Parry Asquith honoured by being made Honorary President of the West Yorkshire Judo County and given a “Lifetime Achievement Award”
Sunday 17th November, Parry Asquith and his wife, Jackie, attended the West Yorkshire Judo Championships and development competition at Sedbergh Sports Centre in Bradford, close to the now redundant Richard Dunn sports centre. During this event, Parry was honoured by being made Honorary President of the West Yorkshire Judo County and presented with a “Lifetime Achievement Award” by West Yorkshire Judo Chairman Gordon Lambert in front of hundreds competitors and visitors.
Parry Asquith began his judo journey in 1958 and currently holds the rank of ROKUDAN (6th dan). As a competitor, Parry fought at a high level and competed in competitions such as the British Championships and the British Open even throwing the famous Brian Jacks for Ippon
Along with wife Jackie, Parry ran Morely Judo Club for many years. He has been a massive contributor to the Yorkshire and Humberside Judo Area for as long as anyone can remember. Throughout the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, Parry played a significant role on the Yorkshire and Humberside committee and was Y&H coach working alongside notable figures such as Dave Peak, Dave Sheldon & Seth Birch when the legendary Steve Gawthorpe and Ryan Birch were competing and winning European and World honours for the Y&H Area and their Country.
In addition to Parry’s coaching and competitive achievements, he was among the first Senior Examiners in the country, and has contributed significantly to the development and assessment of judo in the UK.
“It was wonderful to see both Parry and Jackie at our competition yesterday” said West Yorkshire Judo Chairman Gordon Lambert, “they have both been an integral part of Yorkshire judo for many years and this honour is just a small token of our appreciation”.
Following the presentation, the ever gracious Parry sent this lovely message:
"Hi Gordon, thank you and the committee for my wonderful award, it is much appreciated, and it's nice to realise I am still considered. I was very pleasantly surprised with the turnout at the West Yorkshire Judo Championships on Sunday, and I am encouraged to think that judo is on resurgence in our area and indeed the whole country, perhaps to produce players like yourself and Mike Bowmer, and Steve Gawthorpe etc, good enough to be considered for national consideration. I won't gabble on more. Thanks again . Mabee see you Xmas do. Cheers Parry."
West Yorkshire County.