Obituary: Dennis Penfold

British Judo regrets to announce the passing of Dennis Penfold, a distinguished figure in the sport, who leaves behind an extraordinary 76-year legacy in judo.

Dennis, an 8th Dan and internationally respected Kata Judge for the IJF and EJU, was a devoted coach at Fort Purbrook Judo Club and a mentor to countless judoka, shaping the sport and its practitioners over more than seven decades.

Dennis began his journey in 1948 after seeing an advertisement in the Portsmouth Evening News by Captain Mick Harvey, who was teaching judo at Boundary Oak School.

Instantly captivated, Dennis faced an era when no judogis were available to purchase, prompting him and his fellow club members to craft their uniforms from canvas paillasse, typically used as mattress coverings. Only after three years of dedicated practice did he finally acquire a proper gi, a testament to his determination and love for judo.

Though he was only a blue belt, Dennis took over as coach when his instructor left to rejoin the army during the Korean War. Throughout his life, Dennis was devoted to the art and spirit of judo, immersing himself in practice, teaching, and officiating with unwavering commitment.

Often selling personal belongings to fund his training, he attended as many courses as possible with British judo pioneers, ultimately achieving his first dan in March 1952 – a milestone he remembered with great pride.

Called up for National Service shortly after, Dennis served in the R.E.M.E., where he founded a small judo club at Blandford Camp, introducing his fellow servicemen to the sport he loved.

Following his service, he returned to Portsmouth Judo Club in 1954 and in 1955, moved to London to train intensively under some of judo’s finest.

His rigorous routine included training at the Budokwai from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. every weekday after work and attending Sunday classes with T.P. Leggett and Geoff Gleason. This period of dedicated study culminated in a European silver medal in 1963, a notable achievement that showcased his skill and perseverance.

In the 1980s, Dennis and his wife, Tina, joined the Kata Working Party and began judging at the British Kata Championships. This laid the foundation for their distinguished careers as Kata judges, eventually taking them to the World Masters, European Kata, and World Kata Championships.

As original members of the National Kata Commission, they worked tirelessly to elevate the standards of Kata in British judo.

In recognition of his immense contributions to the sport, Dennis was honoured with the prestigious BJA President’s Award in 2017, shared with his beloved wife, Tina.

Dennis’s legacy endures in the lives he touched, the athletes he mentored, and the values he exemplified. His memory will forever be a cherished part of British Judo’s history, inspiring future generations to carry forward his passion, humility, and commitment to the principles of judo.

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