The International Judo Federation have honoured York Judo Man with the coveted 7th Dan Degree Red and White Belt for his achievements, services and contributions to judo.
The Right Honourable, the Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Sonja Crisp presented Dermot his certificate from the International Judo Federation at the North Yorkshire Judo Festival Saturday 30th May 2015 at the York Railway Institute.
Dermot first started judo at the York Railway Institute in January 1972 at 12 years old. He progressed through the ranks and was a member of the British Judo Team from 1979 to 1984. He achieved his 1st Dan Black Belt in 1978.
After many years being coached by David and Sally Peake he became a coach at the Railway Institute alongside Rob Reed, Beverley Clayton and Phil Jay.
In 1986 he was one of the Yorkshire and Humberside Centre of Excellence Coaches and coach at York University and at the Army Camp in Strensall.
In 1988 Dermot was appointed the National Coach and Development Officer for the Northern Ireland Judo Federation based at the House of Sport in Belfast. During the 6 years he enjoyed out there numerous judo players from Northern Ireland visited York training, competing at the York Railway Institute and further afield. The players loved York especially The Knavesmire, Rowntree’s Park and the beautiful City centre.
The legendary Fr. Hugh Curistan accommodated hundreds of kids in the church hall at English Martyrs Church. On one occasion due to a flood at the church
hall 37 players and coaches stayed at Kitty’s (Dermot’s Mother) house for the weekend where she fed and watered all of them single handed.
In 1994 Dermot moved to the North West of England to become the Regionals Development Officer and a coach at the world renowned SKK Judo Club based in Earlestown, Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, where numerous Olympians, World, European Medallist and British Champions have and are still being produced.
Following various National positions with the British Judo Association working alongside the Youth Sport Trust, Sport England, UK Sport and Sports Coach UK,
Dermot joined the St. Helens Sports Development Unit and enjoyed five years promoting numerous sports in particular Netball, Basketball, Cricket, Tennis,
Gymnastics, Hockey playing a developing role in various projects such as The 2000 Millennium Games in Southampton, Merseyside Youth Games, Active Sports and many lottery applications and initiatives.
In 2004 Dermot returned to the BJA to become the National Schools Development Manager as well as organising the UK School Games for three years.
Dermot is now a Technical Officer concentrating on Coach Education recruiting, training and qualifying new and current coaches.
In addition identifying, developing and nurturing young talent through club visits and Technical Development Sessions.
York, in particular the Railway Institute, plays a pivotal role in the BJA’s success in the Northern Regions maximising the superb facilities at Queen Street and utilising the expertise of members of the Railway Institute Judo Club and North Yorkshire Development Group members.
In Dermot’s eyes there was only one place he wanted his 7th Dan presented and that was at the York Railway Institute.