Roy Francis 1940-2022

It is with huge sadness we share the news Roy Francis passed away on the 23rd September 2022.
 
Roy was the perfect example of what it means to be a judoka and was a true gentleman.

He was involved in judo for many decades, after starting judo in 1958 at Otley Judo Club training on straw mats. Roy founded Aireborough & Wharfedale Judo Club in the 1960s. At that time they trained in a local scout hut. Roy regularly covered the venue rent personally when mat fees fell short.

The club is still going strong, having moved to Aireborough Leisure Centre in 1984.
 
Roy coached Judo classes twice a week at Aireborough Judo Club from 1966 to
2022. Helping countless students, many of whom achieved their black belt.
 
Roy was a qualified referee, examiner and fifth dan.

Roy was also very involved in judo at an organisational level and was a valued long-standing member of the Yorkshire & Humberside Committee.
 
He will be remembered fondly by countless Judoka, past and present. He was a familiar and friendly face at competitions locally and nationally. He was always happy to give advice and instruction. His knowledge and expertise of the sport will be a great loss for all.
 
Roy Francis epitomised the ethos of Judo, the Yorkshire and Humberside Area Award presented at the 2022 ceremony goes some way to recognising this great man and the contribution he made to British
Judo. Roy was the perfect example of what it means to be a Judoka and a true
gentleman.
 
Roy exemplified the principles of judo and was highly thought of by all who knew him. He made a huge contribution to judo and will be sorely missed by all in the Judo family.
  
All our thoughts at this time are with Roy's wife Joy and his family.
 

Roy's Judo

Roy Francis Judo Career
1956 -  Left school - just 5'5" tall and weighing 7st-12lbs and joined Otley Judo Club where they trained on straw mats.
            His Dad commented "It’s just another craze I'll give it three weeks"
1961 -  Roy became Honorary Secretary of Otley Judo Club, a role he continued until his death in 2022
1966 -  Judo Coaching qualifications achieved
1966 -  First Dan grade achieved
1969 -  Otley Judo Club moved to Guiseley Scout Hutand became Aireborough Judo Club
1976 -  Roy became an examiner
1979 -  Second Dan grade achieved
1992 -  Roy became Director of Examiners
1999 -  Third Dan grade achieved
2010 -  Fourth Dan grade achieved
2014 -  Roy was awarded Bronze BJA Award, for voluntary services to Judo
2017 -  Fifth Dan grade achieved
2022 -  Recognised for a lifetime of commitment to Judo at the British Judo annual awards (video)