In the 1970s Professor Ken Dobson was just one of two instructors in the area and taught many generations of youngsters at the old Northwich Judo Club in Winnington, Darwin Street Judo Club and Dobson’s Judo Club in David Street.
The 10th Dan lived in Romanes Street in Castle until his death last week.
Friend and former pupil Professor Robert Brown, of Middlewich Road in Rudheath, paid tribute to ‘one of the best’.
The 60-year-old said: “He was a true gent. When I started there was just him and Albert Lloyd and Ken was the highest at the time, everyone went to him.
“The children loved him, they used to run up to him in the street. He was a fantastic teacher, one of the best. I’ll keep the flag flying for him.”
Sensei Jeff Stelfox, 49, who also trained under Mr Dobson added: “He was very gentle, I first met him in 1968 and he was the original martial arts guy.
“He was brilliant with the kids and everyone else who passed through, many of whom have gone on to become professors themselves.”
Mr Dobson first got involved with judo at the tender age of 10 at the KNM Liverpool Club, where he stayed until joining the forces in 1941.
While serving with the 13th Kings Regiment in Burma in 1942, he saw his first demonstration of the martial art and afterwards moved to Canada where he played ice hockey and football for the London City All Stars.
On his return to England, he became the area Judo champion and won the Gold Bar Trophy Olympic Trials becoming a member of the north west committee for the British Judo Association.
He earned his black belt aged 47 and was awarded his 1st Dan in 1969.
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