Pensioner is not one to pick on

CRAIG SIMCOX/The Dominion Post

READY FOR ACTION: Pat Toner, a judo practitioner for 60 years, has earned his seventh dan red-and-white belt, a rare feat anywhere.

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Pat Toner does not say much, but he can still throw you.

The 78-year-old martial arts expert has just completed the rare feat in New Zealand judo circles of graduating to a seventh dan red-and-white belt.

His judo skills - honed over six decades - have never been used in violence outside of competition, but he is definitely not a pensioner to pick on, he says.

"With judo, you've got the element of surprise on your side. Nobody expects to be thrown."

A judo black belt can choose to wear a red-and-white belt after achieving sixth dan level, and a red belt after reaching ninth dan.

The grades go up to 12th dan, though this level of excellence has never been achieved.

There are only five seventh dans, and one eighth dan, in New Zealand.

Despite the success, which "naturally" made him proud, Mr Toner is not one to push his own barrow.

"It's not so common now, I suppose. It's the result of many years of competing," he said from the small office of his martial arts store in Courtenay Place.

The native Briton and former Royal Marine started doing judo after watching a demonstration when he was 18.

"It was a sport for me. It was something I could do in the evenings that would keep me fit."

Mr Toner said the secret to his success and longevity was his discipline. He still trains daily at either the gym or the Wellington Judo Academy, where he is president and an enduring competitor.

Judo's two creeds are "to yield is to conquer" and "mutual benefit and welfare" - which Mr Toner said he had tried to follow through study and coaching.

He has a lasting bond with Japan, forged when he first visited in 1950, and kept up through several return visits for study and competitions.

"I've had this long interest in the culture and the people."

His store is full to overflowing with martial arts supplies and all kinds of Japanese paraphernalia, ranging from anime books to chopsticks, slippers and kimonos.

Judo New Zealand's Wellington director, Douglas Lloyd, said the seventh-dan achievement was "rare, even in Japan" and Mr Toner's effort was very special.

There are 2000 registered judo practitioners in New Zealand.

- © Fairfax NZ News