The History of Formokan Judo Club
Formokan Judo Club is Durham's oldest running judo club. It was established by Charlie Formosa in 1975 and has been a staple of Woodview Park Community Center ever since. Charlie Formosa has served as Judo Ontario President and was an international referee. Through his leadership and teaching Formokan judo club has produced many national, and international medalists and champions. Among them we have had TWO Olympians.
Glen Beauchamp is a two time Olympian. He represented Canada in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, in which he placed 5th and in the 1988 Seoul Olympics, as well as being a 4 time National champion. He was inducted to the Judo Canada hall of fame in 2018.
Kelita Zupancic is also a two time Olympian. She has represented Canada in the 2012 London Olympics and the 2016 Brazil Olympics where she placed 7th. Along with many other great accomplishment among them being a 3 time Pan-American champion, world medalist and at times been ranked #1 in the world for -70kg. But she is not done yet. Kelita is currently qualifying for the Japan Olympics.
In 2018 our club founder Sensei Charlie Formosa after almost 60 years active in judo and 42 years as Dojoshu (head Sensei/ club owner) decided to retire and turn the club over to the new and current Dojoshu Sensei Ian Sibbert. Sensei Sibbert has had a passion for judo for since he began training as a judoka (student of judo) at Formokan Judo Club at 7 years old under the tutalage of his mentor Sensei Charlie. He is keen to carry on the tradition of technical competition and recreational judo that Formokan Judo Club has always provided. He is not doing this alone, for he has a team of well trained and experienced Senseis to aid in this undertaking.
Our senior class head coach/trainer Sensei Craig Weldon is a former Olympian. He represented Canada in the 1988 Seoul Olympics and was part of team Canada in 1984 Los Angeles Olympics as an alternate. He is a multiple international medalist as well as a former judo Ontario executive member, Olympia Sports Camp Director/Head Coach, former chair of high performance for Judo Ontario as well as former project coach for Judo Canada.