After a fulfilling life, Dennis Penfold, 8th Dan, EJU and IJF Kata Judge has unfortunately passed away. Aged 93, Dennis had taken part in his beloved judo for 76 years, starting in 1948.
Hailing from Fort Purbrook Judo Club, Portsmouth, he continued coaching up until very recently, his love for Kata being passed on to the young generations.
Both Dennis and his wife Tina received the British Judo Association President’s Award for their work in Kata, their dedication was and remains an incredible example.
Chair of the British Judo Association, Gerry Gualtieri forwarded these words,
BJA mourns the passing of Dennis who together with his wife was the driving force for Kata in the UK and with judging in Europe,
also together with Geoff Gleason he was an early pioneer of Coach Education in Britain.
Feature Image: Fort Purbrook Judo Club
Author: Thea Cowen