Judo
SpecialtyTechnique, timing and tactics from a 3rd Dan competitor and IJF-certified coach, for beginners through to competition prep.
Joel Wawina is an IJF-certified international coach, two-time national judo champion of DR Congo, and technical director of Rwandan judo since 2014. Private judo, kickboxing and personal training, plus public classes in Kigali.
The IJF is the world governing body of judo, and Joel is one of its certified international coaches, on top of his 3rd Dan and a competition record that includes two national titles in DR Congo.
Since 2014 he has been technical director of Rwandan judo and works with the national team. He has been invited to teach at Budokwai Pully in Switzerland, and in 2026 he is on the mat at the African Senior Championships in Nairobi.
That same experience is what you get in a private or public session, whether you are learning your first grips or preparing for competition.
Book a sessionFrom Kisangani to the technical director's chair — the story behind the black belt.
Joel was born in Kisangani and grew up in Kinshasa, in a family of athletes, and became a two-time national judo champion of DR Congo at −66 kg (the second title in 2014), and a three-time finalist. In 2014 he crossed to Kigali to become technical director of Rwandan judo, and he works with the national team. He is an IJF-certified international coach, has taught at Budokwai Pully in Switzerland by invitation, and in Kigali also teaches P.E. and trains private clients.
Three ways to train with Joel, each drawn from his own competition and coaching background.
Technique, timing and tactics from a 3rd Dan competitor and IJF-certified coach, for beginners through to competition prep.
Striking, conditioning and discipline, whether the goal is fitness, confidence or stepping into the ring.
One-to-one programs built around your goals: general fitness, strength or sport-specific conditioning.
The milestones in order, and the credentials behind them.
Born in Kisangani and raised in Kinshasa, in a family of athletes.
DR Congo · −66 kg · and a three-time finalist.
Becomes technical director of Rwandan judo and works with the national team, a role he still holds.
Nairobi · on the mat.
Credentials and guest coaching
International Judo Federation
Budokwai Pully, Switzerland
Private sessions, personal training and workshops in Kigali.
Judo, kickboxing and personal training, tailored to your level and goals.
At Waka Global, Kigali — open judo and fitness classes for all levels.
P.E. teacher for secondary students, alongside his private coaching work.
Private sessions or public classes in Kigali.