COACHES

Thong Khun - 2 Dan

Our head coach, Thong Sensei, is a highly respected member of the Judo community with nearly 60 years of expertise in the sport. His knowledge of advanced and competitive techniques is unrivalled, making him an invaluable asset to our club.

However, Thong Sensei is more than just a skilled practitioner - he is also deeply committed to Judo's philosophy and its role in shaping individuals. Unlike many coaches, Thong Sensei is not motivated by personal grades or accolades. Instead, he has a genuine desire to pass on his wisdom to future generations and to help his students grow both as martial artists and as people.

Thong Sensei also serves as a mentor to our other coaches. He leads by example, emphasizing the importance of integrity, respect, and humility both on and off the mat. With Thong Sensei at the helm, we are proud to offer a Judo program that is not only technically strong but also grounded in the values that make Judo a truly unique and meaningful martial art.

Hilary Rosser - 2 Dan

Our club is fortunate to have Hilary, a former NZ Judo representative, as an integral part of our team. As our club's administrator and Head Coach, she oversees the day-to-day operations and ensures that everything runs smoothly.

In addition to her administrative duties, Hilary is a dynamic and enthusiastic leader of our Junior classes. Her passion for Judo is infectious, and she inspires our young students to learn and grow with every class. With her energy and enthusiasm, you can't miss Hilary when she's leading a session.

Beyond her role at our club, Hilary is also a national-level referee and has travelled throughout the country officiating at Judo competitions. Her expertise and experience in this area are invaluable, and we are proud to have her represent our club on the national stage.

Join us at our club and experience the leadership and expertise of Hilary firsthand - you won't be disappointed!

Leon McClutchie - 1 Dan

Meet Leon, one of our talented Judo instructors who has been a part of our club for years. With years of experience and a passion for the sport, Leon is a highly respected member of our team.

As a student, Leon trained with Hilary, our club's administrator and leader. Leon has honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of Judo's principles and philosophy.

Today, Leon is a dedicated and knowledgeable instructor who brings his expertise and passion to every class. Whether teaching beginners or advanced students, Leon has a gift for breaking down complex techniques into manageable steps and inspiring his students to reach their full potential.

Beyond his role as an instructor, Leon is also an accomplished competitor who has represented our club at numerous tournaments. His experience on the mat, combined with his dedication to teaching, make him an invaluable asset to our community.

If you're looking for an instructor who is both skilled and passionate about Judo, look no further than Leon. Join us at our club and experience the transformative power of Judo under his guidance.

Lorraine Rosser - 1 Dan

We are thrilled to welcome back Lorraine, a former NZ Judo representative who recently returned to our club after a stint in Auckland. During her time away, Lorraine was an essential part of the Howick Judo Club, where she honed her skills as both a competitor and instructor.

Now back, Lorraine is an invaluable asset. Her experience and expertise in Judo make her an excellent teacher, and her passion for the sport inspires our young students to learn and grow.

Murray Simons - 1 Dan

Meet Murray, our coach away from home currently based in Canberra, Australia. With a passion for Judo and a desire to learn as much as possible, Murray is on a mission to bring back new knowledge and techniques to our club.

While in Australia, Murray is immersing himself in the local Judo community and learning from experienced coaches and practitioners. He is eager to bring back this wealth of knowledge and incorporate it into our club's training regimen.

Despite the distance, Murray remains an integral part of our team, providing valuable insight and guidance from afar. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated coach who is willing to go the extra mile to improve his skills and benefit our club.

Join us at our club and experience the benefits of Murray's expertise, both from his training in Australia and his ongoing support of our club from afar.

Paily Phoupayly - 1 Dan

Meet Paily, one of our experienced instructors who has learned from our highly respected head coach. With his extensive knowledge of Judo techniques, including some "sneaky stuff," Paily is an invaluable member of our team.

While he has moved to Australia, we are thrilled to announce that Paily will continue to be a part of our club and return regularly. His commitment to Judo and our club is unwavering, and we are grateful for his ongoing support.

Join us at our club and learn from Paily's wealth of knowledge and experience in Judo. He may even share some of his "sneaky stuff" with you!