Our Foundation

Story

We founded Apex Judo Club in 2025 with one simple vision: to grow and strengthen judo in Manitoba. As two former national-level athletes, we’ve spent decades on the mat—training, competing, and learning from some of the best in the sport. What we wanted to build was more than a dojo. Apex is a place where kids, teens, and adults can challenge themselves, support one another, and experience the joy of judo. Here, every athlete—no matter their age or ability—has a place to thrive in a supportive, challenging, and inspiring environment.

Philosophy

At Apex, training goes beyond mastering throws and techniques—it’s about building character. We encourage athletes to respect themselves and others, meet challenges with courage, and embrace discipline in every part of their lives. Whether the goal is competition, fitness, or personal growth, the values learned on the mat carry into school, work, and community.

Vision

To be a leading force in growing judo across Manitoba, inspiring athletes to achieve their personal best while strengthening the values of respect, discipline, and community.

Mission

To provide high-quality training in an inclusive, supportive environment that develops athletes physically, mentally, and ethically. Through judo, we empower individuals to reach their potential, contribute to their communities, and live with confidence and integrity.

Meet the Team

Patrick Sabourin

Co-Founder

Yondan (4th Dan), NCCP Level 2 Dojo Instructor

I started judo at age five in Quebec and later trained at Ajax Budokan in Ontario under Kevin Doherty, a two-time Olympian and World Bronze Medallist. I spent 17 years at Budokan and another 5 years at the National Training Centre in Montreal, training alongside Olympians and world-class coaches. As a member of the Judo Ontario Team for 15 years, I competed nationally and internationally, gaining invaluable experience.

Now based in Winnipeg, I’ve been coaching at Inner City Judo Club for more than 10 years. Coaching allows me to share my lifelong passion for judo—helping athletes develop skills, confidence, and discipline both on and off the mat.

● Assistant Provincial Coach, Judo Manitoba (2019–2024)
● Multiple-time National Medalist (Juvenile, Junior, Senior)
● Double Silver Medalist, Canada Winter Games (2003)
● Junior National Team Member
● 30+ years in judo, 10+ years coaching

Bryant Huynh

Co-Founder

Sandan (3rd Dan), NCCP Level 2 Dojo Instructor

I began judo at age nine at Inner City Judo Club under Sensei Gary Sova and later spent six years on the Judo Manitoba Provincial Team. Competing at national and international tournaments shaped my resilience, determination, and teamwork.

I’ve now been coaching for over 12 years and love sharing the mats with my daughter and son. For me, judo is more than a martial art—it has shaped how I think and live. I aim to pass on those lessons of discipline and cooperation to every student.

● Canada Winter Games Champion (1999)
● 2× Junior/Juvenile National Champion
● Podium finishes at Junior and Senior Nationals
● Gold Medalist, Rendez-Vous Canada and Quebec Canada Cup
● 28 years in judo, 10+ years coaching

Tang Thongpheng

Instructor

Nidan (2nd DAN), NCCP Level 2 Dojo Instructor

I discovered judo at age nine through an after-school program and soon joined Inner City Judo Club. I earned my Shodan in 2002 and later trained with the National Team in Montreal, where I met Patrick. After coaching in Yellowknife and a short break, I returned to the sport in 2015 and have been coaching ever since.

For me, judo has been a lifelong journey of discipline, resilience, and perseverance. As a coach, I love helping athletes discover the same growth and joy that judo has given me.

● Provincial Team Member (1995–2006)

● Bronze Medalist, Junior Nationals (1998)
● Canada Games Team Member (1999)
● Multiple-time Provincial Champion
● Podium finishes at Ontario Open, Pacific Open, and more
● 30+ years in judo, 10+ years coaching

Meet the Team

Co-Founder

Yondan (4th Dan), NCCP Level 2 Dojo Instructor

About Me

I started judo at age five in Quebec and later trained at Ajax Budokan in Ontario under Kevin Doherty, a two-time Olympian and World Bronze Medallist. I spent 17 years at Budokan and another 5 years at the National Training Centre in Montreal, training alongside Olympians and world-class coaches. As a member of the Judo Ontario Team for 15 years, I competed nationally and internationally, gaining invaluable experience.

Now based in Winnipeg, I’ve been coaching at Inner City Judo Club for more than 10 years. Coaching allows me to share my lifelong passion for judo—helping athletes develop skills, confidence, and discipline both on and off the mat.

● Assistant Provincial Coach, Judo Manitoba (2019–2024)
● Multiple-time National Medalist (Juvenile, Junior, Senior)
● Double Silver Medalist, Canada Winter Games (2003)
● Junior National Team Member
● 30+ years in judo, 10+ years coaching

Co-Founder

Sandan (3rd Dan), NCCP Level 2 Dojo Instructor

About Me

I began judo at age nine at Inner City Judo Club under Sensei Gary Sova and later spent six years on the Judo Manitoba Provincial Team. Competing at national and international tournaments shaped my resilience, determination, and teamwork.

I’ve now been coaching for over 12 years and love sharing the mats with my daughter and son. For me, judo is more than a martial art—it has shaped how I think and live. I aim to pass on those lessons of discipline and cooperation to every student.

● Canada Winter Games Champion (1999)
● 2× Junior/Juvenile National Champion
● Podium finishes at Junior and Senior Nationals
● Gold Medalist, Rendez-Vous Canada and Quebec Canada Cup
● 28 years in judo, 10+ years coaching

Instructor

Nidan (2nd Dan), NCCP Level 2 Dojo Instructor

About Me

I discovered judo at age nine through an after-school program and soon joined Inner City Judo Club. I earned my Shodan in 2002 and later trained with the National Team in Montreal, where I met Patrick. After coaching in Yellowknife and a short break, I returned to the sport in 2015 and have been coaching ever since.

For me, judo has been a lifelong journey of discipline, resilience, and perseverance. As a coach, I love helping athletes discover the same growth and joy that judo has given me.

● Provincial Team Member (1995–2006)

● Bronze Medalist, Junior Nationals (1998)
● Canada Games Team Member (1999)
● Multiple-time Provincial Champion
● Podium finishes at Ontario Open, Pacific Open, and more
● 30+ years in judo, 10+ years coaching

Frequently Asked Questions

The word Apex means “the peak” or “the highest point.” For our founders, it represents both the pinnacle of athletic achievement and the personal growth that comes from practicing Judo. Apex isn’t just about winning medals — it’s about helping every judoka reach their own peak, whether that’s building confidence, improving fitness, competing at high levels, or simply living the values of respect, discipline, and resilience.

Yes. Judo is one of the safest martial arts when practiced correctly. Beginners learn proper falling techniques (ukemi) before practicing throws. Classes are designed to teach skills progressively under supervision.

No. Judo training builds fitness gradually. It improves strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance over time, regardless of your starting level.

Judo is for everyone – children, teens, and adults of all ages and fitness levels.

Practitioners wear a Judo uniform called gi, made of strong cotton to withstand grips and throws. A belt (obi) indicates your rank. Beginners often start with comfortable sportswear before buying a gi. 

Everyone starts with a white belt. As you progress, you move through colored belts (yellow, orange, green, blue, brown) before earning a black belt. Advancement depends on training, technical skills, and time on the mat. 

It varies by individual, but typically it takes several years of consistent practice and dedication to earn a black belt in Judo.

  • Improves fitness, strength, and coordination
  • Teaches discipline, respect, and confidence
  • Develops problem-solving and adaptability
  • Builds resilience and mental toughness
  • Encourages community and lifelong friendships

No. While Judo is an Olympic sport with local and international competitions, many people practice Judo for fitness, self-defense, and personal development rather than competition. 

Yes. Judo techniques teach balance, control, and how to use an opponent’s strength against them. Is is effective for self-defense, though it is primarily practiced as a sport and martial art. 

Scroll to Top

Assumption of Risk