© 2025, Tom Sheehan, all rights reserved.
Tom Sheehan
Judo Biography
A Lifetime of Judo and Leadership
Tom Sheehan has dedicated over five decades to the art and sport of Judo, making a profound impact as an instructor, referee, administrator, and mentor. His unwavering commitment to Judo has shaped the lives of countless Judoka and helped elevate the sport at regional, national, and international levels.
Sheehan’s Judo journey began in 1969 at Lansing Judo & Karate under Sensei John Williams. Not long after, he discovered the Michigan State University Judo Club, where he trained under Sensei Jay Kim—an instructor who would become a pivotal influence in his life and career. From the very beginning, Sheehan immersed himself in all aspects of Judo, leading to a distinguished career spanning competition, refereeing, kata judging, and administration.
Sheehan’s passion for refereeing emerged early in his career. In 1976, he officiated his first Senior Nationals as a regional referee, a moment that ignited a lifelong dedication to Judo officiating. His expertise and commitment saw him earn his National Referee certification in 1978 in Honolulu, Hawaii, followed by his North American Confederation license in 1985 in Mexico City. In 1995, he achieved his IJF Continental Referee certification in Macon, Georgia, further solidifying his reputation as a respected official. Sheehan served as a kata judge at the Senior Nationals from 1999 to 2019 and was honored to be a technical official at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. His continuous presence at national events is a testament to his dedication – having missed only two Spring National JF meetings and two Senior Nationals from 1976 to 2019.
Beyond officiating, Sheehan has played a significant role in the governance and development of Judo. In 2000, with Sensei Saito’s election as USJF President, Sheehan took his place on the Yudanshakai Promotion Committee. That same year, he was appointed Chair of the USJF National Life Membership Committee, a position he continues to hold, demonstrating his steadfast leadership and commitment to the organization. His extensive service includes chairing and participating in numerous USJF Board of Examiners Ad-Hoc Committees, where he has contributed to shaping Judo policies and standards.
Michigan State University Training Workshop
© 2025, Tom Sheehan, all rights reserved.
Sheehan’s impact extends deeply into Judo instruction and mentorship. Since 2000, he has served as the Head Instructor of the Michigan State University Judo Club, where he has nurtured and guided generations of Judoka. Recognized for his technical expertise, he holds the rank of Shichidan (7th-degree black belt), awarded in 2019, and is a USA Judo National Kata Judge in six katas. His dedication to kata instruction is further evidenced by his USJF A-Level certification as a kata instructor in six kata.
Godai Workshop in Grand Rapids , Michigan
© 2025, Tom Sheehan, all rights reserved.
His leadership within Judo organizations is extensive, having served as the President of the Konan Yudanshakai for 12 years and holding various positions within the organization before that. He has also played a vital role within the Judo Affiliates of Michigan (USA Judo), where he has held multiple executive positions. Sheehan continues to serve on several national committees, including the USJF National Promotion Committee, where he currently holds the role of Vice Chair, as well as the USJF National Kata Committee, Endowment Committee, and Talent Inventory/Leadership Committee.
Refereeing at the Michigan State University Tournament
© 2025, Tom Sheehan, all rights reserved.
With an unparalleled record of service, leadership, and dedication, Tom Sheehan stands as a pillar of the Judo community. His lifelong contributions have strengthened Judo’s foundation and inspired countless individuals to pursue excellence both on and off the mat.
Tom is a devoted family man. He has been married to his bride Marlene for 48 years. They have two children, Scot and Kristin, and three grandchildren Caleb, Caelan and Teagan. Over the years Tom and Marlene have taken trips to Ireland, Italy, Alaska, Hawaii, the Turks and Caicos and the Canadian Rockies.
During the summer months he likes to play golf and during the winter month he likes downhill skiing. He also likes spending time up north watching his grandchildren play baseball and softball. His granddaughter also loves that he plays Barbie with her.
Kata workshop
© 2025, Tom Sheehan, all rights reserved.
Achievements
- 1. Head Instructor Michigan State University judo club since 2000 to date.
- 2. USJF Shichidan awarded in 2019 (7th degree black belt)
- 3. IJF-B Continental Referee awarded in 1995
- 4. USAJudo National Kata Judge in six Katas. USJF A Kata instructor in six Katas.
- 5. Konan Promotion Committee Chair 2014 to date.
- 6. USJF National Life Membership Committee Chair 2000 to date.
- 7. USJF National Kata Committee Member 2008 to date.
- 8. USJF National Endowment Committee Member since 2002 to date.
- 9. Former Secretary and Chair of the Investment committee
- 10. USJF National Promotion Committee Member 2000 to date. Former Secretary and now Vice chair of this committee.
- 11. USJF National Talent Inventory/Leadership Committee Member 2010 to date.
- 12. Held the Konan YDK Presidency for twelve years and other offices in the YDK prior to that.
- 13. Held different positions on the Executive Board of Judo Affiliates of Michigan (USAJudo).