Coaches
Judo Matsu’s coaching team combines global experience with a strong focus on technical development, athlete wellbeing, and long-term progression. We work with judoka of all levels, supporting both recreational and competitive pathways in St Peters.
Oren Janiv
Oren Janiv is the founder and Head Coach of Judo Matsu. With over 25 years of experience in Judo, he brings a depth of knowledge and passion that’s shaped by both tradition and innovation. A 3rd Dan black belt and former member of the Australian National Judo Team, Oren has trained and competed around the world – including in France, Germany, Japan and Brazil – in pursuit of excellence both as an athlete and as a coach.
His time as a national team member saw him compete at the highest level and learn from world-class instructors, forging not only technical skill but a strong, disciplined mindset. These experiences now form the foundation of the Judo Matsu curriculum – blending traditional principles with modern training methods to create a flexible, effective, and personalised approach to learning.
Oren’s teaching style reflects his belief that Judo is for everyone, regardless of age or background. He is known for his clarity, structure, and ability to meet students where they are – helping them build confidence, resilience, and physical skill at their own pace.
With a background in education and fitness, Oren holds a Bachelor of Education in Health & Physical Education, a Diploma of Fitness, and has years of experience as a high school teacher and personal trainer. His work in schools, gyms, and on the mat has fuelled his lifelong commitment to teaching – helping others rediscover their motivation, work ethic, and love for movement.
Above all, Oren’s passion for Judo and dedication to his students are what make him a respected and much-loved coach within the community.
Oren’s Professional Background and Qualifications Include:
- Founder & Head Coach, Judo Matsu
- 3rd Dan Black Belt (Sandan)
- Bachelor of Education (Health & Physical Education Teacher)
- Diploma of Fitness (Fitness Specialist)
- Judo Australia Certified Coach
- 2024 NSW Senior State Team Coach
Guillaume Shied
Coach Guillaume holds a 1st degree black belt.
Guillaume brings a wealth of knowledge having started Judo in France 20 years ago.
When Guillaume started Judo in 2002 he also was training in traditional Jujitsu. He practised the two arts until he moved to Australia in 2016.
Guillaume recalls, “I remember that I loved Judo after my first session. From then on I never stopped practising or thinking about Judo. For me it’s a passion that has never left.”
“Judo is an Art, a Martial Art that can push you to get better – both physically and mentally, providing not just discipline and self control but also a physicality to create a strong body and powerful throws. Above all, Judo is also about socialising and interacting with people that share the same interests and goals. Performing Judo alone is difficult, so you need a partner and a group to grow with.
In our Judo Matsu sessions we provide a space to release the stresses of the day by having fun wrestling with your judo mates. Our classes provide a wide-range of different judo techniques – from traditional techniques to competition, to cater for every level and person. We also teach Judo history and how to be a referee during a competition.”
Guillaume found Judo Matsu through an internet search, attended his first session and liked the club straight away.
“It was because we are learning Judo and having fun at the same time, which is important to me.
When I work with you in Judo, I will help you grow your Judo background and techniques . We will work on your physical and mental strength, but most of all have fun along the way.”
We hope to see you soon at Judo Matsu!
Guillaume’s formal qualifications include:
- Shodan (1st Dan Black Belt in Judo)
- 20 Years Judo experience
- Judo Australia Certified Coach
Yvonne Janiv
Yvonne Janiv is the co-founder of Judo Matsu and a 1st Dan black belt in Judo. She has medalled multiple times at a national level and brings with her experience competing in MMA and boxing, giving her a blend of traditional martial arts skill and combat-tested practicality.
Yvonne’s journey began at 14, when she took up kickboxing as part of school sport. Growing up, her parents encouraged her to try many different activities, swimming, gymnastics, tennis, and dance among them, but none seemed to truly fit. Kickboxing did, and she continued for nearly a decade before making the switch to MMA. Looking to sharpen her grappling skills, she began training in Judo as an adult. This time it stuck. She competed at every level, starting from orange belt, and quickly realised that the more she learned, the more there was still to discover. That mindset continues to drive her practice today.
As a qualified personal trainer and dedicated coach, Yvonne is driven by a clear purpose: to help people,especially young girls and women feel strong, capable, and confident. Her approach goes far beyond teaching throws and techniques; she places equal value on the everyday habits that build discipline, resilience, and long-term growth, while challenging outdated ideas around martial arts and femininity.
In 2024, Yvonne took on the role of coaching the Judo NSW Junior State Team, gaining valuable experience working with young athletes to prepare for high level competition.
Professional Background & Qualifications:
- Co-founder, Judo Matsu
- 1st Dan Black Belt (Shodan)
- Australian National Silver Medallist
- Certificate III & IV in Fitness (Personal Trainer)
- Judo Australia Certified Coach
- 2024 NSW Junior State Team Coach
Freddie Liger
Freddie first discovered judo at the age of 8 while at school in England. He quickly developed a love for the art, “I loved the throws and being thrown” and soon found success in inter-school competitions, proudly collecting his first medals.
After moving to London, Freddie joined the renowned Budokai Judo Club, a legendary club that has produced many UK champions, including Neil Adams. Training in such an environment deepened his appreciation for the discipline and tradition of judo.
When life brought Freddie to Australia, he continued his judo journey in Sydney with new energy and perspective. He embraced a more traditional approach, “using your opponent’s strength against them, rather than trying to overpower them.” His curiosity and dedication led him to one-on-one training with Oren, where the two shared a passion for exploring the techniques of old French judo masters. Together, they rediscovered and refined forgotten methods, bringing a creative and experimental edge to their training.
Freddie’s love of learning extends beyond the dojo. He frequently travels to France to sharpen his skills and study with some of the best teachers in the world, ensuring his practice continues to evolve. Even after 50 years on the tatami, he is still making discoveries and finds joy in sharing them with the next generation of judoka.
“As well as physical fitness, Judo has also been instrumental in my mental fitness. Many times I have experienced lows in my life and then I try to go through a particular throw in my head, that somehow grounds me and I soon feel better.”
Freddie’s formal qualifications include:
- Shodan (1st Dan Black Belt in Judo)
- 50 Years Judo experience
- Judo Australia Certified Coach
Nicolás Paredes Lozano
Professional Profile:
Nicolás’s passion for judo began with an inspiring moment when he discovered the martial art while watching the London 2012 Olympic Games on television. This first encounter captivated him so deeply that, the very next day, he asked his parents to let him start training in the sport. Today, with over 14 years of experience, he combines that initial passion with the theoretical rigour of his degree as a Sports Science Professional from the Escuela Nacional del Deporte in Cali, Colombia.
Competitive Career:
His development as a professional athlete in Colombia led him to the national elite level, becoming National Champion in 2018 and winning multiple national medals. This competitive background provides him with valuable insight into the tactics and mental preparation required for success on the mat.
Teaching Philosophy:
As a coach, his mission is to guide each student in finding their own style of judo while enhancing their individual abilities. His approach is built on the conviction that success is the result of a process that requires hard work and, above all, consistency. Beyond technique, he is dedicated to fostering the core values of judo – respect, discipline, and self-improvement – teaching that every great journey begins with a dream and is built through daily dedication.
Professional Background & Qualifications:
- 1st Dan Black Belt (Shodan)
- National Judo Champion (Colombia, 2018)
- specialisation in Competitive Judo and Training Methodology
- Sports Science Professional (Escuela Nacional del Deporte, Cali, Colombia)