Sport
20 February, 2026
Judokas learn skills from state’s best at Innisfail’s dojo
INNISFAIL Judo Club became a hub of elite training as it welcomed Judo Queensland state coach and former Olympic mentor Stewart Brain, alongside women in judo specialists, Cathy Brain and Aya Topp, for a high performance coaching program.
Stewart Brain represented Australia in the lightweight division in the 1988 Summer Olympics and secured a bronze medal in the 71kg division judo demonstration sport event at the 1986 Commonwealth Games.
Cathy Brain competed in the Olympic judo demonstration event in 1988 and represented Australia in the half-lightweight women’s division in the 1992 and 1996 Summer Olympics. She also won a bronze medal in the women’s half-lightweight division at the 1990 Commonwealth Games.
Over two days, nearly 50 judokas from beginners to elite competitors took part in intensive skill based training sessions. Athletes travelled from Innisfail, Cairns, Brisbane, Townsville and Mossman, with 21 female participants among the group.
Paul De Brincat, Lily De Brincat, Jorja McKenzie, Emmalee McKenzie, Zana Miller, Tayvin Miller and Torin Miller from the Innisfail club were among those to benefit from these elite sessions.
Coaches focused on core skills such as balance, gripping, distance and technique. The new concepts were put into practice immediately, with coaches refining and applying the techniques alongside athletes throughout the training sessions.
Last month, Innisfail’s Emmalee McKenzie aged 13 had a rare opportunity to take part in the Next Generations judo camp at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra. Miss McKenzie said she thoroughly enjoyed the experienced and learned a lot.
The Queensland Judo titles will be held in Brisbane on 28 March, with the Nationals titles and training camp on the Gold Coast from 5-7 June.
In the lead-up to these events, judokas will hone their skills in a training camp and competition at Coral Coast Judo Club in Mossman from 14-15 March.
Training is in full swing with sessions held on Mondays and Thursdays at the Dojo – Pavilion (Innisfail Showgrounds) from 5.30–6.30pm for aged 6-10 years) and 6.45pm to 8pm for ages 11+ years.