Location: Medicine Hat, Alberta
As a volunteer, Medicine Hat’s Stephen Young has certainly shown his chops – judo chops, that is.
For the past 10 years, Sensei Stev – as he is known to his students – has been the Don of the Dojo, first as coach and now as head coach. In that time, he’s become known for showing infinite patience and care while sharing his passion and talent for the Japanese martial art. From the youngest Deshi (student) to national-level Judoka (competitors), Stev delights in seeing each achieve their own desired level of success. Along the way, he grew the Medicine Hat club from 2 tournament competitors to more than a dozen.
Stev devotes as much time to teaching life skills as he does to judo ‘waza’. Along with foot sweeps and shoulder throws, students are reminded of the importance of emotional regulation, goal setting, teamwork and tolerance. Stev teaches that the benefits of judo extend beyond the tatami (training mat) into the daily life of those who put on the judogi.
For bringing enjoyment and friendships to Medicine Hat students of all ages, “arigatou gozaimasu” – thank you very much – Stev Young for community service worthy of Northern Lights Volunteer Recognition honours.
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