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Peter Barnett 5thDan
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On Tuesday night circa 21 years ago, Peter, you got hold of me and Les Hudspith and said, "have a go at this." It was escaping from between your opponent's legs and securing `Yokoshiogatame', with your shoulder pressed in hard to your opponent's head.
Well Peter, this has resulted in two British Open gold Medals, one European Bronze Medal and obtaining 7th place in Olympic and 5th in two World Championships.
The technique you showed me I call `Old Faithful' and I have used it time and time again, plus I have passed it on to hundreds of other judokas, if only they knew where I got it from!
Peter, I blame you for most of the trouble I have been in around the world. If you had not been such a good coach, I wouldn't have been picked to represent Great Britain so much, and as you know, all those scrapes I got into like getting locked up in Japan was mainly down to your help ... thank you!
You have also made me mix with some highly unsavoury characters who have become friends for life, such as the `Mad Muller' and `Break-your-legs-Walker'.
On a serious note, Peter, you and Solihull Judo Club became my extended family, with a spirit and honour you have always encouraged throughout the club and my years in judo.
Peter, you have given me far more than good judo but also a sense of inspiration, fairness and humility, and this has stayed with me for life.
What great judo we have.
What great times we have.
And even better:
What great love and friendship we share.