HIGH DANS

Modesto "Joe" Serianni started judo in 1966, achieving rokudan rank (6th dan) in 2015. He served as President of Judo Ontario and held key leadership roles, including Head Coach and Technical Director. As a distinguished referee, he officiated at the 1996 Olympics and the 1991 World Championships, earning his IJF “A” Certification in 1990. Inducted into the Judo Canada Hall of Fame in 2014, Joe's leadership has left a lasting impact on judo across Canada.

Tony started judo at seven at the Takahashi Dojo in Ottawa, achieving success over two decades. After losing his vision, he transitioned to Para Judo, competing in two Paralympic Games and winning medals at the Para Pan-American Games. In 2021, he became the first blind Canadian to achieve the rank of Rokudan and the first blind competitor at the World Kata Championships. Now an NCCP Level 4 coach, he continues to actively coach at the Takahashi Dojo.

Kelita Stevens (Zupancic) was ranked top in the world in the -70kg category for most of her 12 year career on the IJF World Tour, culminating in competing for Canada at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games. She began judo at Formokan Judo Club under Sensei Charlie Formosa, and continued to train in Montreal, Tokyo and Boston during her career. She continues to be an active coach in the USA

Duncan Vignale has played a significant role in the development of judo, including serving as President of Judo Ontario and Vice President of Judo Canada. Duncan is a recipient of the Syl Apps Award, Judo Ontario Lifetime Member and is one of the few to achieve the rank of Hachidan (8th Dan). He continues to support judo as an international Kata Judge and Kata instructor.

June Takahashi has made notable contributions to the growth of Judo in Canada. June has dedicated her life to supporting the development of judo, including co-authoring "Mastering Judo". She holds the rank of Shichidan (7th Dan) and is an IJF certified Kata Judge.

Aartje Sheffield has contributed to judo in Ontario for over 30 years and holds the rank of Rokudan. She is a NCCP Level 3 certified coach, a member of the Judo Canada NCCP Committee and Board of Directors. Aartje has been a huge driving force of our association during her tenure at Judo Ontario, where she was instrumental in developing female engagement programs for our province.

Jim Walker has been involved and contributing to judo for over 5 decades and currently holds the rank of 6th dan. Jim was the Head Instructor of the Maple Leaf Dojo for over 30 years. In that time Jim produced 10 National level competitors, 30 plus National Championship medals and has developed over 30 black belts

Charlie Formosa started judo in 1962 and has reached the prestigious rank of Shichidan (7th Degree Black Belt). Charlie founded the Formokan Judo Club in 1975 and has fostered junior, senior and veteran judo champions at every level. Charlie was also the original club coach for 2 time Olympian Glenn Beauchamp and more recently 3 time olympic qualified athlete Kelita Stevens (nee Zupancic). 

Nathalie was a former Canadian Champion and medalist at various international tournaments.

Her career culminated in 1996 with a selection to the Canadian Olympic Team. Nathalie was a very passionate and skilled player who fought with a lot of heart. She currently heads up the ECLIPSE program for Judo Canada.

Craig was one of Canada's best athletes during the 1980's. He was a former Canadian Champion who was continually winning medals in international competition. Craig is a member of Who's Who in Canadian Sport. Craig also made time to pursue his university education at Concordia University.

He is a level 3 NCCP certified coach who holds the rank of 7th dan.

Rainer was a member of the 1976 Olympic Team and Pan American Games champion in 1975. He was many times Canadian Champion and holds the rank of 6th dan. Rainer was also one of the first Ontario athletes to live and train at the National Training Centre in Montreal and opened the door for future Ontario athletes to move to the National Training Centre. 

Sandra was the first and only Canadian female athlete for Judo to qualify for the Olympics as a demonstration sport in 1988. Sandra was many times Canadian Champion and was a mainstay on the National Team for many years. She was a Pan American Games gold medalist as well as placing in a number of international tournaments. Sandra is a certified NCCP level 3 coach.

Wayne was a member of the 1976 Olympic Team. He is a certified Level 3 NCCP coach and a former National Coach. Wayne was a gold medalist at the 1975 Pan-American Games as well as being a Canadian Champion many times. He currently operates the Olympia Judo Club in Kitchener, ON. Wayne holds the rank of 7th dan and has also been a member of the Provincial Grading Board.

Tina was many times a Canadian Champion and won a number of international medals. One of her greatest achievements came when she won a gold medal at the World University Games. Tina was the Olympic Coach for Sandra Greaves at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. Tina is a member of the National Grading Board and holds the rank of 6th dan.

Kevin was a member of the 1984-88 Olympic Teams. His greatest achievement came with a bronze medal at the 1981 World Championships. Kevin placed in a number of World Class tournaments and was several times Canadian Champion. He has held various positions on the Judo Ontario and Judo Canada Board of Directors. Kevin holds the rank of 7th dan.

Phil was a member of the 1980-84-88 Olympic Teams. His greatest achievement came with a bronze medal at the 1981 World Championships. He was many times Canadian Champion and placed in a number of World-class tournaments. Phil teaches a number of martial arts at the Takahashi Judo Club. Phil holds the rank of 7th dan.