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Sensei Rhys
1st Dan Judo Black Belt
Head Coach
With over two decades of judo experience, Sensei Rhys is a highly accomplished and dedicated coach. A multiple state and national medallist, he has proudly represented New South Wales at the National Championships and earned his Sho Dan (1st Dan) black belt in 2013.
Inspired by his father, two-time Olympian Barry Johnson, Sensei Rhys developed a strong competitive foundation and a dynamic coaching style during his time at Zenbu Judo in Newington. He brings unmatched energy, technical expertise, and a genuine passion for nurturing the next generation of judokas.
Committed to both beginners and emerging athletes, Sensei Rhys is a valued member of our coaching team, known for his leadership, enthusiasm, and love for the sport.
Sensei Kieren
1st dan Judo Black Belt
Senior & Competition Coach
Kieren is a highly respected coach at Woy Woy Judo Club, having trained with the club since the age of seven. With over 20 years in the sport, he brings a wealth of competitive and international experience.
A two-time Junior National Champion, Junior Oceania silver medallist, and Senior Nationals bronze medallist, Kieren has represented both New South Wales and Australia on multiple occasions at national and international events. He has trained in Japan, the USA, and at the Australian Institute of Sport, and holds the rank of Sho Dan (1st Dan).
As our Senior and Competition Coach, Kieren supports athletes striving for high-level performance. His technical precision, global perspective, and athlete-focused coaching make him an invaluable mentor for competitive judoka.
Sensei Liz
1st dan Judo Black Belt
Beginners & Fundamentals Coach
Liz began judo at age 7 in 1983 under Danny Simmons Snr at Woy Woy Judo Club. A dedicated and passionate judoka, she became a multiple State Champion and medalist, won the Lake Macquarie Games several times, and received the Peninsula Community Centre Excellence Award in 1996, 1997, and 1998.
She was invited to the NSW State Team in 1998 but chose to prioritise family at the time. In December 2022, Liz achieved her Sho Dan (1st Dan) black belt.
Returning to the club in 2013 with her three sons, Liz now shares her love of judo with the next generation. She is passionate about helping students build strong fundamental skills while instilling pride, discipline, and respect through the traditions of the dojo.
Sensei Coralie
Judo Brown Belt
Kids & Fundamentals Coach
A passionate and accomplished judoka, Coralie brings a lifelong connection to the sport of judo to Woy Woy Judo Club. A successful junior competitor, she and her older brother Daniel, built a strong foundation under the guidance of her father, renowned coach Danny Simmons Snr.
Today, she continues that legacy—both on the mats playing an integral part as a coach in our kid's judo program, and at home as a proud judo mum, now passing on her knowledge, discipline, and love for the sport to her own children.
Coralie’s deep experience and knowledge, along with a nurturing approach and strong family heritage in judo, make her a vital force in developing the next generation of athletes at Woy Woy Judo Club.
Honorary coaches
Sensei Danny snr
5th dan Judo Black Belt
founder of woy woy judo club
1941-2014
Beginning his martial arts journey at the South Sydney Police Boys Club, Waterloo, where he discovered judo at age 14 in 1955. He went on to enjoy a distinguished judo career, representing New South Wales at national championships and Australia at the 1968 Oceania Championships in New Zealand, where he won a silver medal after the longest match in judo history.
He also trialled for the Australian Olympic team in 1964 and 1968 before travelling to Japan to study traditional judo, later bringing those techniques back to Australia.
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After many years coaching in Sydney, Danny moved to the Central Coast in 1982 and founded his own club, where he coached all ages and instilled lifelong values of respect, compassion, and strength. Throughout his career, he guided countless athletes to national, international, world championship, and Olympic levels.
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In recognition of his service to judo and the community, Danny received numerous honors, including the Australian Sports Medal, multiple life memberships, induction into the Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame, and Rotary Volunteer of the Year.
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Danny passed away in October 2014 after a long illness, but his legacy lives on through the Woy Woy Judo Club and the annual Danny Simms Memorial Judo Tournament, established in his honor in 2016.
Sensei Danny Jnr
4th dan Judo Black Belt
former Owner & head coach
Daniel’s love for judo began at just five years old under the guidance of his father, Danny Snr, and quickly became a lifelong passion.
He went on to represent New South Wales at 10 National Championships and from 2010 to 2014 represented Australia internationally, competing at World Cups, Grand Slams, and Grand Prix events across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania while pursuing Olympic selection.
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Daniel has trained extensively overseas in Japan, North America, and Europe. He achieved Sho Dan (1st Dan) in 2010 with his father present on the National Grades Commission, Ni Dan (2nd Dan) in 2014, San Dan (3rd Dan) in 2021, and Yon Dan (4th Dan) in 2025.
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Following his father’s passing in 2014, Daniel retired from competition and became Head Coach of Woy Woy Judo Club, also serving as Assistant NSW Junior State Coach since 2015.
With over 30 years in judo, Daniel now coaches overseas, continuing to keep his family’s proud judo legacy.
WWJC COACHING STAFF
L-R: SENSEI CORALIE, SENSEI RHYS, SENSEI DANNY JNR, SENSEI KIEREN, SENSEI LIZ