GEORGE WEERS

7th Degree 

George is the head coach of West Central Illinois Judo Team.  Known simply as "Coach" to his players, George has over 50 years of judo experience and an unparalleled love for the sport.  

MITCH WILLIAMS

4th Degree

Mitch is the coach and founder of our club at the Canton YMCA. Years of judo, Tai Chi and working as a professional magician makes Mitch's teaching style unique and effective. 

STEFAN HABSBURG

3rd Degree

Part of the West Central Illinois Judo Team for nearly 10 years, Stefan helps coach the evening classes and trains competitively in the mornings. Stefan also trains at our club in Canton and trains Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.   

BLAINE DUHS

4th Degree

With multiple national and international medal wins, Blaine brings his competition experience to aid in coaching the team. Also working in law enforcement, Blaine has been able to see the effectiveness of Judo in real world scenarios. 

JOE TAYLOR

2nd Degree

In the past few years Joe has become a very serious competitor and continues to develop his skills. Joe trains at both our Hollis Park club and  is assistant coach at our club in Canton. 

STEVE WRIGHT

2nd Degree

Steve brings his years of Judo experience into assistant  coaching in the evening classes and has recently started training in the morning competitive classes as well. 

ALEX WOLFE

2nd Degree

National medalist and assistant coach, Alex was originally an accomplished wrestler in high school. He brings a great deal of skill and knowledge into his judo instruction and is known for his cartwheel escapes from throws. 

KARYN NEILSON

2nd Degree

Karyn was the first female black belt from WCI Judo. After several injuries and having a baby kept her off the mat for a few years, Karyn is now back training with the team. 

AARON PROSSER

1st Degree

Coming from a Karate background, Aaron is very involved in combat sports. Currently, Aaron trains competitively at our morning classes. 

KEN TIESSEN

1st Degree

Ken is a professional artist and has been doing judo at WCI for several years. Ken has a passion for helping new judo students and also for perfectly timed foot sweeps. 

NATALIE HABSBURG

1st Degree

Natalie started Judo as a self defense class before moving overseas. Now she has begun to focus on the technical and competitive side of the sport. Natalie also trains Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with her husband Stefan. 

EVAN EDWARDS

1st Degree

Evan began taking Judo classes at our Canton club and has become a favorite member of the team. He has developed a terrifying sacrifice throw and loves to help new teammates learn the basics. 

JOSH ADKINS

1st Degree

Josh trains Judo and Jiu-Jitsu regularly. Working around his schedule as a law enforcement officer, you will usually find Josh at our morning classes. Extremely strong and skilled, Josh is a dedicated member of our team. 

COLE STANLEY

1st Degree

Bringing his experience as a wrestling coach, Cole has some of the most technically beautiful throws on our team. Cole is a passionate and dedicated part of the Judo club. 

JIM SICKINGER

1st Degree

Jim is passionate about Judo and instilling a love of the sport to his kids. We love having him and his family on the mat. Constantly pushing and improving his skill, Jim is  a dedicated Judoka. 

IAN HUSEMANN

1st Degree

Judo runs in Ian's family. Taking after his dad, Scott, Ian has earned his blackbelt after growing up doing Judo. Ian is a bit of a legend among our team for being able to pull off seemingly impossible throws and techniques.