SHOP
On November 26, 2023, Judo BC recognized seven individuals for their extraordinary contributions to Judo BC and Judo in British Columbia. These seven individuals were appointed honourary life membership:
Art Nishi – Steveston Judo Club, Shichidan
Longtime member of the Judo BC Grading Board and former chair, original member of Steveston Judo Club, National medalist, former Judo BC Head Coach, former National Coach, National Referee, longtime instructor at Steveston Judo Club, former Steveston Judo Club President, longtime kata course conductor and kata judging evaluator.
Isao Kuramoto – Steveston Judo Club, Rokudan
Longtime member of the Judo BC Grading Board, original member of Steveston Judo Club, longtime instructor at Steveston Judo Club, longtime kata course conductor, National referee, and former President of Steveston Judo Club.
Martin Kuramoto – Steveston Judo Club, Rokudan
IJF Continental Referee, former President of Steveston Judo Club, and longtime instructor at Steveston Judo Club.
Ricky Yodogawa – Steveston Judo Club, Godan
Former Team BC coach, former National Coach, former National Champion, and longtime instructor at the Steveston Judo Club.
Haruo (Hap) Hirata – Steveston Judo Club, Rokudan
Original member of Steveston Judo Club, former President of Steveston Judo Club, and longtime instructor at Steveston Judo Club.
Seiko Ouchi – Kamloops Judo Club, Godan
Long time member of the Referee Development Committee, IJF Referee, longtime instructor and coach, and the 2023 recipient of the Judo Canada Lifetime Contribution Award.
Henry Uyeda – Kamloops Judo Club, Rokudan
Former President and Head Sensei of Kamloops Judo Club, IJF Continental Referee, longtime instructor at Kamloops Judo Club.
Note: the above information are only brief bios on these seven individuals and doesn’t represent their overall and extensive contributions to Judo in BC.
To see the full list of Judo BC’s Honourary and Life Members, click here.
