Meet Our Instructors
Get to know our
instructional staff
Eric Thomas
Rank: Nidan - Second Degree Black Belt
Playing judo since: 2007
Teaching Judo since: 2011
Why I love Judo: The community. Being able to see people grow and evolve in so many ways makes this a very rewarding sport to be a part of.
Favorite throw: The one that’s working for me that week
Clayton Willett
Rank: Yodan - Fourth Degree Black Belt
Playing Judo since: 2001
Teaching Judo since: 2007
Why I love Judo: I love the Judo culture. Anywhere you go, you will find friendly and welcoming Judo folk. We all make up an extensive Judo family.
Favorite throw: Okuri Ashi Barai and Kata Guruma
Tony Reyes
Rank: Nidan - Second Degree Black Belt
Playing Judo since: 2004
Teaching Judo since: 2011
Why I love Judo: So many things! The Judo family, the traditional side and history of Judo, the skills I’ve learned along the way that help me both on and off the mats, and I love helping others on their journey as well!
Favorite throw: Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi
Rob Schab
Rank: Rokudan - Sixth Degree Black Belt
Playing Judo since: 1976
Teaching Judo since: 1990
Why I love Judo: I really love how judo can positively shape people both physically and mentally. Seeing practitioners understand the value of working together to learn judo is extremely rewarding.
Favorite throw: Harai Goshi
Randy Gore
Rank: Nidan - Second Degree Black Belt
Playing Judo since: 2008
Teaching Judo since: 2017
Why I love Judo: The respect and discipline but especially that every time we fall down, we get back up.
Favorite throw: O Soto Gari and Ko Uchi Gari
Brynn Buskerud
Rank: Shodan - First Degree Black Belt
Playing Judo since: 2012
Teaching Judo since: 2021
Why I love Judo: the experiences and dedication that it takes to fully understand the concepts of Judo.
Favorite throw: Hane Goshi
Mike Gauvin
Rank: Sandan - Third Degree Black Belt
Playing Judo since: 1998
Teaching Judo since: 2007
Why I love Judo: the type of people who join the club. They are great people and it is great to watch them progress
Favorite throw: Tani Otoshi
Haley Buskerud
Rank: Shodan - First Degree Black Belt
Playing Judo since: 2012
Teaching Judo since: 2021
Why I love Judo: the friendships and connections you make along your journey in Judo.
Favorite throw: Morote Seoi Nage
Mariko Kuwana
Rank: Nidan - Second Degree Black Belt
Playing Judo since: 2005
Teaching Judo since: 2017
Why I love Judo: I make friends, good conversation, helping each other,
even I’m not good at speaking English!!
I value the relationships I have with others who do Judo.
Favorite throw: Kouchi gari
Shal Prasad
Rank: Shodan - First Degree Black Belt
Playing Judo since: 2012
Teaching Judo since: 2019
Why I love Judo: I love the competition side as well as the physical exercise.
Favorite throw: Morote Seoi Nage