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Your Sensei

Sensei Gord became associated with the Almonte Judo Club in 1995, and took over full reins from Sensei Bob Smithson and Sensei David Jeschor in January 1997. Sensei Bob earned his retirement from judo after serving the Club as Instructor/Operations Manager for more than 25 years.  Sensei David joined the Almonte Judo Club as a young student, and remained an active member and eventually Club Instructor for many years as well. In his latter years with the Club, Sensei David travelled from his home in Stittsville to keep the Almonte Judo Club operational.

Sensei Gord leads the pack

Sensei Gord is a life-long resident of Almonte and has been married to his wife Val for 43 years. Together they have two daughters and four grandchildren. The entire family has been involved with judo to varying degrees, and for a period of 8 years traveled extensively to numerous judo tournaments throughout Ontario, Quebec, New York and the 2000 Nationals held in Lethbridge, Alberta. Sensei Gord graduated from Carleton University with a degree in Economics, and soon after began a career in Managerial Finance. He joined Mitel Corporation in 1979 and remained with the Company nearly 25 years before moving to a start-up venture. Sensei Gord retired from the hectic pace of high tech in 2008 and now enjoys long rides on his touring motorcycle, camping, following High School football and generally leading a very active life. Gord is also the founder of the Almonte Armwrestling Club, and an active participant and competitor.

Sensei Gord is proud to be associated with a Club with such deep rooted history in the Almonte community, and in the larger judo community. The Almonte Judo Club was formally established in September 1968 and became the third Club to register under the wings of Judo Ontario. Well over 1,000 members of all ages have passed through the Almonte Judo Club with the large majority coming from Almonte and surrounding communities. Now entering it’s 52nd season, Sensei Gord strives to preserve club traditions and promote an environment of  ‘Confidence, Fitness, Fairness, and Discipline’. Although the Club is primarily recreational in scope, judo tournaments are still considered the ultimate test. We encourage student participation at tournaments where Sensei Gord can often be seen in the capacity of Referee, performing a coaching role, or providing general assistance for the smooth running of the tournament. Sensei Gord currently holds the rank of ‘Provincial A’ Referee, and has attained his Level II NCCP (Coaching Certification – Judo specific). Beyond the Almonte Judo Club, Sensei Gord has served as Secretary of East Region Judo Ontario, a position he held for more than 16 years. Currently he acts as Referee Coordinator for the East Region.

Sensei Gord embodies the philosophy of judo as ‘A Way of Life’ , training and remaining active in the sport year round. Throughout the year, Sensei Gord along with his wife Val devote considerable time planning special Club events such as the Annual Xmas party, Bring a Friend Night, invitations to Special Guests, and the Annual Awards Night and Party. We have enjoyed strong membership over the years and a very loyal base of members many who have surpassed 10, 15, and 20 years with the Club! We are proud to serve the community and promote the martial art of judo as it was intended – a fun, challenging, and rewarding experience for all.