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Peter Barnett 5thDan
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On that day I met Peter Barnett. Little did I know that would be the start of a forty year friendship. In those forty years Peter would become my mentor both in moulding my judo career and personalty. Also much of my education in the sporting world.
In the time we have been together he took me from being a beginner in the sport of judo, through my junior grades and championships, some of these being the Midland Area Junior Champion. I was also picked for many junior Internationals. Peter also coached me to be a 1st Dan Black Belt at the age of sixteen.
Our partnership took us on many courses such as youth courses at the Crystal Palace, London; Lilleshall, Shropshire and many many more, plus invitations to Scandinavian Countries.
Although we moved judo clubs we were always a team. He coached me to senior honours both in British Championships and Internationals. Peter's dedication as a superb coach and friend realised me a position in the British Olympic Squad 1972.
To have such a friendship over so many years will follow and assist me in all my future experiences for the rest of my life.
He is truly a very great friend.