Dennis had a full life as a judo practitioner, having taken up the sport in 1948 and practising it assiduously for 76 years.
He began his training at the Fort Purbrook Judo Club in Portsmouth, UK, and continued for many years, with his wife Tina, to coach the younger generations, never hesitating to share his knowledge and love of kata.
Dennis and Tina’s dedication was and remains an incredible example to many judo practitioners.
Chair of the British Judo Association, Gerry Gualtieri said, "The BJA mourns the passing of Dennis who together with his wife was a driving force for kata in the UK and with judging in Europe. Together with Geoff Gleason he was an early pioneer of coach education in Britain."
The entire judo family presents its deepest condolences to Dennis Penfold's family and friends.