Player of the MonthJanuary 2003 |
Les Hudspith, 5th dan By Lena Strang, Solihull Judo Club Correspondent Les Hudspith needs no introduction. He has made a mark in national and international judo and in the glamorous world of professional wrestling. Who has not heard of 'Ringo Rigby'?
He is one of those colourful characters who makes an impact in every sense of the word. His dedication to the sport and sense of fun is an inspiration to us all How long have you been practising judo? I started at the age of 9 so it has been quite a long time. It is really thanks to my mum and dad that I started judo - they wanted to keep me off the streets! Where do you train? Solihull has always been my main club. I have also been running a judo club at Kenilworth for the last two years. We train Wednesdays and the club is now thriving with over 50 junior players and a growing senior section. What are your favourite techniques? I have always loved ground work. My favourite standing techniques are sode-tsuri-komi and uchi-mata. Roy Muller was never too keen when I did these techniques on him! Who has influenced you most in judo? Pete Barnett was my very first coach when I was 9. He was a very skilful coach and a great motivator; in fact, he became like a second father to me. Geoff Gleeson has also had a significant influence on me. I felt that his teaching methods were second to none. What are your achievements in judo? I was the British Middle Weight Champion, Welsh Open Champion and Multi-Services Champion. I took part in the European Championships and was a member of the Olympic Team. Altogether I had 8 caps for England. What do you consider to be the highlight of your judo career? I still remember doing a judo demonstration in the Olympic Arena in Las Vegas. The American player was great, the place was packed and the atmosphere was brilliant. Another memorable experience was teaching judo in Sweden, Norway and Finland. I spent two years there teaching at different clubs. Judo was up-and-coming then and I like to think that my teaching methods helped them get to the stage they're at now. They were very welcoming and appreciative and I really enjoyed my time there. [Editor's note: It is quite amazing that no censoring has been necessary so far] We understand you have had some successes in wrestling too. Tell us about this. When I had finished in the British Team I was contacted by Dale Martin, a wrestling promoter, and asked to do wrestling. I was invited to Big Daddy's gym in Brixton, London where I trained with people like Mick MacManus and Steve Logan and learnt how to become a professional wrestler. My wrestling name was Ringo Rigby. Part of my image was going in with lots of diamond rings which I took off in the ring. What stands out most for you from your wrestling career? I spent a year wrestling professionally in the United States and also travelled around South America and Mexico. I suppose what stands out the most is the tag team I took part in with Chris Adams, fighting Mick MacManus and Steve Logan. It was a great occasion as it was also the night when Steve Logan retired at the Albert Hall, London. What are the secrets of your success? I have been lucky in the excellent coaches that I have had. They have made sure I have had the right foundation which is important. Wrestling has helped me with my judo, particularly as regards ground work. What other interests or hobbies have you got? I love art and painting. I do painting myself, particularly oriental motives e.g. Samuri Warriors. I also like cooking - I'm into sauces in a big way! What are you aiming for next? I do a fair amount of judo teaching in Kenilworth schools but would like to teach judo fulltime. I would like to be able to provide the opportunity for as many children as possible to do judo. Any words of wisdom you would like to offer!? Persevere with your sport, whatever it is. You can learn a skill and can see yourself progressing. It is great way of bringing people together and can lead to tremendous friendships. There is a whole world out there you can experience through your sport.
[Editor's note: The interview had been going really well but it was felt that it should be terminated at this point].
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