Since 1981
About Us
Lake Country Judo & Martial arts has been active in Lake Country / Winfield, British Columbia since 1981.
Our club
Originally founded by 6th degree black belt, Sensei Bob Greichen and his son Keith, the club is currently owned and run by Sensei Kathy Hubble (Black Belt 4th Degree in Judo and Brown Belt in BJJ and 7X World Masters Champion – Judo/BJJ), Sensei Chris Smiley (Black Belt 3rd Degree in Judo and Purple in BJJ and 5X Canadian Veterans Champion), and Michal Thompson (Black Belt 1st Degree). The club has a Kids ( 4-7), a Junior (8-12) and a Senior class (13 & up ).
“the way of gentleness rather than brute force.”
Judo was formulated as a new system of fighting in 1882 by Professor Jigoro Kano, a student of Japanese Ju-Jitsu. Judo utilizes the very best of the ancient Japanese Ju-Jitsu techniques, eliminating the harmful ones and modifying others so that they can be practised safely. This makes judo one of the safest contact sports for children.
Judo is both an art and a sport, a means of defence, and equally, a means of offence. Like Japanese Ju-Jitsu, its forerunner, judo is a method of turning an opponent’s strength against himself, thus defeating him in the most efficient manner.
dojo etiquette
- Bow to center of mats when you enter or exit the training area.
- Classes begin and end with a formal bow (rei) to the Sensei’s, with students lining up in descending rank order.
- During class, when the instructor is demonstrating the techniques, every student must sit (anza) or kneel (seiza) in good posture.
- If you need to leave the mat or leave class early you must ask permission from a Sensei.
- Bow to your partner before and after practicing with him/her.
- Talking should be kept to a minimum and should relate to the class subject.
- Absolutely no foul language inside the training area.
- Keep fingernails and toenails short for everyone’s safety.
- All students, instructors, and visitors at class must wear a Gi uniform. The gi pants and top must be the same color.
- The gi must be clean at all times. A dirty gi is a sign of disrespect. Please wash after every use.
- The belt (obi) represents your progress. Keep it on and fastened neatly.
- Bring a water-bottle and stay hydrated.
- Most of all, HAVE FUN!
world class instruction
our instructors
Our focus is to give you the best martial arts training experience in the Okanagan. Our instructors want to help you conquer your personal goals and set you up for success in life.
We offer training for people of all ages and experiences, helping them reach their fullest potential and become the best that they can be.
Our goal is simple and never changes: to give you the best martial arts training, for the best price. We will instill the core values and life skills such as respect, discipline, self-esteem, self-control, mental focus, agility and fitness into all of our students.
Not only will you receive a physical boost from participating in our exciting classes but you will also be educated in the philosophy of martial arts, as well as develop positive life skills that will help you conquer any obstacle that comes your way.
We can get you onto the mat and into your very first class for FREE. Come see for yourself why Lake Country Judo & Martial Arts is so much fun! Email/text/call anytime!
Senseis
SENSEI KATHY HUBBLE
YONDAN (4th degree Black Belt)
7-time Canadian Championships Gold Medalist (3 Jr. and 3 Sr.Womens in the 80’s and 1 Masters in 2013) Travelled with Judo Canada Team on World Grand Prix circuit from 1985-1988 (Women’s Judo did not become an official Olympic sport until 1992).
1985 Pan-Am Championships, Cuba (Silver), 1987 Pan-Am Games, Indiana, USA (Bronze), 1985-1988 World Grand Prix competitor on Team Canada.
1986 Judo Canada “Athlete of the Year”
Retired from Judo at 19 years old, and became a full-time Stunt Performer in the film industry (current career), appearing in over 100 feature films, TV commercials and TV series.
After 25 years off from Judo, came back in 2013 at 45 years old. Won Gold in 12 tournaments in her “come-back year”, fighting all ages, including “Outstanding Technique of the Tournament” at the “USA All-Women’s Championships.”
Won Gold at Masters World Championships in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. in 2013.
Kathy has a long resume of amazing history as a black belt in the world of Judo, but has also recently been promoted to brown belt in BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-jitsu) and has 5 Masters World Championship titles in that sport also.
Kathy is most excited though about her students at Lake Country Judo & Martial Arts and being part of such an amazing family.
SENSEI CHRIS SMILEY
NIDAN (2nd degree Black Belt)
Joined Lake Country Judo in September 1997 under then head Sensei Bob Greichen (where he has been a member ever since).
Received his Shodan in June of 2003 and progressed to Nidan in June 2009. Active in competition during those years, mostly in local tournaments within B.C., but more recently has competed as a veteran where he has travelled to competitions in the USA,
Mexico and Europe.
Also has competed at the Canadian Open Championships (Nationals), mostly as a veteran, where he was national champion on several occasions (2016, 2017, and 2018). Also in 2018 Chris won the very first Newaza competition held at Nationals. Currently looking to continue to improve his skills and continue on to achieve Sandan in rank, as well as pass his knowledge onto the next generation of young Judoka at Lake Country Judo & Martial Arts.
Sensei Michal Thompson – Ikkyu (Brown Belt)
Michal started Judo in 1992 in Lake Country and was an active member until he graduated high school after getting his brown belt. He has rejoined the club in 2019 with his two young boys, and has enjoyed helping the next generation learn judo. He is actively working toward his black belt and hopes to do his testing in the near future.
SENSEI TERRY LAMB
SHODAN (1st degree Black Belt)
Terry’s introduction to Judo started in 1975. His experience is mixed and varied from competing to instructing. Lake Country Judo has been his Judo home since 1992. He is committed to be a life-long learner in the martial arts, both in Judo and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.
SENSEI KAREN FREEBORN
SHODAN (1st degree Black Belt)
Karen started judo in 1982 with Sensei Bob. She loved competing as a teenager and really enjoyed learning the kata to earn her black belt in 1998. Lake Country Judo is extended family and she loves helping everyone learn, along with her continued studies of judo.
SENSEI WYATT AUCH
IKKYU (Brown Belt)
Wyatt started with Lake Country Judo at the age of 5. Throughout his 11 years of judo he has had the opportunity to participate in the BC Winter Games (Bronze), tournaments on the BC coast and regional training camps. In 2019 he earned his brown belt and is actively working towards his black belt.
Want more info? get in touch!
class times
Kids Class (4-7):
Tuesdays/Thursdays 5:20-6:00
Junior Class (8-12):
Tuesdays/Thursdays 6:00-7:00
Senior Class (12+):
Tuesdays/Thursdays 7:00-8:15
Sundays 10-noon (Kelowna venue)
*COMPETITION CLASS (10+): All the regular class times, plus an extra 2 classes:
Thursdays 8:15-9pm and Sundays 10-noon (Kelowna venue)
