Judo: Maurice Clarke and Warren Schofield to receive fifth and seventh Dan judo belts

Maurice Clarke 5th Dan Black Belt

Maurice Clarke, Rochdale Judo Club’s longest serving member, has received confirmation from the British Judo Association (BJA) of his fifth Dan black belt.

Maurice, 81, who is President of the Club, has served with the club for over 60 years and is known as the ‘Peter Pan of Judo’. He has served as President for approximately twenty years.

Warren Schofield, Chairman of the Club, has also received confirmation of his seventh Dan red and white belt. He has been with the club since he was 16, and served as Chairman for over twenty years.

Speaking about their achievements, Warren said: “Maurice will be sadly missed when he goes, unfortunately, you can only practice for so long. That’s something to be said for the sport when you’ve been in judo for such a long time.

“It’s a well-deserved and fitting grade to someone who can be seen coaching at the club twice a week; he is respected by coaches and players throughout the world of judo.”

There are ten fighting grades: one to five Dan are black belts, six to eight Dan are red-and-white belts, and nine and ten are completely red.

A celebration ceremony for Warren and Maurice is being planned for approximately four weeks’ time.