Assistant Coach - Shodan
Head Coach - Sandan
Quality coaching from passionate and experienced judo coaches is vital to delivering high quality and enjoyable sessions for everyone who participates in the sport.
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Why is it an important job to be a SAJA Coach?
Our coaches have a responsibility to each judoka member at the club, to everyone who steps onto the mat looking for knowledge and learning the art of judo.
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The SAJA Coaching Team is patient, engaging with good communication skills and an ability to adapt their teaching style to a range of different individuals.
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It is important that the sessions stay fun and participants are able to participate at all levels - some will do it as a hobby, some will want to go on and represent their country. Whatever your judo dream is - our coaching team is there with you every step of the way.
JUDO COACHING AT IT'S BEST
Assistant Coach - Shodan
Sean started his judo at age five and got to his blue (Ni Kyu) belt before he 'walked away' thinking he knew it all. He spent almost twenty years also focussing on a basketball career throughout the USA and South Australian State Team competitions.
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In 2010, Sean came back to judo with the encouragement of his father (also an accomplished judoka)...
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Steven Brown
Head Coach - Sandan
Steve started Judo at 6 years of age, at Ridgehaven Judo Club.
As a competitor he was a multiple World Cup medallist and the only South Australian to compete in Judo at an Olympic Games.
In addition to his Judo experience, Steve holds a purple belt in Brazillian Jiujitsu and has had six MMA (mixed martial arts) fights.
Amy Meyer
Amy started her Judo journey at six years old, training with the University of New South Wales Judo Club.
A highly accomplished athlete, Amy claimed a bronze medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Amy also holds a bachelor degree in Exercise and Sports Science.
Sean Hesketh
Assistant Coach - Shodan
Graeme Brown
Assistant Coach - Shodan
Graeme spent large parts of his life learning different martial arts, including training under the South Australian legend Moss Hollis. He began Judo in 1993 with his son Steve at Ridgehaven Judo Club. Graeme graded to black belt (Shodan) in 2005.
He is a former member of JudoSA committee of management. He arranged training for International Olympic Judo teams prior to Sydney 2000. He played an integral role in the formation of SAJA. On Christmas eve 2006, he drove to Melbourne and back over night with Steve to buy SAJA’s first set of mats – 28 second hand mats that were 20 years old!
William started his judo at age five and is currently working on getting his green belt (San Kyu). At twelve years of age, he still has a lot of learning to do, but enjoys his time assisting our Head Coach with the Mini Ninjas (4 - 6 year olds) class!
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With a stack of local medals and one interstate medal already secured, William is keen to keep up his involvement in as many competitions as possible and working towards achieving his Shodan (Black Belt).
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William strength and conditioning from his judo training has helped him with his footy (AFL) as well.
William McCulloch
Trainee Junior Assistant - Yonkyu
Our Muay Thai program is led by Technicians Thai Boxing, with head coach Kym Johnson
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A three-time Australian Champion, Kym earned the nickname 'The Technician' for good reason.
Whether it be for fitness, sport, or self defence, you will be in good hands.
Muay Thai
