Meet Our Instructors
Sensei Nick
Sensei Fred
Sensei Dan
Sensei Nick Anderson is the founder and Head Sensei of Barrie Judo Club. With more than 40 years of experience in judo, he has dedicated his life to studying, practicing, and sharing the art with others. He currently holds the rank of 2nd Degree Black Belt and is training towards his 3rd Dan, and is certified as an NCCP Level 2 Judo Coach.
While Sensei Nick has spent decades developing his own skills on the mat, his greatest passion is coaching and building community through judo. He believes judo is more than a sport, it is a powerful tool for developing confidence, discipline, resilience, and respect.
Under his leadership, Barrie Judo Club is built on the belief that judo should be accessible, safe, and welcoming to everyone. The club focuses on creating a positive environment where beginners, children, and experienced athletes alike can grow through consistent training and mutual support.
Sensei Fred has been standing shoulder to shoulder with Sensei Nick for over 10 years, helping teach, guide, and support our dojo in countless ways. His connection to judo goes back more than 40 years, and that depth shows every time he steps on the mat.
He brings a quiet military toughness, a great smile, and a presence that makes people feel supported and safe. He is always willing to help, always reliable, and always there when the dojo needs him—no matter the task.
Sensei Fred supports Sensei Nick and our students with consistency and humility. He doesn’t seek attention; he simply shows up and does the work.
I am a Shodan in Judo—but that rank represents far more than years on the tatami. It represents a journey that began when I was an 11‑year‑old kid, shy, unsure of myself, and searching for a place where I could belong. My parents enrolled me in the Kiichi‑Sai Judo Club hoping it might help me grow.
Judo taught me how to stand tall long before I learned how to fall. It taught me that strength isn’t just physical—it’s the courage to keep moving forward when everything feels hard. It gave me discipline, confidence, and the belief that I could achieve anything if I was willing to work for it.
Assistant Instructors
Reubin
Travis
Zach
Emilie
Reubin d’Olivat is a dedicated brown belt with over 10 years of judo experience and a strong passion for helping others grow in the sport. He values discipline, respect, and strong fundamentals both on and off the mat.
Travis began his judo journey in 2008. Over the years he developed strong technical skills and competitive experience, competing in many high-level tournaments. He is a valued member of the coaching team known for connecting with students.
Zach started judo in 2010. He has extensive first aid training and experience through volunteer firefighter experience. Zach returned to judo in 2023 under Sensei Nick. Zach's favourite throw is koshi garuma.
With over 15 years of dedicated experience on the mats, Emilie brings a wealth of knowledge and a holistic approach to our coaching team. She has developed a deep understanding of the sport from every possible angle.
Honourable Mentions
Sensei Maldwyn
Sensei Gord
Sensei Maldwyn Cooper is an important influence on the spirit and development of Barrie Judo Club. A six-time National Wrestling Champion and 6th Degree Black Belt, he brings decades of experience in grappling, competition, coaching, and the deeper study of martial arts.
Sensei Cooper is also the uncle of Sensei Nick, and his influence began long before Barrie Judo Club existed. It was Sensei Cooper who encouraged Sensei Nick’s parents to place him on the judo mats at just four years old, helping start a lifelong journey in the sport.
To this day, Sensei Cooper and Sensei Nick regularly speak and exchange ideas on techniques, training methods, judo politics, fitness, and the broader lessons martial arts teach about life. These conversations continue to shape the thinking and philosophy that guide the club.
Although he lives in Pennsylvania, Sensei Cooper makes regular trips to Barrie to run clinics and share his knowledge with our members. His passion for grappling and his willingness to give back reflect the spirit of lifelong learning that judo represents.
Barrie Judo Club is proud to recognize Sensei Maldwyn Cooper as an honored mentor, family member, and valued contributor to our judo community.
In judo, some teachers pass on techniques. Others pass on something much deeper. Sensei Gord Tapp is one of those rare individuals.
Holding the rank of 2nd-degree black belt, his rank only tells a small part of the story. With over 50 years devoted to judo, Sensei Gord carries a depth of experience and wisdom that has shaped generations of judoka.
His journey began at Tora Judo Club, where his passion for the art took root. Later he founded Sho Jin Judo Club in Orillia, which served the judo community for many years until the COVID era. Along the way he competed at the national level and spent time training in Japan, further strengthening his understanding of judo’s traditions and spirit.
But the true measure of Sensei Gord is not found in competition results or titles—it’s found in the people he has influenced.
To many, he has been like a judo dad. A tough teacher with high standards, sharp humour, and a heart that genuinely cares about the people on the mat. Training with him means being pushed hard, but also being supported in ways that go beyond judo.
Sensei Nick has shared many long conversations and heart-to-heart talks with Sensei Gord over the years about technique, coaching, judo philosophy, and life itself. Those discussions helped shape not only Sensei Nick’s judo, but also the way he teaches today.
His influence can also be seen in many of the senior members of Barrie Judo Club, including Sensei Fred, Travis, Reubin, and Zach, along with many others who have benefited from his guidance.
Those who know him best often describe him as a mix between Patrick Swayze from Road House and Wolverine—a little wild, incredibly tough, but fiercely loyal to the people around him.
Sensei Gord represents something special in judo: the teacher who shapes not only athletes, but people.
For many of us at Barrie Judo Club, we are better judoka—and better people—because of him.