The Sporting Clarkes

In 1955 Nobby Clarke and his wife Margret started Judo, there interest led them to forming one of the most famous clubs in the UK, the Young Judo Club founded in 1957. Margret went on to establish other Clubs of Gymnastics, Yoga, and Aikido. Son’s Norman and Martin went on to becoming Black Belts.

Margret Clarke was the first full time Judo Coach to teach in Schools in 1963 and husband Nobby became a full time Coach for Schools in 1965. The Clarke family has achieved many international honours for themselves and have their pupils but the link with schools is even greater with a third generation of Clarkes involved, the family has a gift for teaching all started by Margret & Nobby.

Martin Clarke teaches self-defence for Fulston Manor, his wife Valerie has taught Highsted Girls Self defence and Kickboxing for 15 years, their Daughter Susan Whitby nee Clarke teaches Aerobics and Dance for Highsted Girls, son John has recently became a full time member of the PE Staff at Sittingbourne Community College. Martin’s brother came back to the town in 2000 after an illustrious career in the Police Force and opened Nobby’s Gym in Milton, which now has Westlands, Highsted and Sittingbourne Community College all attending the gym for training.

It is interesting to note only Margret Clarke has had any official recognition for the work done for the community that was from the Sports Council in the 70’s when she was awarded the Sports Council’s “Sports For All Award” by Hector Munroe MP the Minister of Sport. Nobby Clarke who is attributed for being the founder of Judo in Kent died in 1990 without any recognition from either Government or Swale B C. Philosophically Margret Clarke said that if you get involved in School Sports and Martial Arts just for the reward of a gong do not bother the reward should be the enjoyment on children’s faces and the fact you have contributed to there education. 

Interested in any of the above contact Martin Clarke 0700 5641448, Martin@Clarkeesbar.co.uk or visit www.MartinClarkenews.co.uk