Sensei Graham Rogers

(08/02/1946 - 18/10/2021)

Graham Rogers was one of the founding instructors of Masterton Judo & Ju Jitsu Academy and coached up until his retirement in December 2018, he sadly passed on the 18th October 2021, aged 75 years old.

Graham Sensei will be missed by all the students, parents and instructors at the Academy, and it's true that Judo and Kata classes won't be quite the same without Grandpa Graham's watchful and benevolent presence.

Graham was an inspiring instructor and had a great rapport with his students. He had a broad depth of knowledge about the techniques (waza) of Judo, which includes the classical understanding of the art and its kata. He lived the teachings of Judo according to the writings of Kano, Mifune and Daigo.

The Academy could never thank him enough for all the hours he put in coaching the Kids, Cadets, Senior Judo, Judo for cross-trainers and Kata classes over the nearly 10 years that the Academy has been open. He was truly instrumental in the growth of Judo in the Wairarapa, and the Academy and it's new instructors will be his ongoing legacy.

The Ju Jitsu club and it's governing organisation recognized his influence on their Ju-Jitsu students and its yudansha at the Masterton Judo and Ju Jitsu Academy by grading him to Shodan in Shorinji Kan Ju Jitsu.

Gaham on his retirement held a 1st Dan (black belt) in Judo and Shorinji Kan Ju Jitsu, as well as a 1st Kyu grade in Taekwondo.

In addition Graham was a Judo New Zealand accredited C2 Club Coach and had previously been a Taekwondo club coach.

Domo arigato gozaimasu