Peter Barnett 5thDan 1929 - 1998

Martin Bullus 2^nd Dan

Paignton

I always think of Peter as having a tremendous influence on my Judo career and spending so many Tuesday and Friday nights having the best training sessions.

I could tell many stories but what always sticks in my mind, is that I always tried my hardest at Solihull, always trying to impress Pete.

But, this was very difficult as it seemed everybody else was always motivated as well, so it was always very difficult to get a throw of any kind to come off. But on the occasions I did, Pete was always looking the other way (intentionally?) but on the other hand every time I was thrown, Pete was there watching, hand on his chin, shaking his head disapprovingly. It made me try harder even though I knew I could never impress him.

At one particular time I was trying to do yoko tomoenage and having a lot of success in club training sessions, but Pete said if you do that to a good player he will pin you down.

I took little notice because I was having lots of success with it in the club.

A few months later I found myself in the British Open and didn't know Pete was there. I was fighting Chris Bowles and attacked with yoko tomoenage, Chris Bowles stepped round and pinned me down. I remember looking up from the centre of Crystal Palace and there high up in the stands was Pete - hand on chin - shaking his head! From then on I listened to everything he said.

Shortly after this I moved away from Birmingham to Paignton but never lost touch and would still visit the club as often as possible.

The Judo was not very well attended in Devon at the time and as the years went by I built up a very strong Judo Club totally based on Pete's training methods.

I obtained ny Club Coach Certificate and 2^nd Dan and by following the same philosophy as Pete all the best players from the area would travel to train with me. They also enjoyed the same sessions I enjoyed in Birmingham. I was just passing on Pete's energy and knowledge. It was a great feeling.

Thanks Pete - you gave me the ability to reach my full potential as a player and coach.