History Repeating Itself
They say history repeats itself well with the Clarke Family this could be true. In 1977 a picture appeared in Local and national newspapers featuring 3 generations of Judo, 50 year old John (Nobby) Clarke, 27 year old Martin Clarke and 4 year old John Clarke. Sadly Nobby Clarke who was considered the father of Judo in Kent is no longer with us but his son Martin went on to become an Olympic reserve and win World Silvers in Sombo Wrestling and Jiu Jitsu as well as a World Masters Gold in Judo, grandson John went on to win national and international acclaim in Judo, Sombo Wrestling, Kurash and Belt wrestling.
Now
another generation of Clarkes have taken up the mantle of Judo, they are John’s
son’s 8 year old Lewis and 5 year old Harry. The photograph show them in a
similar pose as the one in 1977, both boys were not as young as father John
because we now have much more informed attitude when it comes to child welfare
and children are not allowed to start Judo until they are 5 years. Hopefully
Martin will be about when his grandsons have children and then we will be able
to see 4 generations of Judo Clarkes