At Shoshin Judo, we believe the mat is a classroom for life. Founded by a career educator and Athletic Director, our club is dedicated to the principle of Shoshin—the "Beginner’s Mind." We believe that no matter your rank or experience, there is always something new to discover through the discipline of Judo. Our mission is to provide a safe, structured, and high-energy environment where students of all ages can develop physical strength, mental resilience, and a deep sense of mutual respect.
As a fully chartered club of the United States Judo Association (USJA), we are part of a national legacy of excellence. This affiliation ensures that our curriculum meets the highest standards of safety and technical instruction. It also means that every rank earned at Shoshin Judo is nationally recognized, providing our students with a clear, verified path as they journey toward their black belt and beyond. Whether you are a student looking for discipline or an athlete seeking a new challenge, you are joining a community backed by the prestige and resources of one of the country's premier martial arts organizations.
Daniel Diedrich
Role: Head Instructor, Shoshin Judo
Credentials: 2nd Degree Brown Belt (Nikyu) | Certified USJA Regional Coach
Experience: Extensive competition experience throughout Kentucky, as well as across the region in Ohio, Indiana, and Tennessee.
Professional Background: Educator (Math Teacher) & Athletic Director
I am excited to welcome you to Shoshin Judo! While many of you know me through my work in local education and athletics, my journey in Judo is a personal mission that I am honored to share with our community at Camargo Church.
Professional Certification & Safety
Your safety—and the safety of your children—is my primary focus. I am fully vetted and maintain the following certifications to ensure a professional training environment:
Rank & Coaching: 2nd Degree Brown Belt (Nikyu) certified through the USJA and USA Judo.
Certified USJA Regional Coach: Trained in the technical and pedagogical standards of American Judo.
Safety First: Fully SafeSport Certified with up-to-date CPR/AED/First Aid training and CDC Concussion Training.
Why I Teach Judo
My goal is to merge the physical discipline of the "Gentle Way" with the character-building principles found in the Gospel.
Following the words of Matthew 18:3, we strive to put away pride and approach our training with a heart of service and a "childlike" eagerness to learn. Whether in the classroom or on the mats, my mission remains the same: to help individuals reach their full potential.
I look forward to meeting each of you at Orientation!
See you on the mats!