Leadership workshop
Martial arts have been described as systems of embodied wisdom. This experiential workshop leverages the principles of judo to underscore key aspects of managing self and others in the workplace and beyond. Tap into the wisdom of “the gentle way” to deepen your understanding of essential principles of individual and team effectiveness that apply to organizations of all sizes across all industries.
Judo Leadership Workshop
Mastering collaboration, balance, and leverage
Unlock the principles of judo to sharpen your leadership skills.
This immersive workshop blends strategic insight with embodied learning to help experienced leaders and seasoned professionals in senior, results–focused roles enhance their resilience, adaptability, and collaboration in high-stakes environments.
Why join?
- Learn to use the principle of “giving way” to gain an advantage in various situations
- Understand how to enable high performance through safety and mutual accountability
- Use energy conservation (of mind and body) as a competitive advantage
- Understand the principle of “collaboration through conflict”
Expect a unique co-learning experience that blends:
- Theory – Explore leadership concepts through the lens of judo
- Embodied learning – Experience principles in action through physical exercises
- Group reflection – Apply insights to real-world leadership challenges
This workshop is designed to be accessible to all participants. No dangerous techniques will be involved—only safe, controlled exercises under expert supervision.
- Understand balance and the importance of maintaining your centre
- Understand leverage
- Understand how to develop character in yourself and others through the regular practice of small acts of courage, respect, self-control, etc.
Why join?
- Learn to use the principle of “giving way” to gain an advantage in various situations
- Understand how to enable high performance through safety and mutual accountability
- Use energy conservation (of mind and body) as a competitive advantage
- Understand the principle of “collaboration through conflict”
Expect a unique co-learning experience that blends:
- Theory – Explore leadership concepts through the lens of judo
- Embodied learning – Experience principles in action through physical exercises
- Group reflection – Apply insights to real-world leadership challenges
This workshop is designed to be accessible to all participants. No dangerous techniques will be involved—only safe, controlled exercises under expert supervision.
- Understand balance and the importance of maintaining your centre
- Understand leverage
- Understand how to develop character in yourself and others through the regular practice of small acts of courage, respect, self-control, etc.
Why join?
- Learn to use the principle of “giving way” to gain an advantage in various situations
- Understand how to enable high performance through safety and mutual accountability
- Use energy conservation (of mind and body) as a competitive advantage
- Understand the principle of “collaboration through conflict”
Expect a unique co-learning experience that blends:
- Theory – Explore leadership concepts through the lens of judo
- Embodied learning – Experience principles in action through physical exercises
- Group reflection – Apply insights to real-world leadership challenges
This workshop is designed to be accessible to all participants. No dangerous techniques will be involved—only safe, controlled exercises under expert supervision.
- Understand balance and the importance of maintaining your centre
- Understand leverage
- Understand how to develop character in yourself and others through the regular practice of small acts of courage, respect, self-control, etc.
Workshop details
Instructor: Bernard Letendre, Managing Partner, certified dojo instructor
Running time of 5.5 hours: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; 1:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Number of participants: 12 to 20.
Formats: general enrollment or private cohorts
Pricing: available upon request
Locations: Toronto and Montreal (other locations available upon request)
Physical considerations: this workshop requires low physical exertion. It involves direct physical contact with other participants.
Faciliated by
Bernard Letendre
When not teaching judo, Bernard Letendre is the managing partner for Ontario and Western Canada at Humance, a highly respected consulting firm that helps organizations drive performance through meaningful culture. His corporate career spanned almost 30 years and included executive and senior executive roles with some of Canada’s largest financial institutions.
A UBC Certified Organizational Coach (COC) with an ACC designation from the International Coaching Federation (ICF), Bernard holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in law from the University of Montreal, has been a member of the Quebec Bar since 1993, and is an accredited mediator.
Holder of a third-degree black belt, he has been practising judo for over 40 years and teaching it for almost two decades. A certified dojo instructor, he is technical director of the University of Toronto Judo Club and has written extensively about judo on his blog and his popular LinkedIn newsletter. Bernard is a director of Judo Canada, and chair of the Board’s Governance and Ethics Committee.
Bernard’s passion for judo earned him a Arbor Award for outstanding volunteer service to the University of Toronto.
When not teaching judo, Bernard Letendre is the managing partner for Ontario and Western Canada at Humance, a highly respected consulting firm that helps organizations drive performance through meaningful culture. His corporate career spanned almost 30 years and included executive and senior executive roles with some of Canada’s largest financial institutions.
A UBC Certified Organizational Coach (COC) with an ACC designation from the International Coaching Federation (ICF), Bernard holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in law from the University of Montreal, has been a member of the Quebec Bar since 1993, and is an accredited mediator.
Holder of a third-degree black belt, he has been practising judo for over 40 years and teaching it for almost two decades. A certified dojo instructor, he is technical director of the University of Toronto Judo Club and has written extensively about judo on his blog and his popular LinkedIn newsletter. Bernard is a director of Judo Canada, and chair of the Board’s Governance and Ethics Committee.
Bernard’s passion for judo earned him a Arbor Award for outstanding volunteer service to the University of Toronto.
When not teaching judo, Bernard Letendre is the managing partner for Ontario and Western Canada at Humance, a highly respected consulting firm that helps organizations drive performance through meaningful culture. His corporate career spanned almost 30 years and included executive and senior executive roles with some of Canada’s largest financial institutions.
A UBC Certified Organizational Coach (COC) with an ACC designation from the International Coaching Federation (ICF), Bernard holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in law from the University of Montreal, has been a member of the Quebec Bar since 1993, and is an accredited mediator.
Holder of a third-degree black belt, he has been practising judo for over 40 years and teaching it for almost two decades. A certified dojo instructor, he is technical director of the University of Toronto Judo Club and has written extensively about judo on his blog and his popular LinkedIn newsletter. Bernard is a director of Judo Canada, and chair of the Board’s Governance and Ethics Committee.
Bernard’s passion for judo earned him a Arbor Award for outstanding volunteer service to the University of Toronto.
