British Judo is saddened to learn of the passing of former Board Member and Chairman of the National Refereeing Commission Reuben Davison.

Reuben’s judo journey started when he took his eldest son, David, to their local club in Durham. It was here that he decided, rather than just sitting and watching, he might as well give it a go himself.

It did not take long before Reuben was hooked and the rest, as they say, is history!

By the time Reuben had achieved his 1st kyu, he was already helping to run sessions at Durham Natsuikwai Judo Club. Once he had his 1st Dan, he was instrumental in creating a Junior League for 7 local clubs, which was a great success, running for several years. It gave children the chance to compete locally and develop their fighting skills on a regular monthly basis. It was genuinely one of his proudest achievements for the development opportunity it represented. He was a great coach, loved teaching the kids and he always made it fun for everyone. When he started refereeing – partly for the Junior League – he could not have imagined how far it would take him.

Reuben played a leading role in the development of refereeing in Great Britain both as an active tutor and as a member of the National Refereeing Commission. Reuben was a popular referee and could be seen on the mat most weekends working as a volunteer at events across the country after joining the National Refereeing Commission in 2002. Reuben spent over 10 years on the National Refereeing Commission with 8 of those years as a Senior National referee, before receiving his Honorary IJF Continental award in recognition for this services to the BJA Board and British refereeing.

Whilst a member of the National Refereeing Commission, Reuben also served as a British Judo Board member, from October 2002 to November 2012. Recalling Reuben’s time as a British Judo Board Member, British Judo Chairman, Ronnie Saez said: “Reuben was an extremely popular and valued member of the Judo community. I will remember him fondly from my days of working alongside him on the BJA Board for his humour and wise council. RIP Reuben!”

Bill Taggart, Chairman of the British Judo National Referee Commission added: “It was sad news to hear of Reuben’s passing. Reuben was a formidable figure in British refereeing, having done a sterling job over the ten years he served as Chairman of the National Refereeing Commission. He was passionate about the proper role of the referee in seeing the right athlete win every time and was a valued friend and colleague to many. Our thoughts and best wishes are with his family.”

Reuben will be remembered fondly by all those in the judo family who had the pleasure to know him, he is a great loss to our sport, and he will be sadly missed.

Funeral details:

Date: Friday 1^st July

Time: 10:45am

Location:

St Giles Church, Gilesgate, Durham, DH1 1QQ

Before proceeding to Durham Crematorium at 11:30am for committal.

Anybody is welcome to attend.

Family flowers only. Donations to be made to Parkinson’s UK or PSP Association.