MEET THE TEAM
Coming to us straight from Egypt, Adham is one of the owners of Griffin Judo and a professional judoka representing Griffin Performance Judo. He is currently a member of the Egyptian National Team and holds a 4th-degree black belt in judo, along with national-level coach certification in the US. Adham has won numerous international championship titles and possesses an incredible amount of competitive experience. We are excited to have him at the heart of our judo athletic development and competition program. Our students will greatly benefit from learning his competition-style judo.
CODY "THREE BEARS" COSTELLO
As a seasoned Sensei and Teacher of Judo, Cody brings a wealth of knowledge teaching the proper technique and important skills to all levels of Judo. Griffin Judo is happy to have Cody as an owner and contributing sensei. Cody holds a 3rd Degree blackbelt in judo and a purple belt in Jiu-jitsu. Cody excels with our younger students and his leading our very successful afterschool judo program in over a dozen schools in the bay area. He has an amazing teaching style that effectively reaches all ages.
NEWTON CASEMIRO
Originally from Goiania, Brazil, Newton Moved to the US in 1997.
He Started his journey as a judoka when he was 5 years old in Brazil and received his Black belt in 2003 from Sensei Mel Augustine in Albany. Newton was a wrestler through high school and was inducted to the Albany High Hall of Fame. In 2005, Newton started to learn Brazilian Jiu-jitsu under Master Eduardo Fraga and received his black belt in 2011. He currently holds a 3rd degree black belt in both Judo and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. Newton is a fierce competitor and still competes at the highest international level.
ADHAM RAMADAN
JONATHAN COTTE
Jonathan Cotte is the one of the Owner & business director of Griffin Performance Judo. He Holds a 3rd degree Black belt in Judo and a National Coach Certification with USA Judo. Jonathan still loves to compete and is always looking for new challenges. He is a designer at heart with a burning passion for Judo.
ABDELRHMAN MOHAMED
Abdelrahman Mohamed is a professional judo athlete from Egypt with an illustrious career spanning over 24 years. He holds a Sandan (3rd-degree) black belt and is a 9-time African medalist, with 5 golds and 4 bronze medals to his name. Abdelrahman achieved 5th place at the World Championship Junior Teams and has proudly represented Egypt in multiple World Championships. Known for his dedication and skill, he continues to contribute to the sport by sharing his expertise and passion for judo.
ANTHONY CHAN
Judo has been a significant part of Tony's life for over 30 years, starting at UC Irvine under Sensei Chester Evans. As a Shodan, he firmly believes in the principles of Judo: respect, integrity, discipline, and mutual welfare. He is excited to pass these core values on to the next generation of Judoka at Griffin. Tony is also an essential member of our after-school instructor team, working to promote grassroots Judo throughout the Bay Area. He has two daughters who share his passion for Judo and are proud members of the Griffin family.
CARMEN COTTE
Carmen Cotte is our Dojo Administrator and Front Desk Manager, bringing boundless energy and genuine care to our community. A devoted judo mom, she is also an avid practitioner of both judo and jiu-jitsu. Carmen adds a vibrant, dynamic presence to every interaction with the members of our Griffin Family, ensuring the dojo remains a welcoming and well-organized space. Her dedication, enthusiasm, and warmth make her an essential part of our dojo’s heart and spirit.
EXPERIENCE
20
20 YEARS OF JUDO EXPERIENCE
4
4 TIMES ARAB CHAMPION
7
SEVEN 1st PLACE FINISHES IN USA STATE & NATIONAL TOURNEMENTS
15
15+ YRS OF COACHING AND TEACHING
1
All AFRICAN CHAMPION
3
3 Top 10 FINISHES IN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS