Paul Davis (4 Feb 1965 - 20 Aug 2015)

Paul

I have been given the honour of talking about and sharing our memories of Paul from his Martial Arts family. Whether you have only just met Paul or you have known him for years the common thing for us all is his passion for the Arts. He believed that when practising out Art it should always be fun, and did we have some fun.

Whether he was teasing someone – Shannon and her big bum – or laughing at himself over something he had done it was always fun. And this is just the way he liked it. I used to partner Paul a lot on the mats and we had so much fun we hardly got anything done. Every photo I have of us together shows us laughing, joking and having fun.

He was also very good at getting you in trouble. Me Paul and Keith were training together one Easter at Skeggy on Jim’s mat, Jim demonstrated this technique and off we went to practice. As usual we soon started changing it, first Keith showed one and flattened me, then Paul showed one…..and flattened me, then it was my turn, I used Paul as my uke and just as I was about to throw him Jim shouted Mattie, Paul said go on throw me so I did and as he landed on the floor he made this awful urgh and everyone turned around to see what was happening. Keith quick as a flash said, Jim Darren’s messing around and I proceeded to get a telling off for messing about on the mat, while Paul, who had made a miraculous recovery and Keith sneaked off laughing their heads off. Thanks lads.

When it came to the Arts he was all for the kids, nothing was too much trouble for them. When a disco he had hired for one of our parties let him down he just went out and bought one so the kids wouldn’t go without – and Davo’s disco was born.

If you get the chance ask Robbo about the competitions for the kids in the early days at Erne Bay and all the work Paul put into them.

He used to love coming to the Halloween party we used to run for the Edwinstowe Karate club. He would bring Gareth and Connor in fancy dress and join in all the games we used to do. I have got a photo of him being dragged across the floor by the kids, with his trousers starting to come down, no idea why they were dragging him, think it was part of one of the games, but he was laughing his head off, as always.

At these parties we would take the kids out trick or treating, one year we had about 30 kids, not sure if we came back with them all, I can remember the kids knocking on Mick’s door and me and Paul hiding around the corner laughing as usual while the kids pestered Mick. And yes we both got a sweet.

There are so many memories that we could share, I’d be here all day if I tried, I’m sure there will be loads shared today – ask Dale about why Paul used to do wheelies on his bike around Shirebrook or their camping trips into the dales, or ask Connor why he used to carry a carrier bag around with him when his dad was trying to fly model helicopters. I guarantee they will have you in stitches.



When it came to the Martial Arts his knowledge was un matched and as a teacher he was incredible. When I asked Adi who is on holiday at the moment what he wanted to say he just said, thank Paul for finding a way to teach a big oaf like me, says it all really.

He was also very supportive to us coaches, anything you needed or any help you wanted you got, regardless of what it was or how much work it required. If we organised any training course he would always come, and get on the mat to support you, a true leader in the Arts.

In finishing from me and our Martial Arts family we have lost a great teacher, role model and even greater friend, one who we can never replace. As my favourite training partner, going on the mat won’t ever be the same.

All I ask is that in memory of Paul we carry on training his way, by having fun and enjoying it, the way it should be done.

So in memory of Sensei Paul Davis – 6th Dan Judo

1st Dan Ju-Jitsu

Would all Martial Artists please stand.

Face Sensei

Sensei ni Rie

Thank you Paul God bless

Lindsay Jane Martin
We shall have very fond memories of your dad. His mantra of where your feet are "they were there yesterday, they'll be there tomorrow" will stick with us forever. I don't think I'll ever forget him doing zumba at camping last year, for a man so good at judo he had no dancing feet ? Colin Martin says the executive meetings at skeggy will never be the same, they were like 2 naughty school boys! Much love to you, Gareth Davis and your mum xxxx

Peter Fryer
We only knew Paul for a few years but it was an honour to have known him and look upon him as a friend to me and Sarah. The few times we trained with him was always fun and pleasure to attended. He loved his family and his martial arts, a great loss to us all. If there is anything we can do please let us know.

Paul Jill Robinson
Connor, the respect I have for your dad is immense, he was a true family man and a good friend. We had many laughs together, he had a fantastic sense of humour!!. We will all remember him with pride. You are showing great strength in dealing with the loss of your much loved dad, take care of each other, Connor, Gareth and Tracey.

Keith Henson
Conner if I wrote here all of the memories your Dad and I shared Facebook wouldn't have enough room and beside they would probably ban me. Paul was a good husband to your Mum a great Dad to you guys a the best friend anyone could ever wish for. I'll leave room for everyone else's comment. Well done young man respect to you.

Suzanne Toon
Connor I grew up with your dad and know he's been a great husband, father and son and an inspiration to so many through his judo. The way I will always remember him is his cheeky sense of humour he'd say and get away with things nobody else could. Like Keith there are so many memories growing up. Camping on mums back garden in the big ex army tent and looking out in the middle of the night and thinking all the cauliflowers looked like faces we were all so frightened. The holidays we had together as families so many fond memories. Take care you and Gareth are great tribute to him such fine boys. Xxx

Dawn Mellers
You are an amazing young man and a credit to your parents - much love xxx

Lorraine Spence
Hya I didn't know your dad extremely well but I liked him a lot. He always made me smile, a gift not everyone has. I do know he will be so proud of you & your brother. You are both conducting yourselves with an amazing amount of dignity & with wisdom beyond your years @ this extremely difficult & sad time. My thoughts & prayers are with you and your mum. Xx

In Our Hearts
We thought of you with love today,
But that is nothing new.
We thought about you yesterday.
And days before that too.
We think of you in silence.
We often speak your name.
Now all we have is memories.
And your picture in a frame.
Your memory is our keepsake.
With which we'll never part.
God has you in his keeping.
we have you in our heart.
By Rose M.de Leon

Will miss our Friday night moaning sessions over tea cooked by our special friend Kay. The world was always put to rights through tears ,laughter and deep conversations. We will still have meaningful conversations sure you will have your say.

Paul was a fun loving family man. He enjoyed his life and made the most of everything even when it was challenging. He saw the best in people . He always had smile which was extremely infectious. Miss him so much .