Michael or Mick as he is known learnt his first Judo lesson as a junior under Shihan Johnny Whipp at the Wagga Wagga PCYC Judo Club, country NSW in 1969. Since moving to Melbourne in the mid 1970’s he has continued his study in the Olympic sport of Judo and Jiu Jitsu (over 40 odd years). During this time he has risen through the ranks to be a senior 6th Dan and “Master grade”
Not only has he achieved success in gaining high grades, representing his State and winning championships he has also developed one of Australia’s strongest Judo clubs in Melbourne. His club has over the years had great success in area, State and National events. The Club and pupils are a credit to Mick’s teaching and advocating the Principles of the Founder of Judo. His own respect and standing within the Australian Martial Arts is almost without peer.
In addition his standing and respect within his local community as a long-time volunteer of the ‘Victorian Volunteer Fire Brigade’ and his work in the recent bushfires is recognized at the highest level.
In many areas Mick has no peer.
- Years in judo: 50
- Commenced judo at the Wagga Police Boys Club in March 1964 under Coach Greg Powell San Kyu.
- President of Black Belt Register 1985 to 1987
- Represented Australia on goodwill judo tour of Sinecures 1974 need 1981, Japan 1978
- NCAS Level 1 Coach
- Wagga Army & Air force judo club for 4 years
- Wagga Police boy’s judo club 4 years
- Monash Uni Judo Club l year
- Mt Waverley Judo Club 33 years
- 1992 Victorian State Coach
- Coached 32 students to their black belt grading during Mt Waverley coaching
Instructed and coached by:
- John Whipp 7th Dan
- Frank Dando 7th Per
- Bill Broadhead 5th Dan
- Takaterra 5th Dan
- Bob Todd 4th Dan
Attended Judo camps at:
- Shoreham 1972-73
- Anglesea 1974 75
- Mt Evelyn 1978 79
- Bega 1982 83
- Tasmania Judo Clinic 1978-79-80-81-82
TOURNAMENT RECORD
– very comprehensive – too much to reproduce here (Lists held by Ramon Lawrence)