#judosask Yudansha Grading 🎉 Winter 2025
Congratulations to the following judoka for their recent promotions on November 30th, 2025!
Dan Ko – Yondan (4th)
Justin Yuen – Nidan (2nd)
Jeff Eggan – Shodan (1st)
Paxton Nelson – Shodan (1st)
Tony Showchuk – Shodan (1st)
Mike Yee – Shodan (1st)
Check the Grading Page for a full list of Judo Sask Yudansha.
#judosask Yudansha Grading 🎉 Winter 2025
Our Judo Sask community is grieving once again after the heartbreaking loss of a young judoka. On October 18, 2025, we lost Nathaniel Russell Lyons Burton (Nate) — a beloved member of our judo family. Nathaniel Russell Lyons Burton
As shared by his family, Nate passed away at just 21 years old. He was dearly loved and will be forever remembered for his compassion, wit, and the joy he brought to everyone around him.
This loss deeply impacts not only members of the Shinmura and University of Regina Judo communities, but also creates a profound ripple across our entire province. Nate was a dedicated High Performance team member for many years and an integral part of the Battleford Judo community. His presence, energy, and friendship touched so many lives.
We are a strong and connected judo family, and now more than ever, we must come together to support one another — on and off the mats.
With heartfelt sympathy.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Pense Town Hall, 300 Brunswick St, Pense, SK, this Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
Passing of a Young Athlete – October 2025
Alessandro Di Nella from Control Judo got their Shodan in Italy!
Judo Canada has officially recognized his Shodan (1st Dan Black Belt) rank earned in Italy. This acknowledgment reflects his dedication, skill, and commitment to the art of judo. Well done, Alessandro! 
Check the Grading Page for a full list of Judo Sask Yudansha.
#judosask Yudansha Grading 🎉 In Italy! 2025
Kim Bergey-Kaip, 6th Dan Black Belt, passed the Koshiki No Kata & Itsutsu No Kata IJF Judging examinations. Kim is now fully IJF certified in all 7 competitive kata events. Kim is off to represent Canada in Paris as a Judge at the World Championships in November 2025!
Check the Kata Judges for a full list of Judo Sask Kata Judges.
New IJF Certified Kata Judge 2025
Congratulations to the following judoka for their recent promotions on June 8th, 2025!
- Susan Clark – Sandan (3rd)
- Chris Hodgson – Sandan (3rd)
- Kolbi Fenrick – Nidan (2nd)
- Curtis Suberlak – Nidan (2nd)
- Cyrus Kaip – Shodan (1st)
- Sahara Kaip – Shodan (1st)
- Paul McKay – Shodan (1st)
- Riley Stang – Shodan (1st)
- Donald Wilson – Shodan (1st)
The next grading is in November, 2025. Before applying to Judo Canada, make sure that you have permission from your head sensei.
Check out the Grading page for a full list of Judo Sask Yudansha.
#judosask Yudansha Grading 🎉 Spring 2025
Judo Saskatchewan Referee Committee would like to acknowledge the following referee promotions!
- Daniel Ko – National “A”
- Matthew Huang – National “B”
- Zach Kanasevich – Provincial “C”
- Mischa Halaktionov – Provincial “D”
Are you interested in learning more about the pathways to becoming a referee? Check out our Referee Development information and fill out the form linked on the Referee page.
New Referee Promotions 2025 April
Congratulations to the following judoka for their recent promotions on December 7th, 2024!
- Kate Schneider – Godan (5th)
- Josh Hagen – Nidan (2nd)
- Ryan Klenk-Potts – Shodan (1st)
- Joseph Irwin – Shodan (1st)
- Adam MacDonald – Shodan (1st)
The next grading is in June, 2025. Before applying to Judo Canada, make sure that you have permission from your head sensei.
Check out the Grading page for a full list of Judo Sask Yudansha.
#judosask Yudansha Grading 🎉 Winter 2024
The National Grading Committee has reviewed and approved the Koseki Rokudan grading for Brian Cook of Saskatchewan, effective November 22, 2024.
New Belt Rank – Brian Cook – Winter 2024
The National Grading Committee has reviewed and approved the Koseki Rokudan request for Toshiji Shinmura of Saskatchewan, effective September 29, 2024.
