A RUBERY man who took up judo at the age of 17 has got his black belt fifth dan – at the age of 75.
Dennis Roe coaches at Rubery Judo Club, which is based in the village’s social club, New Road.
He is also a county referee and was refereeing a competition at the time when he was given the news that he had passed his prestigious fifth dan grading.
For that he had to be assessed by Phil Smith, the general secretary of the Amateur Judo Association.
Dennis told The Standard: “I was chuffed to death about it and surprised I had got it.
“I knew I had gone through a few courses but was not expecting to get it.
“There’s quite a few fifth dans in England but not that many in the Midlands.”
He took up teaching the sport when he was 50 and the Rubery club, where Dennis and four others volunteer every Wednesday evening, has members of all ages.
As well as training, members take part in competitions all over the Midlands and sometimes nationwide.
Next May some of the members are hoping to qualify for a tournament in Holland.
Admission is just £2.50 per session and that covers the cost of the hire of the room and pays for new equipment, such as mats, when needed.
For more on the club, which is always looking for new members, call Dennis Roe on 01527 832040.
