Kenneth (Ken) Leslie Webber, President of British Schools Judo passed away on Friday 1 November following a long illness.

The 7th Dan, described by friends and those who knew him as a “real servant to judo”, died aged 85 years-old after losing his battle with cancer.

Despite his illness, he remained involved with the Schools Commission as President right up until the end. He also continued to serve 3K’s Sandwell Judo Club.

He was a big supporter of judo in the Midlands area.

Friends and those who worked with him say that he dedicated his life to the sport and in particular developing judo in schools.

Over his lifetime he nurtured many former GB international players as he coached the British schools squad including a young Densign White and Kerrith Brown, BJA’s past and present chairmen.

Densign said: “I knew Ken for as many years as I have been in judo.

“His death is sad news for the sport. However, he is now at peace after a long illness.

“Ken will be remembered most for his vast contribution to British Schools.

He was passionate about school’s judo and introduced the attainment system to adapt it to the key stage curriculum.”

“He knew so much about the sport and used to talk about all the Japanese founders of the sport, most of whom he had met and knew personally.

“He was part of judo’s founding history and we have lost a judo giant.”

Andrew Wilesmith, BJA Schools Commission member said:

“Ken was a wonderful gentleman, one of the kindest men I have ever had the pleasure of working with. His hard work, dedication and knowledge is something that will be forever missed.

“For me, judo and sport has lost someone truly special.

“Our thoughts go out to Terri, his wife and all his family and friends.”

Ken worked alongside Malcolm Collins who is Chairman of the Schools Commission.

Malcolm paid tribute to his oldest friend below in this touching obituary.

In Memory of Kenneth Leslie Webber 7th Dan

My dear friend who passed peacefully away on 1 November 2013.

What can I say about Ken?

He was a judo icon; most everyone in the world of judo would have known him or would have at least heard of him.

His commitment to the sport of judo will not be surpassed, but Ken did not see it as a commitment, it was a way of life.

There was nothing he enjoyed more than practising and talking about judo.

He was one of the few coaches who moved out of his own judo environment to help other judo clubs to progress.

I am sure that he would not have been able to follow his passion for the sport without the help and support from his loving wife Terri.

After a good nights judo practice it was back to Ken’s house for a cuppa and a discussion on judo until well after midnight.

All of Ken’s and Terri’s children have practised judo, even the ‘budgie’ spoke Japanese and that is the truth.

He was one of the first people in the Birmingham area to promote judo. His knowledge, enthusiasm and belief in the sport rubbed off on anyone who stepped on to his judo mat.

Ken was admired and respected by judoka who would travel from all over to be coached by him and practice at his club.

He always led by example and never asked anyone to do what he could not do himself.

He was a kind and gentle person who had time for everyone, whether you were a beginner or a high achiever at judo.

He was always there to listen and help you in any way he was able; nothing was too much trouble and you always felt he was giving you special attention, which in fact he gave to every one.

He first started judo at the Birmingham Athletic Institute (BAI), in 1952.

He represented the BAI in many Midland Area and National judo events and was a member of the 5 man team which won the “Festival of Judo Shield” in 1959.

Ken qualified as a judo coach under Geoff Gleeson and he conducted many judo courses in the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s. His judo club the “Renbukan” was situated at a night school in Shard End.

He also coached a number of top players in his time. I first came in contact with Ken at the Renbukan Judo Club in 1962, when I visited his judo club and I can still remember it to this day, as he gave us our ‘first flying lessons’.

He was technically nearest to the Japanese style of judo that I have ever encountered; it was a pleasure to watch him perform and even a better experience to practice on the mat with him.

His judo was magical.

I know his grandchildren have probably only seen their granddad in the later years of his life but as a young man he was a super-fit athlete and they would have been proud to seen him perform on the judo mat.

Ken’s passion for helping and passing on the skills of the sport led to his involvement with The British Schools Judo (BSJA).

He has served in a variety of positions and on different working commissions for the BSJA for many years’; eventually he was elected President, the pinnacle role within the BSJA.

Wherever we went on holiday we always made sure that we had our judo suits with us.

That is until our later years in life when we decided to take a pen and laptop and we spent our holiday time writing about judo.

Ken, you may have left us but you will be in our memories for ever; and I’m sure when we are discussing judo, your name will always pop up.

We shared some happy moments together.

If you had one fault in life it was your navigation skills; however I’m sure that your navigator will guide you to your rightful place amongst the ‘Judo Greats’.

Ken you were a legend in your lifetime. Rest in Peace ‘my mate’

Malcolm

Below are the details for Ken’s funeral:

Date              ~      Wednesday, 13 November 2013

 

Time             ~      1.00 pm 

 

Venue           ~        Woodlands Crematorium

                               Birmingham Road

                               Coleshill

                               Birmingham, B46  1DP

 

Donations     ~        John Taylor Hospice, 76 Grange Road, Erdington, Birmingham, B24  0DF