I trained under Tony at the Secular Hall from 1982 to 1986 while a student at Leicester Poly. It was purely through Tony’s expertise and encouragement that I attained 1st Dan in that time.

I have fond memories of our weight training sessions together and the ill advised sea fishing trips to New Quay in Wales. Tony was the epitomy of grace and elegance in the dojo but sadly lacked sea legs so spent most of the trip with his head over the side!

I miss you Tony. You were an inspiration at a key stage in my life and it was an honour to have known you.

R.I.P buddy

Tim Bardsley