MARTIN CLARKE WORLD CHAMPION
AT LAST
A Report by Valerie Clarke
Two members of the Young Judo Club participated in the World Masters Judo Championships held in Scottsdale Arizona USA on June 30th and July 1st 2001. They were Martin Clarke 7th Dan and Neil Arkley 3rd Dan. Neil was in the men’s 40 – 45 years o100k and was unplaced.
Martin was competing in the 50 – 55 years 100 k plus, this was his last competition (so he says) because he due to have a replacement knee which may restrict him from doing Judo. His international career has spanned 35 years from the age of 16 years; He has had International with 4 different national Judo Association, Jiu Jitsu Association, Wrestling and Sombo association. He has won in over 500 medals and trophies in that time. He has been British Judo & Sombo champion on many occasions, as well as being a reserve for the Moscow Olympics 1980 for Judo. His best results have been IBF European Open Judo Champion, World Games Sombo Wrestling Silver, World Sombo Championship Silver, World Sombo Masters Championships Silver and World Jiu Jitsu Championships Silver. On 4 occasions the Gold eluded him but not this time he secured it this time with class.
His training in the Martial Arts started when he was 5 years old under the guidance of his Father John (Nobby) Clarke 6th Dan 1927-1990 and his mother Margret 4th Dan.
Martin started his training last September with the help of his brother Norman who had just retired from the Police and had open a Gym at Milton Regis Playing Fields named “NOBBY’S GYM”. Martin in his early days was known for being one of the fastest heavyweights in the country but the years and injuries have taken their toll. He realised this so he decided on getting really fit and becoming a lot more powerful and stronger, it was a good job he did because his opposition were to be of a high quality. Norman planned his workouts, which meant training 6 days a week
As his wife I have seen most of his competitions we started courting when he was 17 years and he has been very nervous before a competition but this time he was the worst I have ever seen him. The fact that this was his last chance to win a World Gold I expect was the reason. As he finished his last match he said to me “Never let me go through that again” as if I have any say in the matter!
Martin is a true professional and did not let his opponents see his nerves if you look at the video replay you would even think he enjoyed the event. He had 4 fights in all, winning all on Ippon (total victory) His first match was Ippon strangle, 2nd Ippon Haria Goshi hip throw, 3rd Ippon armlock submission and 4th Ippon Haria Goshi. One throw of his had the whole venue clapping. When Martin walked into the Bar in the evening several of the most senior Japanese stood up bowed to him and acknowledged him as CHAMPION. The Japanese do love a Judoka who can throw.
My Husband has at last won his World Gold after 30 years of worrying about what injury he is to get next, after seeing him really down when he has not won, after all the back stabbing, after seeing him disappointed when people have let him down, after all the scrimping and saving so he could compete I am glad to say its all over.
The people of Sittingbourne should be very proud of my Husband for he is the town’s most successful sportsman ever. If he done any other sport he would be awarded an OBE. A Lot of friends and students turned up for a party for him when he returned on Thursday at least they appreciated the work he has done.