Parry Asquith and his wife, Jackie, attended the West Yorkshire Judo Championships and Development Competition at Sedbergh Sports Centre in Bradford.
During the event, Parry was honoured by being appointed Honorary President of West Yorkshire Judo County and was presented with a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ by West Yorkshire Judo Chairman Gordon Lambert in front of hundreds of competitors and visitors.
Parry Asquith began his judo journey in 1958 and currently holds the rank of Rokudan (6th Dan).
As a competitor, Parry fought at a high level, competing in events such as the British Championships and the British Open, even throwing the famous Brian Jacks for Ippon.
Along with his wife Jackie, Parry ran the Morley Judo Club for many years.
He has been a massive contributor to the Yorkshire and Humberside Judo Area for as long as anyone can remember.
Throughout the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, Parry played a significant role on the Yorkshire and Humberside Committee and served as a Y&H coach, working alongside notable figures such as Dave Peak, Dave Sheldon, and Seth Birch.
This was during the era when legendary judokas like Steve Gawthorpe and Ryan Birch competed and won European and World honours for the Y&H Area and their country.
In addition to Parry’s coaching and competitive achievements, he was one of the first Senior Examiners in the country and has contributed significantly to the development and assessment of judo in the UK.
“It was wonderful to see both Parry and Jackie at our competition yesterday,” said West Yorkshire Judo Chairman, Gordon Lambert.
“They have both been an integral part of Yorkshire judo for many years, and this honour is just a small token of our appreciation.”
Following the presentation, the ever-gracious Parry sent this message:
“Hi Gordon, thank you and the committee for my wonderful award. It is much appreciated, and it’s nice to realise I am still considered. I was very pleasantly surprised with the turnout at the West Yorkshire Judo Championships on Sunday, and I am encouraged to think that judo is on a resurgence in our area and indeed the whole country.”
The event attracted hundreds of entries from over 40 clubs across the North of England, providing valuable competition experience for novice and intermediate judoka alike, and playing an important role in developing grassroots judo throughout the region.
During the event, a collection was held to raise much-needed funds for the local charity, Martin House Children’s Hospice, and the very generous attendees helped raise over £100.
The feedback about the event was overwhelmingly positive.
Ex-GB International and now DNA Judo Head Coach Danny Harper commented: “We had a wonderful day with lots of fighters from across our three academies who came together to form our competition squad on Sunday for the West Yorkshire Judo Development Event in Bradford.
“The event was very well run in a fantastic facility. We would like to thank all the staff, who were exceptional in instilling a friendly yet competitive atmosphere, with an emphasis on learning and developing the judo of the competitors.
“We will be back!”
We extend our congratulations to Parry Asquith, and wish West Yorkshire Judo County every success in their future events!
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