Tributes to martial arts legend Peth after death at 92
TRIBUTES have been pouring in following the death of a Welsh sporting great – martial arts legend Alan Petherbridge.
‘Peth’, as he was widely known, was inducted into the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame in 2010, to take his place alongside greats such as Gareth Edwards, John Charles, Ian Woosnam and Joe Calzaghe.
The Swansea star may not have been a household name like many of his sporting contemporaries – but he was a superstar in the world of judo.
In Japan he was embraced as a celebrity, having reached the highest levels in the martial arts of judo, jujitsu and budo.
He died on July 30, aged 92. The service was strictly private to comply with lockdown restrictions, but the family plans to stage a celebration of Alan’s life at a later date.
Tributes poured in from the world of judo.
Ronnie Saez, chairman of British Judo, said: “So sorry to hear this news. Alan was one of the British Judo originals, one of that golden generation who blazed a trail for the rest of us. A towering figure and a legend of both Welsh and British Judo..”
Olympic medallist Dave Starbrooke MBE said: “Such sad news! I love this man! A great judo man who did so much work for the sport! I am going to miss talking to him!”
While Olympic medallist Neil Adams MBE said: “So so sad to hear this news! A judo legend and an amazing man! He led the way for many of us! His incredible personality and presence will be sorely missed!”
Swansea’s Bobby Sullivan, who competed at the 1972 Olympics, added: “So sad to hear that Peth had passed away. I would like to thank him for guiding me through life from the age of 10 and help me furfil my dreams of going to the Olympics 1972. Lot of respect for a great man.”
One of Alan’s proudest days was when he was inducted into the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame recognises “those people who, by their achievement and by their example and conduct, in and beyond the sporting arena, have brought distinction to themselves and credit to Wales”.
The award was presented by a very special guest, Angelo Parisi, the French Olympic champion, who flew in from Paris to honour Alan.
Afterwards, Alan said: “It was quite moving for me.”
Alan received an MBE for his services to Judo in the Queen’s Silver Jubilee honours list.
A statement on the Welsh Judo Association website said: “Not only will Alan be sorely missed here in Wales by our Welsh Judo community, but across the globe. Our thoughts are with Alan’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.”
It all started for Alan in the 1930s when he watched the Mr Moto movies, starring Peter Lorre as a fictional Japanese secret agent.
Alan caught the tail-end of the Second World War and started a small jujitsu club in 1946 when stationed in Berlin with the Household Cavalry’s Life Guards. This resulted in him being asked to guard Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery when Monty stayed in the barracks.
After being de-mobbed in 1948, work took Alan to London, where he joined the Budokwai – the oldest martial arts club in Europe.
In 1957 he set up the Samurai Judo Club in his home city and won the first of four European Championship gold medals. He also won a World Championship team gold.
Alan was captain of the British judo team for the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo, and went on to serve as team manager and chairman of the technical board of the British Judo Association, among other roles.
Alan also founded the Welsh Judo Association, becoming both the Welsh and British coach.