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Peter Barnett 5thDan
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Bromsgrove
How Peter Barnett altered my Judo Career
I started training at Solihull Judo Club under Peter Barnett's instruction in 1988 at the recommendation of my coach Harry Hobbs. Harry had been successfully coached by Pete in the 1960s and 1970s and knew him to be the best coach in the Midlands.
When I started at Solihull as a 2nd Kyu a I was quite regularly the only non Dan grade on the mat. Under Pete's expert tuition a large number of national squad players would train including Dennis Stewart, Densign White and Kerrith Brown. The mat also included a large number of retired national players including Keith Canaby, Dave Walker, Ron Knight and Roy Muller.
Pete's skill as a coach is demonstrated in many ways, not only by the quality of the players he has developed, but in the way he ensures that the training sessions are never boring or repetitive. By training regularly at Solihull with quality players my Judo improved rapidly and enabled me to achieve the following:-
1st Dan in 1990 (aged 33)
2nd Dan in 1994
3rd Dan in 1997
1 Gold medal
4 Silver medals
18 Bronze medals, in National Judo Competitions (mainly Veterans events).
I have trained at a number of clubs all over the country and have never experienced the same quality of coaching that not only includes a deep understanding of the technical aspects of the sport but also includes the psychological and competition issues.
Peter Barnett has had a significant effect on my Judo and on my views on life and I consider myself extremely fortunate to know him.
Clive