Black belt pensioner throws off age worries

“I couldn’t believe it. I was absolutely thrilled and delighted,” said the retired furniture salesman, of Moortown, Leeds.

“But it is purely determination – anyone can do it that is willing to put themselves out and work.”

Mr Eaton was introduced to the martial art by his cousin when he was 59 and by the age of 70 he had achieved his black belt and received his 1st Dan – a mark of distinction in the Japanese sport.

His age has never held him back at Yorkshire Judo, the club he trains with and helps out at each week in Oakwood, Leeds.

“I am treated with full respect and admiration. They say they class me as an inspiration,” he said.

Mr Eaton, who credits the sport with keeping him fit and healthy, has no plans to slow down and now has his sights set on achieving his 3rd Dan.

“In any walk of life, we can never stop learning. It doesn’t matter how little you know or how much,” he said.

Only a handful of practitioners have ever been promoted to 10th Dan, judo’s highest honour.

Instructor Gary Don, a 6th Dan, said Mr Eaton had made an incredible achievement.

“It makes me feel incredibly proud to have someone with such dedication in the club,” he said.

“It really is what judo is about – it is for everybody, of every age and gender.”