History of the Abbotsford Judo Club

The Abbotsford Judo Club is a non-profit club formed in 1980. In 1988 permission was received from the City Council to build a 3600 sq. ft. Judo Training Center on its present location. Over the years, the club has grown to a membership of approximately 250+ ~ this is over 10% of the total Judo membership in B.C. Mr. Tokue Suda, the nationally recognized head instructor, provides excellent training, and has many skilled assistants.

The club offers recreational and competitive judo. Many students have competed in National and International Events, bringing home many medals and trophies. In-club tournaments also provide students with neccesary fun and practice.

Annually the club hosts "The Fraser Valley International Tournament" which draws athletes from all over Canada and the United States. This tournament is well known for its excellence due to the superb effort of club members and volunteers.

Other special club events through out the year include: a Christmas Special, Annual Awards Banquet and Annual Picnic. Membership involvement and participation have made these both enjoyable and successful. Educational courses have also been offered, such as the National Coaching Certificate Program and First Aid.

Our club has had the privilege to host judo, in the Western Canada Summer Games of 1995, and also the 1998 Canadian Junior Nationals, here in Abbotsford.

Our ultimate goal ~ to produce National Champions and attract International Competitors.

Head Instructor
Tokue Suda - 5th Dan (nationally recognized)

Instructors
Max Merz - 3rd Dan
George Jobb - 3rd Dan
Kevin Chiba - 2nd Dan
Lloyd Yodogawa - 2nd Dan
Olaf Vinje - 3rd Dan

Assistant instructors
Frederick Jaskiewicz - 1st Dan
Terry Maniwa- 1st Dan
Ken Brake - 1st Dan
Chris Astoria - 1st Dan

All Instructors are NCCP Certified (National Coaching Certification Program)