BRIAN STENING 4th DAN
1939 - 2009
BRIAN
STENING 4th DAN
Sadly I
have to report the death of Brian Stening a loyal Young Judo Club and
International Budo Federation member. First I would like to give you a
brief history of Brian as seen through Greg Garside 4th Dan:
Brian and
I started practising judo at Bexley in 1982; our first grading was with Pat
O’Connell. We were both very nervous Brian had trouble remembering the names of
ground holds, so as he demonstrated them I whispered the names, we both
passed. Nobby Clarke 6th Dan (founder IBF UK and the YJC) got us
both involved in coaching and I remember Brian demonstrating a hip throw to the
class using Nobby as his uke, Brian lifted Nobby on to his hip, having got him
there Brian did not know what to do, do I throw him or not, Nobby gave him the
answer “bloody throw me or put me down” Brian threw him. When Brian used
you as a uke he would always say “I’m not going to throw you” but somehow you
always ended up flat on your back. Brian’s passion was Judo, after his first
bout of cancer and chemotherapy he came back onto the mat (June 2007) and his
passion, enthusiasm and enjoyment were all still there.
Brian was
a true friend and a gentleman and I shall miss him immensely.
Greg
Garside 4th Dan
My
recollection of Brian were many as Greg has said he was a Gentleman but he was
immensely loyal to my Father Nobby and that loyalty passed on to the rest of
the Clarke Family me especially, that did not mean he was a boot licker. When
my father died and I took over the IBF UK he would be the first to let me know
if he thought I was wrong, we had many arguments about Coloured Gi’s, Sombo
Boots plus many other things but he never argued with malice. The one thing I
disagreed with him was his very high standard of Kyu Gradings, I once said to
him “they are going for Orange Belt 4th Kyu not 4th Dan” his reply
“and they still haven’t passed”
When
Nobby died he and Greg took over running the Young Judo Club Bexley keeping
that famous club alive. Brian never gave up learning when ever there was a
course whether it would be Coaching, refereeing, Timekeeping, Kata even trying
other Martial Arts he would be there one wonders how many of today’s Coaches
would do that, he even attended the infamous Summer Camp well into his 50’s and
kept up with the youngsters. Brian and his Wife Molly would attend all the
competition as Referee and Timekeeper, he believed in commitment, perseverance
and loyalty old fashioned qualities but then Brian was an Old fashioned
Gentleman a true Judoka.
Brian
will be in that Great Dojo in the Sky hopefully he will be practising with my
dad (Nobby) and my mum (Margret) and I can hear him say as they come of the mat
( I expect you will have a rollup now Nobby)
Brian
your memory will live with me for ever
Martin
Clarke 8th Dan Judo
IBF UK
President
Tribute to Brian
When I
first entered the Dojo at Sherwood Park School 17 years ago, I was greeted by
Brian – A tall commanding man with a shock of silver hair and a beard. It was
clear from the start that Brian was one of those unusual teachers who possess
the ability to combine fear and respect. Along with his talented and technical
partner Greg they made an awesome team. Little did I know that I was soon to
become part of that team. Although Brian could be fierce when he had to,
he had such an affinity with young people that they all wanted to do their best
for him. He had an uncanny way of knowing how to get each child to reach their
full potential.
One of
the things easily conjured up in my mind is Brian’s chuckle. He often had to
stop what he was doing while he collapsed with laughter! I will sorely miss
that laughter. Brian’s pet hate was mobile phones going off during his class.
Much to mine and Greg’s amusement any hapless offender would be bellowed at for
this, often resulting in profuse apologises and hasty embarrassed exits.
Brian
could be somewhat overzealous with his demonstrations causing minor injuries,
such as cracking my rib (excellent kesa gatame!) Thank you Brian for the small
bump to remind me of you! Thank you more for the good advice you gave me over
all those years, your loyal service to the club - but most of all your sincere
friendship.
In one of
the last conversations I had with Brian, he said he considered himself a very
lucky man who’d had a wonderful life with his gorgeous wife Molly and his large
family. Brian will always be remembered by me as a kind, strong and charming
man and I feel privileged to have known him.
Margaret
Smith
Brian`s funeral is
Wednesday 5th August 1pm at Eltham crematorium. They do not want
flowers, there will be a collection for the Ellenor Hospice. Brian
did not want black worn at his funeral.
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