By Dr. Mike Callan and based on the Telegraph's obituary by Mark Law author of The Pyjama Game, A Journey Into Judo

It is with great sadness that the British Judo Association announce the passing of BJA 9th Dan and Kodokan 8th Dan Percy Sekine, a former BJA National Team Manager and long-time Chief instructor at the London Judokan.

Born in 1920, Percy started judo at the age of 15 at the Budokwai, his main instructors were Yukio Tani, Trevor Leggett and the sport's founder himself Gunji Koizumi. Later Percy went on to marry Koizumi’s daughter Hana.

He was an Air Gunner during the war, and was captured as a prisoner of war, where he taught judo in Stalag 383 between escape attempts. Following the war he was graded to 3rd and then 4th dan in 1955, and competed internationally in Open weight events, where he was unbeaten despite his slight frame. He went on to be the British Team Manager at the European Championships in 1955 and 1956, just after founding the Judokan in Hammersmith.

Percy was highly respected for his technique and his understanding of judo and attention to detail. He contributed to the success of many players over the following 50 years.

Roy Inman OBE was awarded his first grade by Percy at the Judokan, and recalls:

“Some years later I heard that there was a good randori on a Friday night at the Judokan. I went, and had good night, having just won the British Open. After the session I was invited to sit at the famous bar. He said to my astonishment (he remembered me), now you have something to fight with, but the Uchimata is a bit crude, too much makikomi used….. and I will have a Scotch please.”

Percy passed away peacefully on Friday 14th October. Funeral arrangements will be published when available.

Our thoughts are with his wife Hana, their son Douglas, and the many friends and judoka who knew him.