6th Degree Black Belt — Rokudan (六段)
Head Instructor
John Mallory is a 6th Degree Black Belt (Rokudan) and the Head Instructor of Shimpokai Judo, bringing decades of experience, technical knowledge, and a deep commitment to the development of judo athletes of all ages and abilities.
John is highly respected for his technical expertise and dedication to traditional judo. As Head Instructor, he plays a key role in developing Shimpokai's competitive and recreational programs, helping students build strong fundamentals, confidence, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for the sport.
In addition to his work as an instructor, John is an accomplished international-level Judo Kata competitor. He proudly represents:
John has competed at major national and international kata events, testing his skills against some of the world's leading practitioners. His commitment to kata reflects his passion for the technical and traditional aspects of judo and provides an excellent example for the next generation of Shimpokai athletes.
John's approach to coaching goes beyond teaching throws and techniques. He emphasizes discipline, respect, technical excellence, perseverance, and continuous improvement.
Whether working with a beginner taking their first steps onto the tatami or helping an experienced competitor prepare for competition, John is dedicated to helping every student reach their full potential.
"Judo is a lifelong journey of learning, growth, and improvement."
Executive Director | Shimpokai Judo Club
Vice President | Judo NB
Jason Steers is a dedicated leader, instructor, and lifelong ambassador for the sport of Judo. A 4th Degree Black Belt, Jason brings years of experience and a deep commitment to developing judoka both on and off the mat.
As the Executive Director of Shimpokai Judo Club, Jason plays an important role in guiding the club, supporting its members, and helping build a strong and welcoming Judo community. His leadership helps ensure that Shimpokai continues its tradition of excellence while providing opportunities for judoka of all ages and experience levels.
Jason also serves as the current Vice President of Judo NB, contributing his knowledge and experience to the development and promotion of Judo throughout New Brunswick.
Whether working with athletes, supporting coaches, organizing club activities, or representing Judo at the provincial level, Jason is committed to growing the sport, developing athletes, and strengthening the Judo community.
Jason's commitment to Shimpokai and Judo NB reflects the values that have helped make Judo such a respected and enduring martial art: respect, discipline, perseverance, and continuous improvement.
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Robert Desjardins is the Head Coach for Shimpokai Judo’s Adult Judo sessions. With a strong passion for martial arts and a commitment to helping students develop their skills, Robert creates a welcoming and challenging training environment for judoka of all experience levels.
In addition to leading the adult sessions, Robert is an active competition coach, supporting Shimpokai athletes as they prepare for and participate in tournaments. His focus on technique, conditioning, strategy, and competition preparation helps athletes build confidence both on and off the mat.
Robert is also actively involved in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), bringing experience from another grappling discipline into his Judo coaching. His continued involvement in martial arts reflects his dedication to lifelong learning and development.
Whether you're new to Judo or an experienced competitor, Robert welcomes you to the mat and encourages everyone to train hard, learn, and enjoy the journey.
Marcus Mason is a 1st Degree Black Belt and an active competitive judoka at Shimpokai Judo Club. His experience as both a competitor and coach makes him an important part of Shimpokai’s competitive development program.
Marcus serves as the Head Coach of the Shimpokai Junior Competition Team, working with young athletes to develop their judo skills, competition strategies, physical conditioning, and mental preparation.
With a strong focus on fundamentals, discipline, and continuous improvement, Marcus helps prepare Shimpokai’s junior athletes for tournaments while encouraging them to build confidence, sportsmanship, and a lifelong love of judo.
Marcus Mason — Building the next generation of Shimpokai competitors.
Wes McDevitt is a 1st Degree Black Belt and an active coach at Shimpokai Judo Club, where he plays an important role in developing the club’s junior competitors.
Wes works closely with Shimpokai’s Junior Competition Team, helping young judoka develop their technical skills, confidence, conditioning, and competitive mindset. His coaching focuses not only on success on the mat, but also on the discipline, respect, perseverance, and sportsmanship that are at the heart of judo.
Through regular training and competition preparation, Wes helps Shimpokai’s junior athletes prepare to perform at their best while encouraging them to continually challenge themselves and grow as judoka.
Mike Melvin is the Head Coach of Shimpokai Karate, bringing a wealth of experience as both a martial artist and competitor.
With a strong background in Karate competition, Mike understands what it takes to develop the skills, discipline, focus, and confidence needed to perform at your best. His coaching emphasizes solid fundamentals, practical training, continuous improvement, and the competitive mindset required to succeed.
Mike's martial arts experience extends beyond Karate. He is also an active competitor in Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, giving him a well-rounded understanding of grappling, throws, control, and close-range techniques. His experience across multiple martial arts helps bring a broader perspective to his coaching and training.
Mike believes martial arts are about more than competition. Training builds discipline, confidence, respect, perseverance, and personal growth—qualities that carry over into every part of life.
Whether you're interested in Karate for competition, fitness, self-defence, or personal development, Mike is committed to helping students set goals, develop their skills, and become better martial artists.
