Player of the Month

Keith Cannaby 6^th dan

How long have you been practising judo?

I have been practising judo for 44 years.

What made you take up judo?

My brother and I lived a short distance from the local community centre which housed Coventry Judo Club at the time. We did not have any idea about what Judo was but it looked fun so we had a go on the junior beginners� course! The coach was Peter Barnett, then a brown belt.

Where do you train?

My club is Solihull Judo Club

What are your favourite techniques?

The techniques I prefer are Ko Uchi Gari, Hane Goshi and Ippon Seoi Nage

How would you characterise your judo?

I would like to think that I was hard working, determined, fairly technically proficient and entertaining to watch!

Who has influenced you most in judo?

From a coaching point of view the two people who most influenced me were Peter Barnett and Geoff Gleeson, who was National Coach. The competitor who influenced me most was Brian Jacks

What are your achievements in judo?

I was under 21 European Bronze medallist, Multi Nations medallist and both Midlands Area champion and Welsh Open champion ten times. I was British Open champion three times and gained the Scottish Open title. I was a member of the British Judo team for 14 years and member of the Midlands team which won the National Team Championships 3 years running.

What other highlights are there in your judo career?

I have been fortunate enough to compete at most levels including World championships. I have made many friends through my association with Judo.

Any secrets of your success?

I don�t think there are secrets as such. I believe that if you truly want something (anything) badly enough and you are willing to make sacrifices to achieve your ambition then you can be a success (at some level) of pretty much anything you put your mind to.

What other interests or hobbies have you got?

I enjoy most sports and play squash, tennis and badminton among others. I regularly attend my local Gym. I also enjoy drawing and painting in oils and watercolour and watching Michael play and develop his cricketing skills.

What are you aiming for next?

I am no longer competing but I am trying to put back something into the sport by way of coaching.

Are there any thoughts or pearls of wisdom you can offer?

I do not want to preach, but I cannot help feeling that many young people do not spend sufficient time developing and perfecting their skills. I can understand why it is relatively easy to get fit and strong and that will take you to a good standard - Judo is however a highly technical sport and the ones with the best skills will make the difference between the good and the best.

The football manager, Bobby Robson in his autobiography made a very good point:

Training programmes need to be a mixture of elements including fitness and strength training, but should not leave out SKILL DEVELOPMENT.