Bahamas Judo
The federation of volunteers responsible for the growth of Judo in The Bahamas.
Bahamas Judo
The federation of volunteers responsible for the growth of Judo in The Bahamas.
Women Nominees for International Women's Day!
Alterene Newry – Dedicated Administrator and Mentor
Alterene Newry – Dedicated Administrator and Mentor
Alterene Newry – Dedicated Administrator and Mentor
Alterene Newry, a retired professional from Batelco in the Bahamas, has left a lasting impact beyond the telecommunications industry. With a strong background in administration and a heart dedicated to service, Mrs. Newry spent nearly 16 years as the administrator for the All-Star Family Center, a premier martial arts school in the Bahamas and the headquarters for the Bahamas Judo Federation.
Mrs. Newry played an indispensable role in the school's success and the development of its students. She ensured that thousands of children who walked through the doors were accounted for and cared for. With a keen sense of organization, she diligently tracked attendance, managed finances, and maintained smooth business operations, allowing the instructors and students to focus on training and personal growth.
More than just an administrator, Mrs. Newry was a guiding force in the lives of many young martial artists. She provided encouragement, support, and invaluable insight into their development, ensuring their well-being both on and off the mat. Her dedication to the students extended beyond paperwork—she became a mentor, a trusted advisor, and a steady presence in the dojo, always willing to listen and offer words of wisdom.
Karra Hanna - Athlete
Alterene Newry – Dedicated Administrator and Mentor
Alterene Newry – Dedicated Administrator and Mentor
Karra began judo at the age of 16 at the Bahamas Judo Federation Headquarters and she was quickly able to showcase her natural ability. After just a few weeks after training she competed at the Barbados Open 2016 and received the Sliver Medal. At this point this opened her mind to some of the greater possibilities that could be realized in the practice of Judo.
Karra continued to train and pursue excellence. This enabled her to medal in various tournaments, among them a Gold medal in Quebec Open 2023, a Gold medal in Carifta 2016, and a Bronze medal at the Commonwealth Youth Games 2017 which was the first medal for the Bahamas ever in this international event. This win enabled her to be the flag carrier for the opening ceremonies for the Commonwealth Youth Games.
Karra has also taught Judo to the youth at various schools in Nassau exhibiting self-discipline and self-control.
Karra has the goal of becoming the first Bahamian Olympian in Judo and has made judo her priority.
Meishelle Moneik Bastian-Williams - Administrator
Alterene Newry – Dedicated Administrator and Mentor
Meishelle Moneik Bastian-Williams - Administrator
On January 22nd, 1995 Meishelle’s son, Nathan, was born with Erb’s palsy (muscles stretched at birth). She took him to a variety of physiotherapist until age three when she was told to enroll him in karate to enable him to continue working on strengthening the muscle in his hand which hanged limply at his side.
She enrolled him at St Francis St Joseph Primary School which he begun at age four; that first semester he brought the notice that karate would begin as an after-school activity and he was the first student enrolled. She never treated him as if he had a disability and encouraged him to always use his right hand.
Nathan’s training evolved from karate to judo and he joined the Bahamas Judo Federation. Mrs Williams eventually became a Vice President of the Bahamas Judo Federation. She involved her whole family: husband, children, parents, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Mrs Williams travelled with the national team when international tournaments commenced and became the mother, cheerleader, stand-in coach, massage therapist for the team. She helped to plan and execute the very first CARIFTA Judo tournament in 2016 and World Junior Judo Tournament in 2017.
Melanie Lobosky - Referee
Dr Myrurgia Hernandez – High Performance Coach
Meishelle Moneik Bastian-Williams - Administrator
Melanie Lobosky has significantly contributed to the sport of Judo in the Bahamas, becoming a cornerstone figure in the athletic community. Her journey began 20 years ago when she first embraced judo, quickly discovering her athletic potential and passion for the sport.
Throughout her remarkable career, Melanie has assisted with numerous tournaments as an official, scorekeeper, and referee, showcasing her versatile expertise in judo. She received comprehensive training from esteemed mentors, including Sensei DArcy Rahming, Gerald Lafon, and Dr. Rhadi Ferguson. Under the guidance of Julio Clemente, the Chief IJF Referee for the
Pan-American Region, she achieved Class B referee status. Her dedication to advancing her skills led her to travel with the Bahamas Judo team and other officials to Barbados, where she participated as a referee, and to Miami, Florida, for advanced referee training with numerous international referees.
Moreover, Melanie has also served for many years as a senior coach at All Star Karate, where she has passionately trained and mentored students, inspiring the next generation of athletes. Presently, she is empowering women in the community by teaching them self-defense skills through short courses, seminars, and self-defense presentations at local businesses.
Dr Myrurgia Hernandez – High Performance Coach
Dr Myrurgia Hernandez – High Performance Coach
Dr Myrurgia Hernandez – High Performance Coach
Sensei. Hernandez Started her Judo career in at age 13, after being scouted from the Sambo Wrestling Program. She quickly ascended to the Judo Pre-Olympic Program and while being a Junior at age 17, her performance earned her National #1 Ranking in the Junior Division and #3 Ranking in the Senior Division in Cuba. This performance allowed her to obtain her Black Belt, at age 17.
Sensei Hernandez joined The Bahamas Judo Federation since its inception as a High-Performance Coach, teaching Judo athletes: How to compete, Mental Readiness for Competitions, Physical Conditioning for High-Performance, among other high-level competitions tactics. Since 1998, Sensei Hernandez, started to assist at various DOJOS in the Bahamas Judo Federation.
From 2011-2013, Sensei Hernandez had the opportunity to prepare a Bahamian judo team to attend the various US OPEN Tournaments. The Team consisted of athletes who train in New Providence and Abaco.
In 2017, Sensei Hernandez obtained a Certification in Long-Term Athlete Development. The knowledge acquired was used to further develop Judo in The Bahamas.
Dr. Hernandez has always displayed Bahamian pride when working with The Bahamas Judo Federation (BJF), an organization that has continued to successfully develop Judokas (Judo Players) in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
Regina Parotti – Sensei and Coach
Dr Myrurgia Hernandez – High Performance Coach
Dr Myrurgia Hernandez – High Performance Coach
Regina Parotti was born in Nassau Bahamas March 9th, 1964. At the age of 13 years while a member of the Bahamas Girl Guides, she decided to take a merit badge in Self Defense. This begun her 48-year journey in the martial art/sport of Judo.
She started with Sensei William “Don” Malone Former Bahamas Judo Federation and after his retirement Regina found the Judo Academy Budo Kan run by Sensei Kadijah El Shabazz. There, she got her first exposure to both national and international tournaments.
In 1992 Regina relocated to the island of Abaco. Judo had been practiced here but was not at that time. She became the Head Coach of the Abaco Judo. During her tenure as Coach her students competed in many national and international tournaments successfully, earned the school a Judo Club of the Year. Five of her students have earned the rank of Black Belt.
Hurricane Dorian destroyed the Abaco Judo Club in September 2019 alone with the homes of 95% of her students including her own home which was heavily damaged.
Regina is currently a 3rd degree black belt and working to return The Abaco Judo Club to its former glory.
Women Nominees for International Women's Day! (Continued)
Cynthia Munnings - Retired Athlete and Coach
Cynthia Munnings - Retired Athlete and Coach
Cynthia Munnings - Retired Athlete and Coach
Cynthia Munnings is a recently retired Bahamian Judoka that was a trailblazer for the sport for The Bahamas. Officially starting her career in 2009, Munnings competed at a multitude of high level, international competitions over the course of her 14 year career in competitive judo.
These competitions included World Championships, Grand Slams, Continental Championships, Grand Prixs, Continental Opens, Central American and Caribbean Games as well as the 2010 Youth Olympic Games. One of her most notable wins includes a bronze at the 2019 Pan American Open Championships.
During her peak, Munnings was the first Bahamian to qualify for an Olympic Games in judo, and ranked 8th in the Pan American Region and 96th in the World Ranking.
In addition to her prosperous competitive career, Munnings also coached The National Judo Team securing bronze at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and from 2016-2020, co-ran the largest judo club in The Bahamas.
One of the many things that helped to highlight her career was the intentional public relations work that Munnings incorporated throughout her journey.
Ordain Moss – Media Planner
Cynthia Munnings - Retired Athlete and Coach
Cynthia Munnings - Retired Athlete and Coach
Ordain Moss is the official Media Planner for the Bahamas Judo Federation, playing a vital role in promoting the sport and its athletes. Her journey with judo began in 2014 when her son, international champion Xavion Johnson, became involved in the sport. As a mother actively supporting her son's athletic career, she showcases the vital role women play in the advancement of sports. By supporting Xavion's participation in global competitions, she has helped establish connections between Bahamian judo and international communities.
Ordain has been an invaluable asset to the federation, using her skills in media and communications to elevate Bahamian judo on the global stage.
Ordain has actively assisted international teams, ensuring smooth coordination for competitions abroad. Her contributions were particularly significant during the Junior World Championships, where she played a key role in getting athletes too young to qualify to have a participative experience.
As a skilled writer, she crafts compelling PR and news releases that highlight the achievements of Bahamian judokas and the federation’s events. Through her dedication and expertise, Ordain helps bring visibility to the sport, celebrating the hard work and success of local athletes. Her commitment to judo goes beyond media planning—she is a passionate advocate for the growth and recognition of judo in the Bahamas. Early Encouragement: Recognizing Xavion's passion for judo at a young age, she supported his training from the age of eight, fostering his development in the sport.
Raven Pennerman – Athlete and Defensive Tactics Instructor
Erika Culmer - Athlete, Olympic Youth Ambassador, and Photographer
Erika Culmer - Athlete, Olympic Youth Ambassador, and Photographer
Raven Pennerman is a decorated Bahamian judoka and dedicated Defensive Tactics Instructor. A dominant force in the -78 kg division, she was the Bahamas National Judo Champion from 2016 to 2018. Representing her country on the international stage, she competed in the 2017 Carifta Games and the 2018 Junior World Championships, showcasing her skill and determination.
Her talent earned her a prestigious scholarship with the University of The Bahamas Mingoes judo team, where she continued to excel. In 2020, she claimed gold at the Cherry Blossom Tournament in Boynton Beach, Florida, further solidifying her reputation as a top-tier athlete.
Following her university career, Raven transitioned into service with the Royal Bahamas Defense Force, where she applies her combat expertise as a Defensive Tactics Instructor for cadets. Her passion for both judo and self-defense training has allowed her to inspire and mentor the next generation of Bahamian athletes and defense personnel. A dedicated competitor and leader, Raven continues to contribute to the growth of judo and tactical training in the Bahamas.
Erika Culmer - Athlete, Olympic Youth Ambassador, and Photographer
Erika Culmer - Athlete, Olympic Youth Ambassador, and Photographer
Erika Culmer - Athlete, Olympic Youth Ambassador, and Photographer
- Erika Culmer – Athlete, Olympic Youth Ambassador, and Photographer
Erika Culmer represented The Bahamas in various international games including the 2010 Central American and Caribbean Games in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, the 2009 Pan American Junior Championships in the Dominican Republic, and the US Judo Open for several years.
As one of the first female international competitors of The Bahamas, Culmer also represented our country as one of two athletes selected for the Youth Olympic Camp held during the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.
The camp is held during every Olympics and meant to foster friendships across borders by bringing together young athletes for all over and giving them a firsthand experience at the Games.
Culmer has also played various roles throughout the years, including being one of the primary teachers for the main dojo and school programs, as well as being a prolific sports photographer.
Some notable events that she has photographed include the 2018 Judo World Junior Championships held in Nassau as well as the historic 2017 CARIFTA Games also held in Nassau where The Bahamas became victors at the first ever CARIFTA judo championships.
Bahamas Judo Federation
Bahamas Judo Federation
The Bahamas Judo Federation is the official organization dedicated to promoting and growing the sport of Judo throughout the islands of the Bahamas. Our mission is to introduce and expand the practice of this dynamic martial art, fostering a community of passionate judo practitioners. Whether you're a seasoned judoka or new to the sport, the Bahamas Judo Federation welcomes you to explore the principles and techniques of this centuries-old Japanese grappling art.
