Black belt a triumph

Ross Priddle has fulfilled a lifelong dream. Despite being partially sighted, the Temuka man has achieved his judo black belt.

Mr Priddle said he had no sight in his left eye and about 30 to 40 per cent vision in his right eye but the disability did not affect his judo.

"You're not meant to look anyway," he laughed.

Owner of a Temuka plant centre owner, he took up the sport 22 years ago for something to do and as a way to keep fit.

A member of Timaru's So Kan Ju Judo Club he said he always dreamed he would achieve the black belt and had persevered over the years to go through the grades.

"Once you get your first few grades you want to see how high you can get."

Mr Priddle was graded in Wellington last weekend alongside Timaru's Richard Adams who achieved his second dan black belt.

Mr Priddle said it was thanks to Mr Adams and instructor Trevor Williams that he was able to reach such an achievement.

"They put a lot of time into helping me."

The black belt now enables Mr Priddle to grade others and he intends to continue coaching as he does at present.