The judo community was in shock at the news that Darren Errol Clarke a former member of the British Squad and RAF judoka passed away on Friday, 15 August.

Darren won three bronzes and a silver at British champs and a bronze at 1997 British trials.

He was a member of the NHC area team a few times fighting in the national teams. Darren represented the Combined Service Team in the National Team Championship, as well as representing The British Team in the +100kg category.

Steve Parlor DSB1(RAF)of The Royal Air Force Sports Board paid tribute saying: “I was Darren’s Royal Air Force and Combined Service Team Manager throughout the 1990’s.

Darren was an aircraft engineering technician in the Royal Air Force during the 1990’s, and throughout that time he was a colourful and charismatic individual who was a caring, gentle giant who had time and thoughts for everyone he met. He was an outstanding judo dan-grade talent who won many Royal Air Force and Inter-Service (RAF ‘v’ Army ‘v’ Navy) titles. The Royal Air Force Judo Association send their condolences to his family at this difficult time. Sore-made!”

Since leaving the Royal Air Force, Darren won a silver medal at the World Masters Judo Championships. He was also an acting extra in a variety of television programmes.

Matt Divall added: “He was a top guy, friendly and very wise – and a huge character with a memorable smile. He’ll be sadly missed – gone too soon”