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or NORTHAMPTON JUDO`S HALL of FAME
This Page is dedicated to past and present Judoka from the town who have dropped out of Judo, moved on or could
still be active players. Clubs can be any of the towns clubs over the years = Monks Park - Northampton - Timken
- Spencer - YMCA. If you are one these players or know someone get in touch and include them here. If you have pictures
as well great. I would love to hear more about people like Ted Block, Eric Holmes, Stan Clarke, Eric Sears and anyone else
connected with the towns judo history. The old Northampton club was in a class of its own, lets hear of those days and
the players who were around at the time.
If any of the information that i have gathered below is wrong let me know and I will change it. Details have come
from various places and has been included in good faith.
ANDY DICKINS. Andy recently emigrated to Austrailia with his wife and family and is reported to be doing well.
Andy practised for many years at the YMCA and Timken before moving on. His son Arnie who was a member of the British Cadet
Squad has already started winning competitions again in Oz. Are we going to see him in 2012, I wonder. Have also just
heard that Daina has got her 1st Dan. Brilliant and well done. Lets hear from you Daina.
STUART TRAVIS. Stuart practised at the YMCA throughout the 1980`s when he was stationed at Simpson Barracks. A member
of the British Squad for many years Stuart was a very skilfull judo playerwho won many competitions in his time. A 4th
Dan who should be 6th or higher will be well remembered by many players of that time. Stuart came from Hull and moved back
there. He still keeps in touch and we all still go on trips. Stories are legend.
GEORGE HALL. Sadly George passed away 5 years ago. George was the senior judo coach at Timken until it joined forces
with the YMCA. George then took a well deserved retirement from judo but became the new club President.
BILL DAVIES. Bill was a well known player both in the town and on the National scene. A fine Judo Coach who produced
many fine players at Kettering Judo Club. Bill who still lives in the town, is still seen from time to time but as far as
I know now has little to do with judo.
HOWARD WILSON. Anyone connected with Judo in the 1980`s will remember Howard. A gentle giant unless you were fighting
him of course. Then it was look out. He flew through the grades to his black belt and was keen to represent Scotland at Judo
which he was good enough to do. That said Howard respected grades lower than himself and was always willing to show those
just starting the ropes. Howard still lives in the town and hopefully will one day we will see him back on the mat.
TOM READING. I can still see Tom when he walked into the YMCA Dojo for the first time, I think he was about 8 or 9, Judo
suit didnt fit, trousers were to baggy and cut short. And did he hate to lose, what a competitor. Went on to get his Dan grade
while still in his teens. But then moved to London working for a photographic agency. Now he is off to Austrailia and then
on to Qatar to work. OK for some. He is always welcome back here though (His is the next round....)
TONY HOLMES. Tony was a player who had been around for a long time and was well known both nationally and locally. A
4th Dan, senior club coach and senior examiner. His favourite technique I think was uchimata although having been on the end
of his ashiwaza as well.....
Extremely popular, Tony was always willing to give advice to others. Now retired from Judo and last I heard was living
in Northamptonshire
KEVIN WAKENSHAW. Kevin is a player from the old YMCA days who visits us every year or 18 months. And its really
good to see him. A 1st Dan who can be quite a formidable opponent. He really should train in between visits (sorry Kev). Allways
good to see him though.
RICHARD HULL. Not many people know that Richard helped coach our juniors for a quite a time a few years ago. Then he
returned to Kettering his home club where he has progressed even further as a coach and Kettering have benefitted enormously.
No slouch as a player either, still see him in nthe occasional competition as well.
I HAVE ALSO DECIDED NOW TO INCLUDE DETAILS OF CURRENT CLUB MEMBERS AS WELL AS PLAYERS FROM THE TOWNS PAST JUDO HISTORY.
READ ON.
CLIVE DOUGLAS. Clive needs no introduction. Northamptonshires most successful player ever. Clive is the only 6th Dan
the county has ever produced. Also a British Squad member and now a member of the Masters squad. Still competes in competitions
around the world normally bringing home a medal.
BRIAN ATKINS. Still an active player and coach for the club. Brian though must have been born wearing a judo kit.
Extremely knowledgeable and skillful to boot. On his day is more than a match for other players. A competitive 4th dan who
frequently won medals in competitions and part of the gang of 3 who went to Japan for the World Masters in 2003
GEMMA GORMAN. (NOW BURLEY) Yes Gemma is now married with 2 boys. Started judo at the age of 5 and has been with the club
ever since. Lost count of the medals she won in competition. Before she started her family Gemma was always in the Top 10
ranked female players in the country.Now a 2nd Dan Gemma won her 1st Dan at 16 years old and now is a qualified
coach, examiner and referee. Still trains and coaches the juniors.
DAVID TOMPKINS. Still around. Still trying to do a bit. Enough said I think, as the webmaster am not going into to much
detail
JOHN HUMPHREY. Still trains most club nights. Allways ready to show beginners the ropes. A first Dan and qualified coach
as well. Even now John can be found going in the odd competition. Coaches juniors and senior players. Now our presence
on the Timken Hall committee
BRUCE GOODRICH. Bruce is normally around on most club nights. Qualified coach and Dan grade. He is taking things steady
at the moment following a severe heart attack last year. Now pretty well known on the junior national scene following son
Stuarts involvement with the squads.
STUART GOODRICH. Stuart has more than earned his place here. Although still only 17 he has achieved so much. 1st Dan
at 15 and a regular in the British Cadet Squad. He is one for the future and could go all the way. Watch this space.
NICK HUMPHREY. Nick is part of the coaching set up for the junior players. A First Dan and qualified coach who has
a good range of techniques. Trained at the club since a junior who I think was 9 or 10 when he started.
NICK WILKINS. A well known player on the National scene 20 years ago who I think with Clive are the only Northamptonshire
players who were consistantly in the British Senior National Squad. Then Nick trained at the old Northampton club and Kettering.
He also run his own club at that time. (Monks Park). Now actively involved with coaching our junior and senior players. Recently
won promotion to 3rd Dan.
CLIVE WILKINS. Set up Monks Park Judo Club with son Nick. Nick took over the main coaching role some 6 years later at
18 years of age.
JOHN O MARA. Helped Nick with the coaching at Monks Park. Any more info on John anyone ?
ANDREW FREEMAN. andrew started judo at the old YMCA club at about 6 years of age. Won his Dan grade while still in his
teens. Gave up judo following a bad injury playing football. Not sure what he is up to now.
JOHN DOCKER. John has been around for years and can still be seen in masters
events up and down the country where he is always in the medals. Now a 4th Dan not many people remember that John helped coached
our juniors with me back in the YMCA days. (15 - 20 years ago now). If anyone is ever stuck on a technique John will
know how to do it.
MARTIN FROST. Back to the old YMCA days. Lets not forget the other half Sharron either who was a pretty mean player as
well. I think she learnt her strangle techniques from Martin. Martin won his 1st Dan after about 3 years training if
I remember right. Incredible strong grips which we found at later was due to all the mountain climbing he did.
KEVIN, ANDREW, JOHN and NEIL MORIARTY. Any Northampton Judo Hall of fame would not be complete without mentioning
this incredible family. The brothers started judo at the old Northampton club back in the 1970`s and during there time
there were extremely successful in competitions up and down the country. Kevin as National Junior Champion was without doubt
a brilliant judo player.
BRIAN BRUMFIELD. Brian is one of the old brigade who goes back to the old Unitairian Chuch days. Made a return to Judo
a few years ago and won his 4th Dan. Not sure what he is up to now though.
CRISTIAN SUDITU. I could write a book. Cris walked into our old Timken Dojo, I think it was about 2000, and he blew us
all away. From Rumania and picked by them for the Worlds and Olympics. That year we put him in everything Heart of England,
Welsh, London, North West etc. and he won them all. Ended the year top of the ranking. Still have the video of the Welsh
final against Euan Burton. Also our trump card in the Bev Price teams. Now enjoying life married to Dawn, hopefully he will
come back and do some coaching for us one day. And being the nice guy that he is I am sure he will.
TOBY PATEMAN. Still trains reguarlly. And a very formidable opponent. Toby along with Cris was the Ace up our sleeve
in the Bev Price Team back in 2000. I think this was the only competition Toby has done, and he won Gold. The other member
of the team being Clive of course.
LIZ READING. Liz as a 2nd Dan was always a pretty formidable opponent who insisted that skill and technique was more
immportant than muscle. Still gets her judo kit on from time to time. Can always be relied on to show the correct way to do
the kata`s.
TONY PEEL. Now we go back to the early eighties and the YMCA and Monks Park days. Tony won the YMCA club championship
back to back. Around 83 and 84 I think. As I remember Tony was extremely powerful, he moved away but I think he is now living
back in the county. We may even get him back on the mat, who knows. Update, Tony is back and training reguarlly
ANDY COOPER. Who could forget Andy. Another lad from Northampton Club back in its Unitairian Church days
on Abington Square. A 1st Dan and a very good player to boot. I remeber a shoulder injury forced him to give up judo. I believe
he still coaches Rugby. Still bump in to him from time to time.
JIM DAVIDSON. Yet another player from the old Northampton club. This club produced many good judo players, Jim being
one of them. Having been on the end of his o-uchi-gari a few times I know. He re-surfaced about a year ago and it was good
to see him. Might come back again.
STEVE MEADOWS. The old Northampton club was the West Ham United of Judo in as much so much talent was produced. Steve
could in my opinion gone all the way. Not seen him for a few years so not sure what he is up to now.
ANDY TATE. Has been around for a long time. Back to the YMCA days. Not as fit as he was (Sorry Andy only joking) but
still a difficult opponent anyway. Had a bit of a lay off but has now been a regular for the last couple of years.
ERIC HOLMES. Was County Coach back in the 1980`s. I remember Eric taking the coach award course I was on in 1985 (I think).
I believe he transffered from the AJA in the late 70`s or early 80`s. Also an examiner. Sadly passed away some years ago.
STAN CLARKE. Anyone who was in to judo back in the 70`s and 80`s would know Stan. I know he helped Eric with the County
squad around this time. I believe his club was the old Northampton club (Unitairian Church days or possible Silver Street
even). Also taught judo around the schools at this time as well. Dont know what stan is up to now. Any news ?
ERIC SEARS. Dan grade who coached at the old Northampton club back in th 80`s and probably before as well. I remember
Eric best as a Paramedic who took me for first aid around 1986 I think. Gave up judo some time ago and the last I heard was
that his second hobby sailing was now taking up a lot of his spare time.
ANDY CHAMBERLAIN. Helped Eric Sears with the coaching at Unitairian Church. Dont know any more, anyone know what happened
to Andy
GRAHAM LYONS. Yet another name from the past Northampton days (Unitairian Church). Coached at the club through the 90`s
until the club closed in about 2004. He did call in from time to time but have not seen him for over a year. Last I heard
was that he had taken up golf.
COLIN BUSWELL. Helped Graham with the coaching at the old Northampton Club. I think he gave up when the club closed down
a couple of years ago. Hwe popped in a couple of times on Mondays but have not seen him for some time.
CRAIG DOUGLAS. Chip off the old block I think. Very powerful and hard to beat. Dan grade while still in his teens. Started
as a junior. Still remember him as a 7 year old, now 23 years later....... Biggest success was fighting in the United States
for Great Britain about 6 years ago.
MIKE ROUND. Whatever happend to Mike? Another Dan grade from the old YMCA days. A schoolteacher, if ever I get on Millionaire
Mike would be my Phone a Friend. Still around I think but havent seen him for ages.
JO JAMES. A parent who started Judo and got to 1st Dan as well, this being only 2 or 3 years back. We were all delighted.
But after she got her dan grade she just stopped coming............
BILL LYONS. Elder brother of Graham, goes way back to the Silver Street days, 1960`s I think. Had 2 sons who took up
judo Russell and Spencer. What happened to Bill or his sons? anyone update me.
TED BLOCK & BERNARD GREEN. Going way back to the Northampton club at Silver Street days again where both Ted
and Bernard used to coach. Left there to set up Spencer Judo Club under the AJA banner. John Digby helped with the coaching.
Thats all I know. These guys have a big history of Judo in the town, anyone with more info ?
KEV FROST. Another skillful player from Silver Street and the Unitairian Church. A 1st dan who was sadly killed in Cyprus
while serving in the army.
COLIN RICHARDSON. Skillful 1st Dan from the old Northampton Club, Gone from a black belt to the Black Bottom Club. That
said a very good player though.
STEVE CHRISTODOLOU. A formidable player from the YMCA and Timken days. Steve is "resting" at the moment. Still
bump in to him from time to time. He keeps threatening to come back. Well we shall see.
JENNY FAULKNER. Did not know Jenny but both Clive and Nick speak highly of her so she must have been good. From the old
Northampton club 70`s & 80`s. Won her Dan grade while in her early teens.
WALTER MERINO. Walter hails from Argentina and has been with the old Timken club now the new Northampton club. Extremely
skillful and a very knowledgable player as well. Now established at the club. Success I believe include winning the Pan American
Championships back in the mid 80`s
CHRIS NAYLOR. Although only a lightwieght player Chris was so powerful. Never to be underestimated as Chris did not need
newaza, he could certainley throw people. Have`nt seen Chris for a few years now so am not sure what he is up to.
DINO ARMAGEN. Not many poeple know that Dino coached the senior class at Timken during the 90`s. Not a bad player either
come to that. Still Mr. Addidas and can be seen selling judo suits up and down the country at competitions where he always
has a stall. Many try and imitate him but he is still no. 1 for suits
JOHN FAULKNER. Back now to the old Northampton Club at Abington Square. Those who were fortunate enough to know John
tell me what a great judo player he was. A great prospect in fact. Also took up boxing at 17 years of age. Sadly passed
away recently. A sad loss.
DAVE STEVENSON. Another player from Northampton club at Abington Square. Quite formidible I am told. Need more info on
him though.
PAUL GREEN. Bernards son, run a club at the Old White Hart in Far Cotton about 25 - 30 years ago. Dont know how long
though. Need more info.
FRANKIE HOLMES. Back to Silver Street in the 70`s. Maybe back to the 60`s even. A real charector I am told. Played Rugby
for Mens Own. Also worked the doors as well. More info needed.
ANDY BOUGHTON. How could I forget Andy, A player from the old YMCA club who won his Black Belt than just dropped away.
Not sure where he is now or what he is doing.
DALE MORTON Another player going back to 80`s at the old YMCA club. Black belt and a very formidable
player, his fights with Howard are legendary. Again not sure where he is now or what he is up to
TIM HUNT You can now tell I am going through some old YMCA records.... Tim came to the YMCA in the early 80`s and
got his 1st Dan with us. stayed for a couple of years but then moved back down south. Not a bad player though. Have`nt the
foggiest what he is up to now or if ghe is still in Judo.
BOB BUCK Or Bob the Builder !!!!. YMCA and Timken days from the 80`s and early 90`s. At that time part of the British
Olympic Wrestling Squad. Very strong, sailed through the grades to his 1st Dan. Moved to France over 10 years ago to take
things easy.
MARK GEE. Another name from the past going back to the old Northampton club at The Unitarian church. Mark also
trained at Monks Park. Midland Area Champion in the 1970`s and a bronze in the 1985 Army Championships. Also BAOR (British
Army of the Rhine) Champion means he was no slouch as a player. He may call in one night for a pint.
NICK GOSS. A dan grade and very usful player. Saw most of Nick when at Timken during the 90s and then when we moved on
to St Lukes and the Church Hall. Did work the doors in town for a while, perhaps he still does. Have`nt seen him now for a
couple of years so dont know what he is up to now.
ADAM NORMAN. Another player from the Timken days in the 90`s. Also saw a bit of Adam at the church hall in Kingsthorpe.
Started as a novice at Timken but flew through the grades to his Black belt. A really good player who could have gone a long
way. Another one who I have`nt seen for a few years
JASON MASTERS. Jason also worked the doors with Nick. Another player who had no trouble getting his Dan grade. Part of
the successful Timken team who went to Phoenix in 2000. Not sure what he is up to now thyough.
PHIL GEE. Phil came to Timken probably because his lads took up judo, this is going back 10 years. One of lifes gentlemen,
always ready to help out others. Phil wasnt a bad judo player either. I think injuries forced him to take a break.
GARY GEE. What a competitor Gary was. Never new when to give up. Started at Timken with brother Phil, again Garys
kids were in to judo, Sammy in particular was good. Very good. If only she stuck it out. Still bump into Gary from time to
time. He keeps saying he will be back...........
DAVE WORRAL. Cant mention Gary and Phil without mentioning Dave as he started at Timken at the same time. Another good judo
player who retired early through injury
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