INSTRUCTORS
COACHING TEAM
The Sobell Judo Club has one of the largest coaching teams of judo clubs in London. Their combined experiences spans across a variety of countries, cultures and all levels of competition from regional to the highest level. All of our dedicated staff are DBS checked and fully first aid qualified.
Read Geert's story
Geert began judo at Judo Club Itterbeek-Schepdaal in his home nation of Belgium in 1983, aged 10. In 1994 at age 21 Geert achieved his first dan. After a long break from judo, Geert returned to the tatami at the Sobell Judo Club in 2014 and achieved his 2nd Dan in 2017. Since joining, Geert has been an integral member of our team where he currently works with the Primary judo team and plays an important role in building foundational judo skills for all of our younger judoka.
Sobell head instructor and Youtube star, Sampson, is Sobell's longest standing student. Since joining the club in 1984 he has become a world class competitor respected across the globe.
8th Dan / Head Instructor
SAMPSON SAMPSON

Read Samuel's story
As club secretary Bob manages the day to day running of the club. He is also responsible for getting every newcomer started via our beginners induction programme.
6th Dan / Club Secretary
BOB BUSHNELL
FARID NEMOUCHI
6th Dan / Senior Sessions
Former Algerian champion Farid is one of our senior coaches and has a reputation for developing explosive power and competitive judo.
Read Samuel's story
SAMUEL BETU
6th Dan / Junior Sessions
Former international
competitor, Samuel has accumulated extensive experience in judo training and competition and draws on this experience each week to develop our students.
Read Samuel's story
Read Fahd's story
Fahd began judo in 2011 at the Sobell Judo Club and has since achieved his 1st Dan. Fahd has stood out due to his ability to quickly absorb anything shown to him. He therefore plays a key role in assisting the junior judo team to help continue their technical development whilst at the same time introducing competitive elements to push their development further.
Lightweight superstar Elena has made a name for herself due to her incredible technical prowess - something she uses to guide our younger students.
3rd Dan / Primary Sessions
ELENA DEL POZO
Read Geert's story
Geert began judo at Judo Club Itterbeek-Schepdaal in his home nation of Belgium in 1983, aged 10. In 1994 at age 21 Geert achieved his first dan. After a long break from judo, Geert returned to the tatami at the Sobell Judo Club in 2014 and achieved his 2nd Dan in 2017. Since joining, Geert has been an integral member of our team where he currently works with the Primary judo team and plays an important role in building foundational judo skills for all of our younger judoka.
Cypriot national medalist and regular international competitor, Sam uses his competitive experience to aid our senior sessions.
2nd Dan / Senior Sessions
SAM SAMPSON
Read Geert's story
Geert began judo at Judo Club Itterbeek-Schepdaal in his home nation of Belgium in 1983, aged 10. In 1994 at age 21 Geert achieved his first dan. After a long break from judo, Geert returned to the tatami at the Sobell Judo Club in 2014 and achieved his 2nd Dan in 2017. Since joining, Geert has been an integral member of our team where he currently works with the Primary judo team and plays an important role in building foundational judo skills for all of our younger judoka.
Belgian judoka Geert uses his experience to help build a strong foundation for all of our younger students across the primary and junior sessions.
1st Dan / Primary Sessions
GEERT ENGLES
Read Fahd's story
Fahd began judo in 2011 at the Sobell Judo Club and has since achieved his 1st Dan. Fahd has stood out due to his ability to quickly absorb anything shown to him. He therefore plays a key role in assisting the junior judo team to help continue their technical development whilst at the same time introducing competitive elements to push their development further.
Moroccan born Fahd is one of our most complete judoka. An excellent all rounder, Fahd pushes our junior judoka to be the best they can be.
1st Dan / Junior Sessions