Mike Liptrot

Mike Liptrot is the name and face most immediately associated with the current club and Dojo. He is the Chief Coach and as such is in charge of all the instruction and coaching from the youngest to the oldest member whether they are recreational players or top class competitors.
Michael started judo at the age of six along with his brother and sister. The other two didn't stay very long but Mike discovered that, in judo, he had a sport at which he excelled. During his school days he was a sporting person gaining county level status in football and rugby. Eventually he had to decide which activity he had to concentrate upon and he chose Judo.
Thanks to the 'massive influence of Tony Macconnell' Michael had a successful competition career. He was seven times North West Under 65 kilo Champion and won medals at the Welsh Open, Scottish Open, German Open.
His first International experience was when he was sixteen years old. It was the Dutch Open and for his first contest he had, as his opponent, World and Olympic Champion, the Russian, Nicolai Soloduchin. Mike says he still remembers the left Uchi Mata.
When asked what he saw hs role at Kendal Judo Club Mike answered that it was to produce good standard senior players particularly from the junior judoka. Having achieved that from the good senior players he hopes to make them into good coaches so they can continue to keep the good name and reputation of the Club.
He hopes he can be an influence on the present members as Tony Macconnell was on him and the people of his era.
Finally Mike's biggest wish is for Peter Holme to take a decent photo of him without showing his bald patch