Sensei “Harry” Mundy, a teacher of the martial art of Judo; Japanese culture and of course Life itself to myself, my brothers and school friends on Friday night sessions at the SWHS Dojo.
We attended Judo as a means of self defence, especially to me and my friends experiencing verbal and physical bullying in school. We learned how to manoeuvre such moves, of course with Sensei’s due care of himself or volunteers being subject to the kicks, sweeps and hold downs onto the safety mats but he made it clear that what we did was in self defence and not to be used as a instrument of instigation and violence onto others. He didn’t just teach us the manoeuvres, the Japanese names, pronunciations, translations and other Japanese history and culture but he nurtured us all in many ways of life, like being compassionate and empathetic, even towards our ‘enemies’. He always gave us time and attention when we needed it too, to feel free to approach him and speak to him in private about any troubles whilst the class got underway with such exercises or warm-ups and you always felt like he cared about you, as much as anyone else who joined the Dojo and needed some TLC too. He finished sessions with a joke and homework to go off and research before the next session. I don’t think anyone ever left without a smile and feeling next Friday couldn’t come fast enough.
Judo aside, Sensei Mundy was a family man and ever so proud of them all, I remember when young grandson Tom joined us in the Dojo and by no means treated any differently than ourselves but you knew Sensei was proud and smitten to have him there, young Katie would make an appearance too, the apples of his eyes. Soon enough, we knew his whole family and still to this day, do we make time for eachother whenever we meet. They like himself are very selfless, kindhearted people and my heart and condolences go out to them at this time, remembering this great man and pillar to society. Judoka Grae
G Whalley
10/06/2025
