Colin Draycott, British Judo Association Senior Vice President and long-time benefactor has been promoted to IJF 8 dan.
"Colin started judo in 1955, gaining his first black belt at twenty, and fourth black belt with the BJA in 1967. Five times a national medallist, he fought in several home internationals, was a 1964 Olympic trialist and later a medallist in the World Masters championships in Japan. He trained in Japan on several occasions throughout his career. He taught judo at colleges, universities and Leicester City and County Police. During the 1960’s, he was senior referee at four national police championships. In the early 1980’s, with Brian Cox and lifetime friend Tony MacConnell, Colin formed and financed the Kendal Centre of Excellence - home for twenty-four full time judo players at any one time. Many became Olympians and world medallists. Colin has devoted much of his time over the years to coaching, sponsoring and mentoring individual players. Colin has supported the Association over many years; he is Patron of the British Judo Trust, Director of the IJF Ethics Commission and Sport Director of the IJF Veterans Commission. Professionally, Colin is a chartered civil and chartered building engineer."
"Colin started judo in 1955, gaining his first black belt at twenty, and fourth black belt with the BJA in 1967. Five times a national medallist, he fought in several home internationals, was a 1964 Olympic trialist and later a medallist in the World Masters championships in Japan. He trained in Japan on several occasions throughout his career. He taught judo at colleges, universities and Leicester City and County Police. During the 1960’s, he was senior referee at four national police championships. In the early 1980’s, with Brian Cox and lifetime friend Tony MacConnell, Colin formed and financed the Kendal Centre of Excellence - home for twenty-four full time judo players at any one time. Many became Olympians and world medallists. Colin has devoted much of his time over the years to coaching, sponsoring and mentoring individual players. Colin has supported the Association over many years; he is Patron of the British Judo Trust, Director of the IJF Ethics Commission and Sport Director of the IJF Veterans Commission. Professionally, Colin is a chartered civil and chartered building engineer."