Our instructors have a wealth of experience and have a lot to offer students:
John Lally – Godan (5th degree black belt)
Paul Foster-Moore – Sandan (3rd degree black belt)
David Stratton – Sandan (3rd degree black belt)
Mary Orisich – Nidan (2nd degree black belt)
Norman Menard – Nidan (2nd degree black belt)
Sergio Caldieri – Shodan (1st degree black belt)
Sensei Lally began judo at age 11 when his cousin invited him to start with him at the local YMCA. He
practiced in college and after graduation moved to Western Massachusetts where he began training
with Sensei Nori Kudo at the Springfield YMCA and later at his club Taka Judo. Sensei Lally later trained
with some of Sensei Kudo’s top students: Sensei Frank Linzi at UMASS and Sensei John Demo at
Greenfield YMCA, Smith College, and Kuma Judo. When work drew Sensei Demo to the other end of the
country. Sensei Lally became instructor at Kuma Judo. In total, Sensei Lally has been providing
instruction since the 1980’s.
Sensei Lally has competed locally and nationally. While traveling for work, he has trained at clubs
around the country and in Canada. He considers his practice as recreational for enjoyment and for the
peace of mind that regular practice brings. He is happy to share his Judo and is excited to help the next
generation learn and grow their Judo.
John Demo – Godan (5th degree black belt) – former instructor – Sensei Demo was instrumental in establishing the Kuma Judo Club, locating it at Aikido of Northampton and being our sensei for many years.
Noriyasu Kudo – Hachidan (8th degree black belt) – visiting instructor – Sensei Kudo used to visit regularly and always had something new and exciting to share as well as help us refine our technique. Kuma used to sponsor Sensei Kudo’s clinics for NE/NY Judoka. Sensei Kudo would invite guest instructors such as Sensei Yoichiro Matsumura (New York Athletic Club) and Sensei Lim (US Military Academy West Point) to assist. Daily clinics would be held at Kuma while weekend camps would be held annually at locations such as Hampshire College & Williston Northampton School.
Masahiro Sugiyama – Rokudan (6th degree black belt) – former visiting kata instructor from the University of Ehime, Japan. At the time of his visit, he held Kodokan licenses to teach NAGE-NO-KATA, KATAME-NO-KATA, GONOSEN-NO-KATA, KIME-NO-KATA, JU-NO-KATA, ITSUTSU-NO-KATA, and KOSHIKI-NO-KATA. Before returning to Japan, he worked with Kuma to hold a Judo festival at Smith College where these kata featured prominently.