Colin Oates launches book with father to help fund Rio 2016 dream

Commonwealth judo gold medallist Colin Oates is hoping the success of his first book will help fund his road to Rio. Judo Getting Started has been co-written by Colin Oates and his father Howard, 62, who runs the Kumo Judo Club, which has classes in North Lopham and Diss. Between them the pair have more than 60 years of experience in judo. Featuring more than 100 photographs, the book is aimed at newcomers, detailing the basics of the sport, as well as demonstrating throws, hold downs, strangles and arm bars.

Success of the book will contribute toward’s Colin’s dreams of competing at the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016, with much of the star’s UK Sport funding having been cut last year.

Howard, also Colin’s personal coach of 25 years, said: “Last year despite having a great year Colin’s funding was cut under the UK Sport funding criteria so we thought ‘how can we build his income for the next year?, and we came up with the idea of the book.

“Hopefully it encourages more people to take the sport up.

“We have thought about doing it for a while. Ralph has been on to me for many years as he is quite into this sort of stuff, and he found the publisher, so he has been a big help.”

Howard revealed there could be a sequel, depending on the current title’s success, which did make number four on the Amazon best sellers for martial arts.

The book is also somewhat of a family affair — Colin’s brother David, sisters Vicky Oates and Charlotte Webb, and seven-year-old nephew Reece all appear in photos providing demonstrations.