About us
Guelph's only judo club since 1989.
Our story
Kohbukan Judo Club has been teaching judo in Guelph, Ontario for over 36 years. We're a member-run nonprofit — not a franchise, not a business. We exist to share the art of judo with our community.
Our name, Kohbukan, reflects our commitment to the traditional values of judo: mutual welfare and benefit (jita kyoei) and maximum efficiency with minimum effort (seiryoku zenyo). These principles guide everything we do, from how we teach beginners to how we run the club.
We offer programs for children, youth, and adults. Whether you're looking for a martial art for your child, a fitness challenge for yourself, or a path to competition, you'll find a welcoming home here.
At a glance
- Founded
- 1989
- Structure
- Member-run nonprofit
- Location
- 10 Speedvale Ave E, 2nd Floor
Guelph, Ontario - Affiliation
- Judo Ontario · Judo Canada
What is judo?
Judo ("the gentle way") is a modern Japanese martial art and Olympic sport founded by Jigoro Kano in 1882. It emphasizes using an opponent's force against them through throws, trips, and sweeps, as well as groundwork including pins, chokes, and joint locks.
Unlike striking-based martial arts, judo is practiced with a partner and a heavy emphasis on safety. The first skill every judoka learns is ukemi — how to fall without getting hurt. This alone is one of the most practical self-defense skills anyone can have.
Judo has been an Olympic sport since 1964 and is practiced by millions worldwide. It develops physical fitness, mental toughness, and character in a way few other activities can match.
Instructors
Dave Robb
Godan (5th Degree Black Belt) · Kodokan Judo
David R. Robb has been practicing judo since 1963. He has recently been graded to Godan (5th degree black belt) in Kodokan Judo. He studied under Frank Hatashita at York University and obtained his shodan rank under Ray Kelly at the University of Alberta. Dave competed for York University for four years and the University of Alberta for one year. In 1968 Dave fought for the province of Alberta at the Nationals in Saskatoon.
He holds National C referee status and completed Level 2 NCCP in judo. He has been the dojoshu of the Kohbukan Judo Club since 1988 and the Director of the Kohbukan Shiai since 2000. A retired high school English teacher, he created an illustrated syllabus for the club. Dave and his partner, Paul Davidson competed at the Nationals in 2005 in both Nage no Kata and Goshin Jutsu coming third in each event. Outside judo, he builds boats, sails, windsurfs, and skis.
Linda Majunke
Sandan (3rd Degree Black Belt) · Kodokan Judo
Linda began practicing judo at the age of 8 in Kitchener under the teachings of the late Dave Thomas. She joined Asahi Judo Club in 1991 and obtained a shodan (1st degree black belt) in 1995. She instructed classes and co-formed the women's only self defence/judo program. She trained at Club Olympia under Wayne Erdman.
In 1998, she was part of the Victoria Park Neighbourhood Association and through the association, started Fun & Fitness Judo Club. The judo club continued for 20 years until 2019 when she joined the Kohbukan-Sisu judo club. She holds level 2 NCCP training. Now a third degree black belt, Linda enjoys learning judo kata and competing in kata competitions.
Assistant Instructors
Michael Melanson
Ikkyu (Brown Belt)
Michael has been practicing Judo since 2002 and has previously trained under Wayne Erdman at Club Olympia in Kitchener, Ontario, as well as the Takahashi family and Tony Walby in Ottawa, Ontario. He began teaching after his daughter expressed interest in judo following the Olympics.
Abdulrahman "Al" Bahabri
Ikkyu (Brown Belt)
Al started training Judo in Kohbukan-Sisu in 2019 with Sensei Wayland Pulkkinen and Sensei Dave Robb. Later on, he moved to British Columbia where he trained with Sensei Aline Strasdin in the Prince George Judo Club. Al holds a B.A. in Psychology and completed NCCP levels 1 & 2 training.
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