Shojin Judo

Shojin Judo operates a traditional martial arts dojo located at 29305 Southfield Road in Southfield, Michigan. Founded in 2004 by head instructor Neil Simon, the program provides structured training in Kodokan judo for students of all ages. Simon, an accomplished sixth-degree black belt (Rokudan) who has practiced judo since 1978, previously led the Ann Arbor YMCA Judo Club and served as President of the United States Judo Federation from 2006 to 2012. He is also credentialed as a national coach, teacher, kata judge, and international referee. The coaching roster includes head technical instructor Ahmad Nabil Taher Elalem, a seventh-degree black belt (Shichidan) who began judo in 1976 and served as an Olympic coach for the Libyan national team during the 2004 and 2008 Games. The teaching staff is rounded out by associate instructor Dave Wertheimer, dojo manager Chris Reid, and youth head coach Haley Beebe. Programs encompass introductory, intermediate, and advanced coursework covering throwing techniques, ground grappling, practical self-defense, and competitive tournament preparation.