Our Coaches
When you or your child attends one of our classes, rest assured that you're in good, safe hands.
All our coaches are fully registered and qualified through UKCC and the British Judo Association (BJA). All our Coaches must have a clear enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check through the police service. Maintain their First Aid Qualifications and successfully complete training in Safeguarding and Protecting Children.
We have a Club Welfare Officer, safeguarding policy and risk assessments in place. We are committed to continuous improvement and ensuring we provide the best, safest environment for our students to learn.
Dr Shaun Davies
Head Coach
Shaun is our Head Coach, coaching at all levels from beginners to advanced competition. Having represented Wales at national and international tournaments Shaun has a wealth of technical knowledge he brings to our classes.
Shaun is a qualified grading examiner and is a level 2 UKCC coach. As part of the British Judo Association coach affiliation Shaun has a full clean enhanced DBS, First Aid and safeguarding trained. Shaun is also a qualified Club Welfare Officer.
Shaun volunteers as assistant coach with the Welsh National Team coaching the squad at national and international tournaments.
Shaun is also a Director at the Welsh Judo Association and holds a role promoting grassroots Judo and engaging the judo community.
Speaking about Judo Shaun said “I’m passionate about Judo, about teaching Judo to the next generation and supporting them through their competitive careers”
Jamie Boyle
Club Coach
Jamie is our club coach taking Judo classes for all levels of student. Jamie has extensive experience in sports coaching, coaching sports in schools, in gym environments and as a PT. Jamie has also competed and medalled at national and international tournaments, and combines his modern knowledge of coaching with the traditional values of Judo bringing the best out of our students.
Gareth Piper
Club Coach
Gareth is our Club Welfare Officer helping support our player and coaches. Gareth started judo as a beginner senior and has thrown himself into the sport! He has recently completed his level 2 UKCC coaching qualification. He has competed at national and international masters tournaments. In addition to his competitive experience and coaching qualification, Gareth is also a qualified national B referee. Gareth helps out squad at club training and at competitions when he’s not refereeing!
Gareth has a fully enhanced DBS, first aid trained and additional safeguarding training.
Daniel Davies
Senior Club Coach
Daniel is our Senior Club Coaching helping shape our training programme, and ensuring our technical delivery is of the highest standards. He is also our senior grading examiner.
Daniel is a former national coach and has multiple international medals, represented Team Wales at the Commonwealth Games.
Qualifications and Courses:
UKCC Level 3 Sports Coach
Senior Examiner for BJA Grading
Full Enhanced DBS Check
Level 2 First Aid
Safeguarding and Protecting Children
Positive Parents in Sport
Sophie Root
Assistant Club Coach
Sophie has multiple national medals, has represented Wales at national and international tournaments, was part of Team Wales at the UK school games and has experience of the elite performance pathway for aspiring athletes. Sophie is a qualified level 1 coach and has coached at clubs in Wales and England. She has also qualified as a PT and occupational therapist.
Nicole Karanicola
Assistant Coach
Nic is one of the newest members of our coaching team, recently completing her Level 1 coaching award. Nic supports our classes and the squad at completions and events. Nic is passionate about getting more women and girls into the sports and has taken our female team to women and girl competitions and fearless female fighters training events.