Oye first received his black belt in 1957. At 84 years old, he now holds one of the highest ranks in Judo. This esteemed promotion was directly awarded by Judo Canada, officially honouring his unparalleled contributions to the evolution of the sport.

Beyond mastering the principles and philosophy of judo, Oye has been instrumental to the development of judo in Canada – especially in Manitoba. Throughout his career, he has served as the vice president of Judo Canada for over 30 years and both as a coach and the president of Judo Manitoba for many years.

Mamoru Oye in action in 2018.

With over 60 years of his life dedicated to building the UM Recreation Services Judo Club, he has taught many students and led a few to outstanding heights. Three Olympians have trained in his dojo: Ewan Beaton who competed in Barcelona 1992 and Atlanta 1996, Niki Adams in Atlanta 1996 and Mark Berger who returned as a bronze medalist from Los Angeles 1994.

“We are privileged to have Moe be a part of our programs and UM community and we are incredibly proud of him,” says Tanya Angus, director of Recreation Services. 

Mamoru also had a significant role in writing the first National Grading Syllabus in Canada and in advancing the National Coaching Certification, both of which have and continue to impact current and future judokas.

He is a true leader, shaping the future of judo not only in board rooms and administrative spaces but also on the mats with athletes who have the privilege of learning from him.

President of Ice Intrepid (U of M’s synchronized skate club) Avery Albrecht, shares more about the club and why she loves being a part of it.

Why did you decide to become an executive of your club?

I wanted to play a role in the decisions shaping our club. I love the sport of synchronized skating, and when the opportunity to become president presented itself, I took it as a chance to increase awareness of the sport (especially on campus), enhance my teammates’ experience, and push synchro to evolve within the prairie provinces.

What have you learned while being an executive member of your club?

I’ve learned there’s so much more to sport than athletics. The intricacies into making a season successful—from equipment to travel to coaching—has allowed me to grow personally and professionally.

What are some social and/or physical benefits of being in your club?

Ice Intrepid provides skaters with the opportunity to continue to competitively skate with a schedule that is understanding of a university student’s life. I joined Intrepid because it gave me a reason to stay active during university and to meet new people. The friends I’ve made have a similar passion for the sport that’s led to lasting friendships outside the rink.

What are some events/tournaments/achievements you want to highlight?

In January, Ice Intrepid travelled to Brampton, Ont. to compete at Winterfest, and Carberry, Man. for the Manitoba Synchro Championships. At the beginning of February, Intrepid competed in the Prairie Regional Synchronized Skating Championships in Tisdale, Sask. Intrepid placed first with 97.03 points qualifying for nationals in Waterloo, Ont., where they placed ninth overall with a score of 92.62.

Do you think it’s important for students to join a Rec Club?

The social and physical benefits are undeniable. University can become all-encompassing of a student’s life; participating in Rec Clubs is a way to take time away from school to recharge and refocus. Rec Clubs also provides an opportunity for students to take on leadership roles that compliment one’s degree, or act as good experience when applying for jobs. Overall, Rec Clubs can take a student’s university experience to the next level.

Visit uofmactiveliving.ca to learn more about the club including team requirements and how to become a member. Connect with them on social media [@IceIntrepid].

At the University of Manitoba, Recreation Services provides students, staff and alumni the opportunity to participate in organized sport and physical activity through Rec Clubs.

They’re student-run organizations offering recreational and competitive opportunities in a variety of sports and activities separate from Bison Sports teams. Each club is formed, organized and governed by volunteer U of M students.

The clubs elect a team of executive members responsible for coordinating and overseeing all club events, as well as services and operations that can include holding weekly practices, engaging in lessons, gaining access to coaching, and taking part in recreational or competitive events on or off campus.

Rec Clubs also host social events, take part in community outreach opportunities, and go on activity-based travel. 

The clubs have access to equipment, facilities, and other tools to be successful. While Recreation Services assists clubs with marketing, collecting club membership fees, securing facilities and equipment, risk management and professional guidance, the emphasis is strictly on student leadership and involvement.

“The success of each Rec Club depends on the work that the student leaders and members put into their own club. The main objective of these clubs are to benefit the participants lives now, and after they leave the U of M,” says Recreation Services Coordinator of Intramural Sports, Clubs, and Leagues, Kyla Ray.

Current Rec Clubs include badminton, climbing, rugby, soccer, synchronized skate, table tennis, tennis, Ultimate, volleyball and wrestling.

Visit Rec Clubs online for more information and to register.

Throughout the course of the academic term, we’ll be featuring individual Rec Clubs for a peek into what they’re all about.