The NWT Judo Association provides in school and out of school judo programming throughout Fort Simpson in partnership with the DDEC (Dehcho Divisional Education Council) with the goal of introducing judo to indigenous students, athletes and practitioners of all ages and guiding them in judo, whether that be in recreational programs or developing them towards high performance sport.

 

This program is led by our Head Coach and Executive Director, Joshua Hagen. Josh arrived in Yellowknife in February 2021. Prior to his move to the Territory, he ran a full time high performance dojo in Toronto for a number of years producing a great number of National Championship and international medals. Josh also had the incredible opportunity of getting to be the on-air analyst of the Tokyo 2020 (1) Olympic Games for the CBC/Sportsnet/TSN union in the presentation of the Games.

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Since Josh's arrival, there has been an overwhelming amount of support and excitement surrounding the judo program across the Territory, which in no small part was generated by Mario Desforges who laid the groundwork for the foundation and growth that we are now starting to see. While most recreational programs in the country naturally hit some lulls in participation due to the covid-19 pandemic, the NWT Judo Association was able to triple its participation.

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With more staff coming on board in Fort Liard, Fort Providence and Yellowknife, Josh has relocated to Fort Simpson to support and grow the already established program in the community.