Our Coaches

Invermere Judo Club since 1967

Invermere Judo Club was founded and operated by Hermann Mauthner from 1967-2020. Hermann's dedication to the sport of Judo lives on through his students that have continued the club.

We are fortunate to have a great team of coaches that are dedicated and passionate about teaching and sharing the sport of Judo.

All our coaches are trained through the National Coaching Certification Program. We take pride in ensuring we create an environment where all individuals feel welcome.

Head Coaches

Jeanette and Tomaz are the two head coaches of the Invermere Judo Club. They have been practicing Judo since they were young children.

When Hermann retired from Judo, Tomaz & Jeanette Riches took over the Judo Club, formed a non-profit society and eventually moved the club into the current training location. The Invermere Judo Club is a non-profit society.

Jeanette Riches- Shodan & Club Manager

NCCP Level 2 Senior Coach

Jeanette moved to Windermere in 1980 and shortly after joined the Invemere Judo Club under Hermann Mauthner.

She was an active competitor and at an early age was selected to compete for Team BC. She competed nationally and won the Canadian Championships in her final year of competition. Unfortunately she had a major knee injury that stopped her competitive career as a Judoka.

Jeanette took a 20 year absence from the mats and rejoined the Invermere Judo Club when her daughter Cassia was old enough to join.

In 2013 Jeanette graded for her Shodan and took on a role coaching at the Invermere Judo club.

What I love about Judo is it is more than just a sport. There is a moral code that is taught and instilled. It is a community that fosters respect, mutual understanding, confidence and self esteem and resilience.

My next favourite thing about Judo is there is always more to learn and improve upon.

Tomaz Stich - Shodan & President of Club

NCCP Level 2 Senior Coach

Tomaz grew up in Germany where he started Judo at the age of 6 years.

He competed nationally as an individual and as a team member all his early Judo career until 28 years and started to coach kids during this time as well.

Tomaz lived in Sweden and Slovenia where he also trained Judo before he moved with his family to Invermere in 2009 and was happy to find out that there is Judo Club in Invermere as well.

He instantly became a member and started training with Hermann Mauthner who started the Judo Club over 50 years ago and ran it at the time. In 2012 Tomaz’s son Lenni also joint the Judo Club as an athlete.

Hermann also inspired Tomaz to get graded for his black belt in 2016 with Mark Digney being his grading partner.

Tomaz’s priority #1 in Judo is that kids have fun at Judo and get a good portion of exercise while forming friendships and self-confidence.

Judo Moral Code

The judo moral code is a set of values that judoka are taught from the beginning of their training and are expected to live by both on and off the mat. The code was outlined by judo's founder, Jigoro Kano, and is made up of eight values:

Courtesy: Being polite to others, including saying hello, goodbye, and thank you
Courage: Facing difficulties with bravery, including making a choice to face pain, danger, or uncertainty
Honesty: Being sincere with your thoughts and actions
Honor: Doing what is right and standing by your principles
Modesty: Being without ego in your actions and thoughts
Respect: Appreciating others
Self-control: Being in control of your emotions
Friendship: Being a good companion and friend

Cassia Riches - 1st Kyu

Junior Coach Level 2 Dojo Instructor

Cassia was born and raised in Invermere. She started Judo when she was 6 years old. Cassia's love of the sport grew over the years through competition and camaraderie.

She was able to compete at the BC Winter Games and took home a bronze medal. Unfortunately a knee injury has prevented her from furthering her competitive Judo career in her Senior divisions. She has enjoyed assisting coaching the Junior classes when time allows her from work.

Lenni Stich - 1st Kyu

Junior Coach Level 2 Dojo Instructor

Lenni moved to Invermere from Slovenia in 2009 with his family and became member of the Invermere Judo Club in 2012 when he trained under Hermann Mauthner who started the Judo Club.

Next to his first passion, X-Country skiing, Lenni trained Judo as an athlete and eventually started competing as well in Judo when X-Country season was over. Over the years he developed fast and became a brown belt and is currently helping coaching the kids as a Dojo assistant.

His goal is to attend the Nationals in Calgary this season and get graded as a black belt.