Come and experience a wrestling class for yourself !!!
We are the only Olympic Wrestling educators in Christchurch city, we have been doing wrestling education for more than 30 years. All of our coaches have a combined wrestling competition, teaching and training experience of more than 300 years. Not only that we have coaches who have Masters Degree in Physical Education who knows how to properly and safely push and train our students so that they improve and excel every day.
The "Christchurch Olympic Wrestling Education Society" has been teaching for more than 20 years. In these years they have also helped promote all forms of wrestling styles so as to ignite the passion for wrestling among the residents of this beautiful garden city of Christchurch.
Dimiri Korzh is the head coach of the club, he is a highly experienced professional with a diverse background in teaching and sports development across various cultural settings. He excels in managing and facilitating sports programs and has a deep understanding of physical education's importance for human health. His career spans coaching, administration, and organizing local and international sports events.
Demitri's involvement with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has allowed him to mentor coaches and help athletes from Oceania gain international recognition, including Olympic participation. He has notable coaching achievements, strong connections in sports communities, and a commitment to safety in sports. He has trained and taught many more credible students and they have become formidable athletes, and have become coaches as well.
Chief Coach
Chief Assistant Coach
Coach
Coach
Dimitri Korzh holds two teaching-related degrees and maintains a high level of personal fitness. Demitri's proficiency in multiple languages and multicultural experience enhances his communication skills and problem-solving abilities. Currently in an administrative role, he seeks a more creative role to make a broader impact in the sports and recreation field. he possesses a unique teaching and sports development background, thriving in diverse cultural environments. His ability to manage and facilitate various sports programs has been honed through full-time, multi-sport education experiences, cultivating a profound understanding of physical education (PE) and sports as essential components of human health and well-being. This knowledge is deeply ingrained in Demitri's core, enabling him to deliver efficient PE, sports, and recreation services to individuals, groups, and organizations.
Demitri's career has encompassed a range of roles in different schools across the globe, from sports coaching to Head of Department (PE). He has coached athletes in Olympic and non-Olympic sports, making him an ideal candidate for any sports-related position. His professional skills encompass education, administration, facilitation, and participation, providing a holistic approach to support and collaboration with staff and external organizations.
In the realm of sports administration and management, Demitri has been actively involved in organizing various local and international events, including Continental Championships, National tournaments, World Championships, Olympic Games, and cultural festivals. Under his guidance, the teams and students he has coached and administered have achieved success at both local and international levels, such as the Westburn Grammar Volleyball team becoming Victoria Champions in 2000.
Demitri's involvement with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has allowed him to extend his coaching, management, and facilitation expertise across Oceania, benefiting Guam (USA), Palau, FSM, Solomon Islands, and New Zealand. Through this role, he has recruited, trained, mentored, and nurtured coaches, leading to athletes and coaches from these regions gaining international recognition and reaching the Olympics.
Notable coaching achievements include coaching athletes to silver and bronze medals at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games medals, and World Championships rankings. Demitri has built strong connections with local and international sports communities, schools, clubs, organizations, and individuals, remaining actively engaged in sports and recreation at various levels.
Beyond sports, Demitri is committed to sport safety and injury prevention education. He has worked with renowned rugby players and schools to develop safe rugby contact skills, emphasizing the importance of safety in sports.
Demitri's educational background comprises two teaching-related degrees, including a Level 8 NZQA-recognized PE & Sports degree. His extensive coursework covers a wide range of subjects related to physical education, coaching, management, and sports science.
Demitri's lifelong immersion in the sports industry and dedication to personal fitness serve as a role model, inspiring others to adopt healthy lifestyles. His personal fitness achievements underscore his commitment to physical well-being.
With proficiency in multiple languages and a rich multicultural background, Demitri possesses excellent communication skills and a knack for efficient problem-solving.
Education and Qualifications
1994-1999 Master Degree in Olympic and Professional Sport (NZQA equivalent of Level 8) from National University of Physical Education and Sport (Ukraine)
Physical Education teaching
Sport Coaching
Managing & Administrating
1992-1993 Christian Pastoral College (Seminary)
1990-1992 Pilot Instructor Avionic College Pilot Instructor Training
Experiences
National Olympic Committee / New Zealand Olympic Wrestling International Expert/Coach & National Advisor
From 2002 to Current
Coaching Education (conduct Coaching Clinics to up-skill New Zealand coaches)
NZ Olympic National Team Coaching
Promote Olympic sport in New Zealand and a Healthy lifestyle
Duty Officer at Christchurch City Council Graham Condon Sport and Recreation Centre
From 2016 to Current
Provide a professional, friendly, and informative service to customers of CCC Sport Centre, ensuring service are delivered to both external and internal customers.
Provide support to other teams at the Gym, Game courts, Pools, and Fitness areas.
Maintain the whole facility safe and secure, lock and unlock doors for users, and contractors including opening and closing procedures.
2014-2015 Franks Brothers performance expert/coach
Teach/coach Self Defence and all related disciplines (Olympic Wrestling, Judo, BJJ, Grappling, Boxing, SAMBO Wrestling, Combat SAMBO etc)
Teach/coach General fitness/cross fit, gymnastics/acrobatics and other sports & PE.
2007 - 2014 Various Voluntary Teaching & Coaching Positions including:
University of Canterbury / Christchurch Boys' High School /Linwood College / Burnside School
Self Defence and Olympic Sport Club
Teaching/Coaching
Wrestling/Grappling for rugby
Pioneer Basketball Club / United Fencing Club
Teaching/Coaching
Te Kura Kaupapa Maori O Waitaha/Rowley Primary School/Addington Primary School
Self Defence Education
New Zealand Olympic Team
Coaching and event supervising
2005-2006 ImpactAlpha Gymsports (Christchurch School of Gymnastics)
Gymnastics Coach/Coach Overseer
2003-2004 Crichton Cobbers Youth Club
Youth Sport and PE Development Officer
Promote Fitness and a Healthy life style
Set up and develop after-school Sport/PE program
Set up and develop a holiday Sports/PE program
Set up and develop PE and Sport program for Christchurch Schools
2001-2002 Palau Olympic Committee
International Expert
Head Coach of Palau National team
Olympic Sport and PE Education
Developing school PE and Sport Program for Republic of Palau
Coach and supervise National team
Conduct PE/coaching clinic for sport/PE staff
2000-2001 Guam (USA) National Olympic Committee International Expert
Committee-sponsored clinic for the Guam National team
National Olympic sport education and coaching national team
Promote Olympic sport, quality physical education and fitness
Assist in developing sports programs for schools
2000 Ukrainian Olympic Team (Competing in the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games) Technical Expert
Coaching Assistant for silver medallist Evgeniy Buslovich in the 58kg, freestyle
1999-2000 Combat Sports Centre "Will-Machado" BJJ Academia - Melbourne and Gelong, Australia Teacher/Coach/Sport Expert
Teaching and coaching sport
Fitness, recreation and rehabilitation expertise
2000 Westbourne Grammar School, Australia
Head Coach for Volleyball
Coached soccer, wrestling, and weight training
1994-1999 Ministry of Education - Olympic Sport School "GART" - Ukraine
Teaching and Coaching
Public School #294, #308 and #312 in Kiev, Ukraine PE Teacher/Coach
Teaching students aged 4 to 19 years old
Basketball, soccer, volleyball, handball, track and field athletic, ski, swimming (Olympic style and water first aid), gymnastics, acrobatics, weight training, outdoor adventure, tourism, orienteering
All kinds of Olympic wrestling and SAMBO (Self Defence Without Weapon) Health and first aid
Human anatomy, physiology and sport physiology
Special medical needs class
Olena is a highly accomplished Olympic wrestling coach with an impressive background in combat sports. She holds the esteemed position of the Head Olympic Women's Wrestling Coach for New Zealand. Olena has demonstrated her exceptional skills and expertise by achieving the remarkable status of being ranked 5th in the world in both SAMBO and Olympic wrestling.
Her extensive journey in combat sports includes being a USSR Judo Champion and a three-time Judo Champion of Ukraine. Olena's prowess extends to SAMBO, where she has secured the title of six-time SAMBO Champion of Ukraine. Her achievements reflect not only her personal excellence but also her dedication to promoting and advancing the sport of wrestling.
Olena's impact on the international stage is noteworthy, as she coached the first female Olympians from New Zealand. Furthermore, she holds the distinction of being the first female Olympic coach from New Zealand, contributing significantly to the recognition and development of women's wrestling in the country.
Olena's educational qualifications are equivalent to NZQA Level 7, showcasing her commitment to continuous learning and professional development. As the head coach, she led the New Zealand wrestling team at the Olympics, guiding athletes to achieve their best performances on the global stage.
Under Olena's guidance, two of her students, Tayla Ford and Larry Uwelar, made their mark at the Olympics. Tayla Ford, whom Olena coached for an impressive ten years starting from the age of 9, became the first female from New Zealand to secure a 6th-place finish at the Olympics. Tayla's success extends beyond the Olympics, with multiple Commonwealth Games participation and medals.
Additionally, Olena coached Larry Uwelar, an Olympic wrestler from the Federated States of Micronesia, during 2001-2002. Today, Larry Uwelar continues to contribute to the sport as a wrestling coach on his home island, Yap.
Olena's role as the head coach of New Zealand wrestling at the Olympics underscores her leadership and impact on the international stage, solidifying her reputation as a highly accomplished and influential figure in the world of women's combat sports.
Education and Qualification
Bachelor's Degree in sports science from the National University of Physical Education and Sport (Ukraine)
Majoring in Olympic Sport and Education (NZQA Level 7 equivalent)
Specializing in Combat Sports
Olympic Wrestling,
SAMBO and
Judo
Experiences
International Experiences
USSR Judo Champion
3 Times Judo Champion of Ukraine
6 Times SAMBO Champion of Ukraine
5th In the World in SAMBO and Olympic Wrestling
New Zealand Experiences
Head Coach Olympic Woman Wrestling
1st Female Olympic Coach from NZ
1st Female Olympians from NZ