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SENSEI SHANE THOMPSONSCHOOL HEAD & INSTRUCTIONAL DIRECTOR
As lead instructor of the Rocklin Judo program Sensei Thompson brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience. Sensei Thompson started his training in 1983 and currently holds rank as a 5th Degree Black Belt (Godan) in Jujitsu. He also holds a 3rd Degree Black Belt (Sandan) in Judo under the guidance and direction of former U.S. Olympic Judo Coach Willy "Clipper" Cahill. Sensei Thompson is also mentored by former U.S. Olympic Judo Athlete and U.S. Olympic Judo Coach Patrick Mitsugi Burris. As a former competitor in many martial arts venues which include Karate, Kick Boxing (AAU), Boxing (AAU), Judo, Wrestling and Sport Jujitsu competitions Sensei Thompson has amassed his share of success receiving numerous regional gold medals and national podium finishes. He has also had tremendous success in leading others to great achievements at the National and International levels of competition. Drawing from his experiences in Hawaiian Jujitsu, Sport Jujitsu, Kodokan Judo, Shorin Ryu Karate, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, American Kickboxing, and Wrestling Sensei Thompson has the ability to offer a variety of technical applications for both self-defense and sport. He has also led programs such as Women's Self-Defense for the City of Roseville and has been a featured instructor at many large scale conventions and seminars throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. He is currently a Continental Certified USA Judo Coach and has experience coaching elite level Judo athletes of the US National Judo Team at international venues. He holds rank with Jujitsu America, USA Judo, and the United States Judo Association. In 2013 Sensei Thompson was named Instructor of the Year by Jujitsu America.
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PROFESSOR TODD BIRDSEYEINSTRUCTOR & STANDARDS CHAIRMAN
Starting his training in 1978 Professor Birdseye is currently a 6th Degree Black Belt (Rokkudan) in Jujitsu and was awarded the title of Professor in 2017. He is a third generation student of the Hawaiian Jujitsu art also known as American Jujitsu or DanZan Ryu Jujitsu. This art is one of the most recognized in the world, being utilized in almost every law enforcement and military defensive tactics program. In addition, he currently holds a 1st Degree Black Belt (Shodan) in Judo with USA Judo. Professor Birdseye has been recognized in the National Black Belt Hall of Fame and is a former National Champion as well as an International Medalist in Sport Jujitsu. Consistently requested as a guest instructor at many National Conventions and Seminars his coaching style is very laid back and friendly. Known for his technical savvy and well rounded martial arts abilities Professor Birdseye draws from his experiences in Hawaiian Jujitsu, Sport Jujitsu, Kodokan Judo, Iaido, Kenpo Karate, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Krav Maga, and American Kickboxing.
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SENSEI TED NAKADAATHLETE PERFORMANCE MANAGER & STANDARDS CHAIRMAN
Starting his training in 1982 Sensei Nakada is currently a Senior Master Instructor - 4th Degree Black Belt in Judo and currently rounds out the Rocklin Judo program with his extensive experience in young athlete development. Studying under the tutelage of former U.S. Olympic Judo Coach Willy "Clipper" Cahill, Sensei Nakada learned the art of Kodokan Judo as well as some Jujitsu. After years of study and competition Sensei Nakada became an instructor for the youth Judo program at the well known and highly sought after Cahill's Judo Academy. He held this position for 12 years. Currently Sensei Nakada is a Continental Certified USA Judo Coach and holds rank with USA Judo and the United States Judo Association.
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SENSEI ROB MARQUARDTASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR
A retired veteran of the United States Coast Guard Sensei Rob initially started his Judo training in Chico, California at the Chico Judo Club dojo. He subsequently continued his studies while in the military and had the opportunity to obtain instruction from a variety of instructors both in the states and overseas. Currently Sensei Rob holds a 1st Degree Black Belt (Shodan) in Judo with USA Judo and the United States Judo Association and serves as an Assistant Instructor in our program. With deep roots in Judo and a lengthy career in Law Enforcement activities Rob comes to us with a wealth of knowledge and real world experience and we are honored to have him as a member of our team. Currently Sensei Marquardt is a National Certified Judo Coach with USA Judo and a U.S. National Champion in the sport.
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SENPAI MANUEL SABINASSISTANT JUDO COACH & MEDICAL ADVISOR
Starting his training in DanZan Ryu Jujitsu in 1988 at U.C. Davis while completing his undergraduate studies Manuel was forced to take a small hiatus while attending medical school in Omaha, Nebraska. In 1991 he took up the practice of Judo and shortly after started competing in the sport. Upon returning to California in 1997 he immediately enrolled into another DanZan Ryu Jujitsu program so that he could continue his studies in that art. In 2014 he joined the NorCal Sport Jujitsu & Judo Team, now known as Rocklin Judo and currently serves as one of our mentoring students and assistant Judo coaches. Manuel has a wealth of knowledge and is currently a State Certified USA Judo Coach. He has obtained rank in both Judo and Jujitsu currently possessing a 2nd Class Brown Belt (Nikyu) in Judo through USA Judo and a 1st Class Brown Belt (Ikkyu) in Jujitsu. In addition, Manuel is a Licensed Medical Doctor and currently serves the public as a Primary Care Physician.
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SENSEI ELIAS SABINASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR
Sensei Elias Sabin holds a 1st Degree Black Belt (Shodan) in Judo with Rocklin Judo and USA Judo. He currently serves as an Assistant Instructor in our program and still competes at a very high level. Sensei Sabin has been a member of the U.S. National Judo Team at international venues and is a National Judo Champion. In 2021 he was ranked as the #1 Judo Athlete in the United States for the IJF Juniors 100kg division. He knows what it takes to be competitive at an elite level and has become very comfortable with addressing difficult or challenging situations. Hard work, committment and perserverence are no stranger to this individual. He has great communication skills and is exceptionally well versed at coaching athletes in a manner that enables them to absorb content quickly and efficiently. In 2019 Sensei Sabin was named Athlete of the Year.
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SENSEI ALEKSEY "ALEX" CHEBOTAREVASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR
As a former competitor on the U.C. Davis Judo Team Sensei Alex Chebotarev is no stranger to purpose minded training. He is a hard worker and loves helping others reach their goals whether it be general fitness, self-defense or competitive aspirations. Sensei Chebotarev loves a good sweat so you will always see him grinding away during our workout sessions. At the moment he holds a 1st Degree Black Belt (Shodan) in Judo with USA Judo and is currently finishing up all of his coaching modules for national coaching certification. He also holds Black Belt Rank with the Korean Judo Association.
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SENSEI KELLI JOCOYASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR
Sensei Kelli Jocoy is currently a 1st Degree Black Belt (Shodan) in Judo with USA Judo and the Korean Judo Association. She was a fierce competitor on the U.C. Davis Competitive Judo Team and brings with her a wealth of knowledge in application, conditioning and mindset for those looking to take up the art and sport of Judo. Kelli is intense when it comes to her own training regimine and loves helping others find the strength within themselves to be better at all they apply themselves to. She is currently finishing up her coaching modules with USA Judo for national accreditation.
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