Meet the Instructors
My Nguyen, a head Judo Instructor, comes from a family of judo athletes and practiced judo in Vietnam. She had PhD of language art and taught at high school/college in vietnam. At the age of 17 she won her first gold medal at the 1995 Asian Olympic Games in Saigon. She appeared on the news, TV stations and magazines at that moment. She founded San Jose Judo Academy in 2010 and currently serves as the head instructor & director. She carries more than 20 years of teaching experience with recreational and competitive judo athletes, bringing both modern and traditional training approaches to the SJJA program. She specializes in the application of methods from the IJF Judo in Schools program to first, teach the practice of judo’s moral code, and second, to provide movement education. She decomposes complex judo techniques into basic and then repackages basic skills acquisition exercises into engaging games & situational drills for children & adults. She was issued 4th degree black belt by USA Judo in 2020 and is certified as a national coach/referee. She carries a purple belt in BJJ; placed 2st place at Golden State XIV 2025, 1st at Golden State Vii 2023, 2nd at Golden State Vi 2023, 2nd at Pacific Cup 2022.
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Nancy Nguyen, an International competition Judo Instructor, comes from a family history of judo. She began training judo at SJJA at the age of 5. Earning her 2nd degree black belt at 19.
Nancy has achieved more than 14 years of experience in national and international competitive judo. Recently, Nancy placed 1st at the 2024 Podgorica Junior European Cup, marking her first international win. She is currently working towards qualification for the 2028 Olympic games in Los Angeles. Nancy is a member of the prestigious San Jose State University varsity judo team and gains competitive judo experience from training at national and international camps and programs, such as the University of Tsukuba judo program, Teikyo University in Japan, and the Israeli Women's National Team.
Nancy leads the SJJA competition program. Nancy Nguyen also serves the broader judo community as an active regional referee.
Nancy juggles athletic training with academics as an undergraduate student majoring in electrical engineering at San Jose State University.​​​ For more info about Nancy Nguyen Judo career, please click this link: https://www.ijf.org/judoka/81127/overview
Michael Sunday, a groundwork coach.
Michael Sunday is a dedicated martial artist, active competitor, and certified fitness instructor who brings both technical expertise and a passion for teaching to the mats. Michael has spent years honing his craft through rigorous training, competition, and cross-discipline study. His background in both Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gives him a unique perspective on grappling, blending traditional throws with modern submission grappling strategies.
As an active competitor, Michael understands the physical and mental demands of high-level performance. He uses that experience to guide students of all levels—whether they’re preparing for competition or training for personal growth. His classes are structured, energetic, and focused on building real skill through hard work, discipline, and consistent improvement. Known for his precision and creativity, Michael’s favorite submission is the triangle choke: a technique he specializes in and enjoys teaching in depth. His passion for martial arts is evident in every class, and his mission is to help students become stronger, more confident.
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Alison Nghiem, developmental Judo coach assistant, started Judo at San Jose Judo Academy since 2023 when she was 9 years old. As a Green belt at San Jose Judo Academy, she really enjoys doing Judo for 5 days a week, practicing 4 hours each day. In those two years she earns up to 10 medals and 4 silver medals: 1 gold and 1 silver at the U.S. open in 2025 at Florida; 2 gold medals and 1 silver medal at Winter National; a first place at East Bay tournament; 1 gold at Palo Alto tournament; 1 gold, 1 silver at San Jose Open & Champions Cup... She is also an assistant coach at San Jose Judo Academy. More than that, she is a Judo referee for local Judo tournaments. Her goal is to earn the Judo black belt and compete at international Judo tourney like Sensei Nancy Nguyen. https://smoothcomp.com/en/profile/1460460
Haleem, Judo instructor, brings 15 years of experience in Newaza and tachiwaza Judo to help students train smarter and progress with confidence. As a double black belt who has trained under Olympic-level coaches - Jimmy Pedro and Travis Stevens - for a decade. He combines high-level technical knowledge with a clear, structured teaching style.A proven competitor, he is a 2022 US Open Judo Gold Medalist (Masters), 2019 US Nationals Judo Gold Medalist (Masters), and 2022 World Masters Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gold Medalist. His competition-tested experience translates into practical strategies students can apply - whether building fundamentals or preparing for the podium.
Ashlie Nghiem, developmental Judo coach assistant, started Judo at San Jose Judo Academy since 2023 when she was 13 years old. As a Green Belt at San Jose Judo Academy, she has been training Judo 5 days a week, practiced 4 hours each day under Sensei My Nguyen and her coaching team with high skills Judo levels. As a result, she has earned 2 gold medals in Winter National Tournament in Los Angeles; 1 Gold medal in San Jose Open; 1 silver medal in US Open 2025 in Florida; 1 sliver medal in Palo Alto. She is a Judo Coach assistant at San Jose Judo Academy and regional Judo referee at local Judo tournaments. Her goal is: Judo black belt, Judo National champs and serve Judo community.
