Sensei Andrew Bell
Belt: SAN DAN (3rd Dan Black Belt) (since 2024)
Judo Achievements:
- National Champion (Masters) 2013, 2014
- Competed in Oceania Masters (2015-2016, 2018 – Silver and 2xBronze Medalist)
Judo Motivation: “I love judo. It is a way to keep fit that is fun. It is technical and challenging and constantly evolving. The thrill of competing in a combat sport that is safe, is exciting.
But judo is more than that – it seeps into your life in general and makes it fun, exciting and enjoyable. I enjoy coaching and watching the progress of students. In the words of Jigoro Kano – “However excellent is the health of an individual, his existence remains fruitless if he does not put it at the service of society”.”
Sensei Andrew is currently working towards his Yon Dan (4th Dan Black Belt)
Sensei Laurie Douglas
Belt: NI DAN (2nd Dan Black Belt) (since 2020)
Judo Achievements:
- REPRESENTED: New Zealand (1998-2002)
- National Champion (New Zealand)
- Winner of multiple Regional Championships
Judo Motivation: “In that moment when you are on the mat, in that moment there is peace from all of Life’s other stresses. While I’ve enjoyed judo achievements, I have a renewed passion in judo and I love coaching – it is so rewarding to teach others”
Sensei Brian Eiffe
Belt: NI DAN (2nd Dan Black Belt) (since 2024)
Judo Achievements:
- Local Competitions Medalist
- Nationals Competitor (Masters)
Judo Motivation: “Coaching and developing judo talent (including self-improvement) – seeing improvement in the judo techniques of kids and adults and seeing how that improvement helps to develop Bulimba Judo Club”
Sensei Brian is currently working toward his SAN DAN (3rd Dan Black Belt). Brian is the main sensei for the junior trainings.
Sensei Robert Borchert
Belt: GO DAN (5th Dan Black Belt) (since 2005)
Judo Achievements:
- WON: 3 Australian Titles & 11 QLD Titles
- REPRESENTED: Australia 6 times
- Gold Medal & Silver Medal (Heavyweight) – Australian Games Team Tournament 1985
- Bronze Medal – Oceania 1979
- 5th placings in Pacific Rim Championships 1980 (Hawaii) & 1986 (Tokyo)
- IJF Continental License for referring & Member of Australian Referees Commission
- Former: President of Judo Queensland & Director of Judo Australia (2003-2007)
- Committee on Oceania Board – running Oceania World Cup 2005
- Current Member – Sports Committee (runs tournaments including Aust. Titles
Judo Motivation: “I started judo at 11 years of age…when I committed and put work into my judo I made my 1st Queensland team. That commitment led me to my Sho Dan (1st Dan Black Belt) at 19 years of age. Injuries don’t stop me…but they have slowed me down.
Judo has been a lifetime commitment – I met my wife Robyn when she was a Ni Dan (2nd Dan Black Belt) at another judo club. Our children have not only participated in Judo but are also actively involved in the running of tournaments.
Judo is not only about what you learn on the mat, it is also about the people you meet – some of my dearest friends are those I have met through judo.
Opportunities abound in Judo – I have represented Australia, trained in Japan and Europe, been a referee around the world, and passed my knowledge on to help develop other judoka. Make the most of every opportunity Judo gives you.”
Sensei Robert is currently working toward his Roku Dan (6th Dan Black Belt). Sensei Robert has been awarded Life Membership to Judo Australia in 2024, a massive honour.
