. His philosophy is “I believe Judo is more than just a sport, it is a way of life. I like to enrich students’ understanding of the discipline, respect, characteristics of judo, and how they lay a foundation for life’s journey.”
Thomas is an exemplary coach with many accolades to his name.
His passion for Judo began in 1977, where he trained for 11 years at ATV Trofaiach / Austria. At this time, he earned a 1 kyu grade Ikkyū. Notably, he won multiple medals at major championships as a Cadet and Junior Judo competitor, at District, State and National levels.
In 2013, he recommenced Judo Training at Endeavour Hills Judo Club. A 2nd Degree Black Belter, Thomas, is also a Judo Australia accredited coach since 2019. To add, he finished 3rd at the Australian Masters.
As a trained First Aider, Thomas can provide Basic Emergency Life Support and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.
A clear inspiration for both his children and grandchildren, he has three generations of his family active in the Art of Judo as well.
Outside of the Judo life, Thomas enjoys his leisure time motorbiking around Victoria and travelling with his wife Maria.
Reuben’s first year in Judo began in 1998 in New Zealand.
He engages the younger Judo students with fun and exciting lessons, instilling in them a joy in the sport. A 1st Kyu/Brown Belt, Reuben is also an accredited assistant coach. At the Victorian State Championships, he won 3rd Place before retiring from Shiai competitions in 2013. Reuben enjoys the Zen life, and all the good things it offers. In his leisure, he goes hiking with his partner to beautiful scenic trails all over Victoria. His philosophy is “I believe that Judo is a lifestyle and has something for everybody. Traditional Judo principles, values are practice yield enormous positivity and benefits for both the individual and the community.”