The Team
Who We Are
Sensei Rhys
Judo Black Belt
Head Coach - Judo Program
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
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
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 Shane
Judo Black Belt
Fundamentals Coach
Shane began judo in 1970 and earned his black belt (Sho Dan) in 1984. With over 50 years in the sport, he has been a long-time member of the NSW State Team and remains deeply involved in judo today.
Shane was a seasoned competitor who won silver at the 1988 International Law Enforcement Olympics and the 2007 World Police and Fire Games. He has also medalled at four Pan Pacific and four Australian Masters Games.
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Shane is a National B Grade referee with Judo NSW, regularly officiating at major competitions.
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A prominent part of our club, Shane shares his expertise with all who step onto the mat, helping every judoka grow and succeed.
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.
Professor Kevin
BJJ Black Belt
Head Coach BJJ Program
Originally from England, Kevin has been training in grappling arts for nearly 20 years, specialising in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and also studying Pancrase, Submission Wrestling, and Judo.
Kevin currently holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Professor Mario Yokoyama, Owner and Head Instructor at mY BJJ Oceania.
As the owner and head coach of mY BJJ Central Coast, Kevin leads our Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program at Woy Woy Judo Club with deep technical knowledge and experience across multiple disciplines.
He is committed to helping students develop strong grappling fundamentals in a respectful, structured, and supportive environment.
