Ron CLEERE did not have the traditional start many do, joining a judo club at a young age and progressing through their school years, but instead at a much later stage.
I started judo when I was 32 years old, I took my boy to a judo club and at the time I was heavily involved in football refereeing and playing. So I took my boy along, I’m by the side of the mat, giving him a hard time, telling him to get on with it, and the coach said to me ‘why don’t you have a go?’ And really the rest is history! I took up judo, and competed until I was 55. Let’s just say it wasn’t the medals that kept me there, it was my enjoyment and love for judo.
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Micklefield Judo Club, that he and two others created, Cleere could boast that 2023 was a tremendous year, looking back on the accomplishments of his club, his fellow coaches and the students that have come and gone through the doors over the years. Now, 2024 brings more exposure to adapted judo and his beloved sport and his vision of progression continues.
When I was 34 years old, I started a judo club [Micklefield Judo Club], and that is still thriving under coaches I had coming in as young boys. Then I moved to a small village in Buckinghamshire where my wife and I started another club. We have recently moved to Kent but I’m still trying to be involved in judo there.
So where did his introduction in to adapted judo come from?
I had a down syndrome boy in my club, Shaun Banks and his mum told me to teach him judo so thats what I did, he practiced for about 30 years and was European silver medallist, and then another adapted player called Sean McKellar, a European Champion [ both pictured below]. I had the pleasure to be referee in charge at the first European Championships which was held in London, and the first World Championships held in Cologne, Germany.
Our role to play in adapted judo is to help those that want to be involved, get involved. There are so many people out there who never quite achieve their goals and I feel that this is our part to play. So much has changed, it must be understood that everyone in their own right has a level that they can be the best at. This is what we look at, the divisioning is much more modern than it was in the beginning.
For me and my wife, it has been a way of life. At 86, I’m still trying to spread the word. It is one big happy family. Gone are the days where we winged it, now it is all done properly and by the book. Now that the EJU are involved, it is such a big boost for the adapted judo athletes and gives them something to work for. The Olympics is the ultimate goal. Hopefully the coverage we are getting now will help us to reach that.
Author: Thea Cowen