A great believer in the founding principles of judo, Mick invested 70 years of his life in the sport to the great benefit of others, not only in Great Britain but far beyond. His judo life began in 1955 and he never looked back!
Mick earned his 1st dan in late 1956, presented to him by Kenshiro Abbe, then a senior 7th dan. In 2023, 67 years later, the IJF awarded him the grade of 9th dan, a rarity, recognition of his great contribution to the world of judo.
One very special anecdote that illustrates Mick Leigh’s character comes from a special event held in 1957. In Mr Leigh’s own words, “It was in about 1957 that I fought Anton Geesink at the Albert Hall during the London Judo Society’s Festival of Judo. ‘Judo Club Holland’ came. Of course no-one was really up to that task so I volunteered to fight him so that our best player, John Chaplin, could fight elsewhere in the team and win any other match. They were astounded I’d fight him! I decided to run around like a ferret until I ran out of steam. The referee, Geoff Gleeson, smiled. I was 12.5 stone (79kg) at the time!”
Geesink and Leigh remained lifelong friends after that, exchanging Christmas cards throughout their lives, until Geesink passed away in 2010.
Michael Leigh’s anecdotes and nuggets of wisdom were endless and thoroughly entertaining. His daughter, Stephanie Leigh, spoke after his passing, “To be honest I could talk about him all day! The thing I will miss the most about my father is our long chats; he loved to debate, especially about judo. My dad shared his judo life with me and I will always be grateful for that.
His influence on the judo community is far-reaching and impossible to summarise but people will miss his face and conversation at events and meetings, he always had time for everyone. My dad found his purpose in judo and he lived his life according to the judo values.”
The International Judo Federation extends heartfelt condolences to Michael Leigh’s family and friends at this difficult time.