Who Else Can Say Their Instructor Is An Olympian?
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Head Coach Jean-Claude Raphael is a 5th dan (Kodokan trained) black belt and internationally respected athlete. Having competed in two Olympic Games, placing 9th at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, Jean-Claude is a coach who talks the talk AND walks the walk.
Having studied Judo for over 30 years, Coach Jean-Claude has traveled and lived in Japan, Korea and France, accumulating a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Rather than pursuing fame and opting to teach in large institutions in the city, Jean-Claude has opted to pass on his knowledge to the local community. His patient, gentle manner has won over all the students at Kokoro Judo Coaching and he continues to extend his expertise by teaching school sports and technical workshops and seminars to other martial arts clubs.
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Get 4 Weeks Classes For Just $39.95 (Valued at $80)
A Note from Raph
“People come to judo for a number of different reasons. My goal as head instructor is to understand those reasons and help you achieve the outcomes you are looking for.
Whether you want to get fit, learn something new and exciting, challenge yourself or learn how to protect yourself and improve general confidence you will be welcomed here.
You will learn judo in a clean, friendly environment, making new friends, in a community that is welcoming and inclusive.
I look forward to sharing the spirit of judo, teaching you the basics and beyond of this life changing sport.
See you on the mats,
Jean Claude Raphael (Raph)
“People come to judo for a number of different reasons. My goal as head instructor is to understand those reasons and help you achieve the outcomes you are looking for.
Whether you want to get fit, learn something new and exciting, challenge yourself or learn how to protect yourself and improve general confidence you will be welcomed here.
You will learn judo in a clean, friendly environment, making new friends, in a community that is welcoming and inclusive.
I look forward to sharing the spirit of judo, teaching you the basics and beyond of this life changing sport.
See you on the mats,
Jean Claude Raphael (Raph)
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Testimonials
Robert
I started doing Judo because I had a sedentary job and was getting out of shape. I wanted to find something that was fun and useful, Judo was perfect. Since I started Judo two years ago, I've gotten into really good shape, have had a lot of fun and feel more confident. It's a great group of people who come to Kokoro Judo and I have made some good friends.
Judo helps me forget about work stress and at the end of a good Judo session you feel more alive and capable of handling things.
I would tell anyone interested in Judo, to give it a try. It's a practical thing to learn, its good for self defence, you will get fit if you do it regularly and there is a great social element to it as well.
Robert
Gillian
After learning a little about Judo from a friend, I was interested to find classes for my kids to attend. Since starting with Kokoro Judo, I have found not only has their physical well-being improved, but surprisingly, it has also boosted their confidence in social settings, as they have gained new skills and experiences through the practice of Judo.
Judo is a fantastic martial art that imparts great physical fitness, without the need for kicking/punching/striking techniques. As a parent, I felt it difficult to justify telling my kids "don't hit your brother/sister", to then take them to a Martial Arts class where they were encouraged to hit each other. My kids' safety is always an important consideration during classes, and at Kokoro Judo, emphasis is placed on not only how to perform techniques, but also how to safely receive them on the mats (ie. how to fall safely). These skills also translate well to the world outside of Judo, helping to prevent or minimize injury in many real-life situations. I highly recommend their kids programs, it’s been great for our family.
Gillian
Tony
I had not been very physically active in the past, but inspired by the fun my kids were having, I decided to give it a go myself shortly after my kids started. The club has been incredibly supportive on my journey, and I have found the experience to be very rewarding. My fitness level and physical appearance have dramatically improved, and I now have a new lease on life, enabling me to better keep up with my young family, and help guide them to a happier, healthier future.
I have no hesitation in recommending Kokoro Judo to anyone interested in trying out Judo, or a martial art in general. It's a great sport, the club is a very helpful and inviting, and the coaching is second to none!
Tony
John Windle
We chose Judo as a sport because it provides significant physical conditioning and reasonable social interaction which our computer loving son needs. We come to Kokoro Judo because Raph seems genuinely interested in all the kids, not just the ones who are good at the sport. He seems to have unlimited patience with the kids and instills in the group that trying your best is what counts. We also know that training under Raph our son could take Judo as far as he wants to. We also love the atmosphere in the dojo during training as all the other parents are pleasant and we can chat or not as we like.
John Windle
Greg Hayden
Through judo, our son is learning the importance of commitment, dedication, first time listening and respect. As parents we noticed right away what he was learning at judo was carrying over at home too. Raph brings a great balance of fun, patience and discipline to every class and we are very pleased with our decision to join Kokoro Judo and know that it has made a great impact on the character building and athletic ability of our son - Greg and Cristal
Greg Hayden
Easy Access in Penrith
Kokoro Judo Coaching, Elizabeth Arcade 2nd Floor, 461 High Street, Penrith, NSW 2750
Phone: +61417388988