Meet Our Coaches in Tampa
At Barakah Judo, our coaching team is the heart and soul of our community. Comprising seasoned Judokas and dedicated instructors, each coach brings a unique blend of expertise, passion, and commitment to the art of Judo. Get to know the individuals who will inspire and guide you on your Judo journey
Toshiko Arriola
Coach
Hello everyone! I’m Toshiko Arriola from Japan. I’m a Judo black belt and National Coach for
USA Judo. I started practicing Judo in 1991 at my city of dojo. I was the 57kg champion in
Nagano Japan for my 3 years of high school; having competed in the All-Japan High School
Championships all throughout my scholastic career. I started teaching again after my university
years had been completed and have been consistently giving back to the judo community since then.
My husband Sensei Gerardo and two daughters also practice and enjoy the martial art of judo;
together.
Islam Achmetchanov
Coach
Hello everyone! My name is Islam Achmetchanov. Born and raised in Chechnya, I began practicing judo at an early age, building a strong foundation in discipline, perseverance, and respect for the traditions of martial arts. From a young age, I actively competed in regional and national tournaments, where I developed both technical skill and a deep passion for the sport.
As my experience grew, I began coaching young athletes, focusing not only on improving their competitive performance, but also on developing confidence, discipline, and strong character both on and off the mat.
After relocating to Austria, where I lived for more than 20 years, I continued my judo career at an international level. During this time, I participated in numerous tournaments across Europe and earned multiple awards for Best Technique of the Tournament. Through years of dedication, training, and competitive experience, I achieved the title of Judo Master.
Today, I remain committed to sharing my knowledge and experience with athletes of all ages and skill levels. As a coach, my mission is to develop not only successful competitors, but also disciplined, respectful, and confident individuals who can apply the values of judo to every aspect of life.
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