Ron Senda

Highlights

  • Currently 6th Degree Black Belt
  • Started judo at about the age of 8 with the Lethbridge Judo Club and has practiced Judo ever since (almost 50 years).
  • Competition was his primary focus until he went away from Lethbridge to attend university for graduate school. From that time forward Ron has spent most of his attention on teaching.
  • After moving to Edmonton in 1971 he joined the University of Alberta Judo Club and became the sensei in 1974 and has remained the sensei of the U of A Judo Club ever since. During that time, students come through and start their own clubs, or sensei's would drop by for the opportunity to practice with other black belts and higher ranked people.
  • President of Judo Alberta from 1981-1987. During this time the annual budget was raised from about $30,000 per annum to nearly $200,000. The membership was raised from a few hundred to nearly 1,800 players. The efforts of the Judo Alberta Executive also saw clubs started in all of the Sport Alberta zones. The example that was set by how Judo Alberta was organized and managed was held up by Sport Alberta whenever they wanted to encourage other sports to change how they operated.
  • Member of the Judo Alberta Grading Board since the mid 1970's. During that time Ron has represented Judo Alberta at Judo Canada Grading meetings. He was part of the small core of people who was asked to help rewrite the Judo Canada Black Belt Grading Syllabus.
  • ‘Regional' referee ranking, which is the third highest international level. Ron has refereed at National Championships for many years.
  • Ron’s greatest personal achievement is having his students become sensei's, coaches, referees, and organizers (Judo Alberta Executive members) of Judo. The contribution that they make to the sport gives him pride as he watches the sport grow and prosper through their efforts.