Raymond Damblant

Arriving from France in 1959, he became technical director of Club Hakudokan the following year. Over the years, he wrote several chapters in the history of Québec and Canadian judo, notably as director of combat sports at Expo 67 and competition director during the 1976 Montréal Olympic Games. First international and Olympic referee, and national team coach, he initiated the first Canadian women's judo championship, trained hundreds of black belts over the decades, and popularized the sport in schools, recreation centres and several Montréal dojos. Inducted into several halls of fame and honoured both in Québec and abroad, Raymond Damblant is a true model of excellence, education and devotion.