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Honorary Life Membership is granted to individuals who have made an extraordinary contribution to Judo BC or Judo in British Columbia or both and are appointed for life by special resolution by the Judo BC voting membership.
The following Judo BC members have been granted Judo BC Honorary Life Membership:
John Huntley (Shichidan)
Head Sensei Aberdeen Judo Academy
Mr. Huntley’s journey in judo began in 1959, and since then, he has dedicated himself to continuous learning and sharing his knowledge across all facets of the sport. He was promoted to the rank of Shichidan (7th Dan) in 2006, a reflection of his extensive experience and deep commitment to judo.
John’s influence on judo in British Columbia is immeasurable. He founded and operated the Prince George Judo Club from 1964 to 1986 before moving to Kamloops and founding the Aberdeen Judo Academy. He has produced numerous provincial and national champions. In addition to his coaching and teaching roles, John served as the Registrar of Judo BC from 1968 to 1983 and was the editor and publisher of the Judo BC Digest, a monthly publication that provided valuable resources to the judo community.
Robert Griechen (Rokudan)
Kokoro Judo Club, and Founder and Former Head Sensei of Lake Country Judo Club
Robert’s involvement in judo began in the 1950’s, and over the years, he has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to the sport, both locally and nationally. In 1980, Robert established the Lake Country Judo Club in British Columbia, after having gained extensive experience in Ontario, Alberta, and through his military service, where he taught judo in both the USA and West Germany. His teaching and leadership have influenced countless athletes and coaches, and his dedication to the growth of judo in BC has been invaluable.
Robert played a key role in organizing regional, provincial, and national tournaments, including the 2004 Canadian Junior National Championships, further cementing his legacy as a pillar of the Canadian judo community. dedication to the sport, both locally and nationally.
In recognition of his decades of service and leadership, Robert was promoted to the rank of Rokudan (6th Dan) in 2016. His contributions to the sport, both on and off the mat, are a testament to his lifelong commitment to judo.
Tokue Suda (Shichidan)
Founder of Abbotsford Judo Club
Mr. Tokue Suda has been quietly sharing his love and knowledge of judo in British Columbia for over 40 years, making an indelible mark on the sport. As the founder of Abbotsford Judo Club in 1980, which is now the largest judo club in Western Canada, Mr. Suda has dedicated much of his life to nurturing the growth of judo in the region. From 1981 to 2022, he served as the head sensei, head coach, and manager of the club.
Beyond his work in Abbotsford, Mr. Suda has been a tireless volunteer with Judo BC for many years, contributing in various capacities. He has been a key member of the Provincial Team coaching staff and, more recently, a kata evaluator. Mr. Suda has generously opened his club to Judo BC, hosting numerous events including training camps, referee clinics, mini competitions, and coaching courses, all of which have played a significant role in the development of judo in the province.
His commitment to the sport has had a far-reaching impact, helping to produce many National and International competitors, referees, and coaches, as well as developing over 60 black belts. In 2023, Mr. Suda was awarded his Shichidan (seventh dan) by Judo Canada in recognition of his outstanding contributions to judo at the local, provincial, and national levels.
Radomir (Bob) Orescanin (Rokudan)
New Westminster Judo Club
Bob Orescanin has been an integral figure in the judo community for over 60 years, and his dedication to the sport has earned him Life Membership with Judo BC. Bob began his judo journey in Vancouver in 1964, and since then, he has been a passionate and committed member of the judo community, both as a coach and an athlete.
Throughout his career, Bob has coached at several clubs across BC, including Burnaby Judo Club, Langley Judo Club, and most recently, New Westminster Judo Club. His coaching experience has had a big impact on countless judoka, and he has been a key figure in fostering the growth of judo in the province. Bob has also been an active competitor, participating in Veterans judo competitions throughout the 1980s and 1990s, and competing in Kata in the early 2000s. His dedication to kata was exemplified by his participation in the World Kata Championships in 2006 and 2008, where he represented Canada on the international stage.
In recognition of his many years of service and excellence in judo, Bob was promoted by Judo Canada to the rank of Rokudan (6th dan). His unwavering dedication to the sport, both on and off the mat, has left a legacy in the judo community, and his Life Membership with Judo BC is a fitting tribute to his outstanding contributions.
