Roy Muller 4thDan
Roy Muller
is our Player of the Month.Roy has been on the judo scene for many years. A great number of players have been on the receiving end of his effective throwing techniques, particularly his devastating ashi-wazas. He is still training at Solihull Judo Club regularly and he is still looking good!
By our Solihull Judo Club Correspondent
Lena Strang:
How long have you been training judo?
"I have been training since 1962."
What made you take up judo?
"I was bullied at school and wanted to deal with the bullies!"
Did it work?
"Yes"
Who has influenced you most in judo?
"Two people really. One is Bill Davies, the British Lightweight Champion and Squad Manager. He was simply a superb manager. The fact that he was of small stature also spurred me on. I thought if he can become black belt and make it, so can I! The other person who has inspired me is Pete Barnett who was the greatest motivator ever."
What are your achievements in judo?
"I have gained a number of titles including British Lightweight Champion, Swedish Champion, Veterans Champion and I won the Stylist Award several times. Yes, Clive Douglas did beat me in the Midland Open once but I beat Peter Donnelly in the British Open in 3 seconds!"
You mention being the Swedish Champion. Tell us about your time in Sweden.
"I spent three years in Sweden coaching a consortium of clubs in Stockholm. They were all competition players and my job was to sharpen up their judo as it was rather old style judo at the time. I had a fantastic time there. I also learnt how to keep warm during the cold winters…" [Editor’s note: at this point Roy’s remarks were censored]
What is your present training schedule?
"I train regularly at Solihull and visit other Midland clubs such as Coventry and Wolverhampton."
What are your favourite techniques?
"Ashi-wazas, hane-goshi and hari-goshi"
How would you characterise your judo?
"Well, I suppose I go for speed, agility and skill!"
Do you have any other hobbies?
"I do skiing and have been to Austria, Italy and France. I also do running and swimming. And of course, I do Morris dancing. I go to Ludlow every Sunday evening to practise. It really gives me a thrill!"
What are you working towards next?
"I’ll enjoy my judo until I retire. Because of my aches and pains, it is really Morris dancing that keeps me going!"
And lastly, what words of wisdom would you like to offer?
[Editor’s note: Roy’s first pearls of wisdom were censored so we print his second offering]
"Don’t be frightened of the big guy, you can throw him – everyone is throw-able!"