Instructor Profiles

Name: Jan Karnik
Rank: Sandan (3rd Degree Black Belt)
NCCP: Level I certified (Dojo Assistant)

I started Judo in 1974 with Sensei Rudi Mahler. Since then, I have competed in more than a dozen international tournaments. Success followed with 3 Canadian Championship wins in the Senior's division (as well as 1 silver and 1 bronze). The first Canadian Championship tournament was when I was 17. I remained undefeated in Canada for 3 years (all the Canadian tournaments that I attended). Actually, it was technically 4 years as I did not fight for 1st place in the last nationals.

In addition to winning the Senior Canadian Championship, I won 3 Canadian Championships as a junior. I won the Canada Cup International tournament (in Montreal around 1991), where I beat the world champ from Russia who won the world championship 3 months earlier. Then there was second placing in the Cuba open where I beat the 3rd ranked judoka in the world (Marino). Following that, I went to the 4th round of World Championships (I lost a fight, giving me a chance to fight for 3rd place, but ended up tied for 5th). I even beat the Japanese competitor favored to win the division.

Judo was a little less intense for a few years after that. Then, after not competing for 11 years, I won the Pacific International Seniors in Steveston in 2004.

I now look forward to coaching our young athletes, so they can achieve some of the amazing things that judo world wide can offer. My focus is to develop excellent competitors because I believe that "winners in sports become winners in life."


Name: Bruce Fingarson
Rank: Sandan (3rd Degree Black Belt)
NCCP: Level III certified
Referee: National B
Coach Learning Facilitator, Trained
Judo BC Treasurer and NCCP Chair

I began judo in 1971 at the New Westminster dojo under the watchful eye of sensei Fred Tan and was promoted to the rank of Nikyu under sensei Tan. At that time an injury forced me to suspend my judo career.

When my son started into judo at the N. Delta Judo Club, I was asked by sensei Rudi Mahler to join the club and assist in instruction of the junior class. I decided that judo was again an interest and so agreed to participate more fully at the dojo. In March of 2001 I was promoted to the rank of Ikkyu, and started formally assisting in the instruction of both the junior and the adult practices.

Then judo became more of an interest and a love. In December 2003 I was awarded my first black belt. My progress through refereeing and the National Coaching program have led to a National ranking as a referee.

My interest in judo culminates in the technical aspect of tachi waza and my fascination with kata. Judo has become my "way" of life. It's rich heritage gives me an opportunity to continue exploring and sharing this wonderful sport with all of you who choose judo as a road to health and knowledge.


Name: Corey Lapell
Rank: Nidan (2nd Degree Black Belt)
NCCP: Level II certified

History:
Born in Ontario, I moved to Vancouver in 1993 where I currently reside with my wife and son. I graduated from UBC with a BA and a B.Ed.

My Judo studies began in 1980 and I began instructing Judo in 1998. In the fall of 2007 I ventured back into the competitive arena and enjoyed particpating at the 10th annual World Masters Judo Championships in Brussels, June 2008.

Fitness Coaching:

Crossfit Level 1 Certified Instructor (www.crossfit.com)


AKC Certified Kettle Bell Coach (www.americankettlebell.com)


Self Defense Instruction:


Blauer Tactical Systems Certified PDR Instructor (www.tonyblauer.com)


Other Martial Arts Experience:

I enjoy dabbling in various martial arts and sports combatives including: Muay Thai Kickboxing, Karate, Taekwondo, Wrestling, Boxing, Ninjitsu, Kendo, Kung Fu (3 styles).

I currently cross train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Dynamic Mixed Martial Arts Academy in Vancouver under former professional MMA competitor Adam Ryan. Adam is a Carlson Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Marcus Soares (www.mmavancouver.com).


Name: Mark Staines
Rank: Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt)
NCCP: Level I certified (Dojo Assistant)


I have always been involved in some form of martial arts, in my younger days I did Judo, in my early twenties I trained in karate, my thirties arnis and jiu-jitsu, and now full circle back to Judo. I have been teaching and learning for the past 5 years.

I think the most and fun and personally rewarding thing of all, is when students do well in competitions, they have that big medal hanging around their necks, or are carrying a trophy with a big grin from ear to ear. you just know they are so proud of their accomplishment, and as an instructor this is the ultimate reward.


Name: Dave Hocking
Rank: Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt)
NCCP: Level I certified (Dojo Assistant)

I was an avid competitor in my youth. I enjoyed success not only in numerous local tournaments, but was also a gold medalist in San Jose, California and Seattle Washington shiais.

I now appreciate that Judo can be enjoyed on many different levels: as an individual activity, a team sport, a recreational activity or self-defense. Judo offers a lifetime of physical and mental challenges.



Name: Denis Hollo
Rank: Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt)
NCCP: Level I certified (Dojo Assistant)
Referee: Provincial C

Hi! How is it going?

I started judo in September 2001. I am a black belt and I also am an assistant instructor. I like going into competitions and helping to improve other judokas' techniques.

I joined judo because my mom was in it and I wanted to compete. I like judo because it's the only sport that I am really good at and it's something I can do to relax.

I am very proud to announce that after a lot of hard work, I've just been awarded my Dojo Assistant coaching certificate.