Tributes as funeral of Doncaster tae kwondo coach to be held

Tributes have been paid to Mick Fanthorpe who was well known in local sporting circles and across Britain, teaching hundreds of young fighters tae kwondo.

Mr Fanthorpe died last month and his funeral is due to take place in Doncaster this Friday.

During a lengthy career, Mr Fanthorpe taught tae kwondo in Doncaster, was a founder of Doncaster Tae Kwondo, represented Great Britain and was a coach with the UK Tae Kwondo Association.

In a tribute on its Facebook page, a spokesman for Sheffield and Doncaster Tae Kwondo said: ”It is with great sadness we have heard the passing of Mick Fanthorpe.

“Doncaster Tae Kwon Do instructor and founder of Doncaster TKD, also Great Britain squad member and coach with the UKTA, Mick was a great martial artist and a big influence in martial arts and all who trained with him. Our deepest condolences to his family.”

‎David Oliver‎, posting on the Tae Kwon Do Association of Great Britain Facebook page said Mick was “an old friend and training partner and team mate of mine who has sadly passed away but he won’t be forgotten RIP Mick Fanthorpe.”

Tae Kwondo star Kenny Walton also paid tribute to Mr Fanthorpe who died on May 21.

He said: “Mike was a traditional hard instructor who did not mince words and actions.You did not get the stances wrong; many times as you would find yourself looking at the ceiling with a throbbing lower leg where you had been swept. Your suit was never dry when the class finished, and it was always expected to be folded and put away or carried with your belt in the traditional way.

It was simple: listen intensely, train hard, don’t talk unless asked to reply to a question. When the class had finished he was a very interesting charismatic straight talking Yorkshire man.

“Mick was part of the original UKTA instructors behind Bob Howe. Mick took over from Bob as GB team coach for the second world championships in 1978 in Oklahoma where the GB men and women squad won sparring, breaking and team pattern medals.

“He inspired many people, and the students whose lives he touched have a lot to thank him for. There is a ripple effect of the lives they touched and who they touched ripples out.

“Mick, thank you for being part of the Taekwondo family that has influenced all my life for so many years. “Once met never forgotten “

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time

The UKTA Executive Council added: “Sincere condolences to the family, students and friends of former UKTA instructor Mick Fanthorpe who sadly passed away on 21 May.

“Mick was the first member in the UK to be promoted to 4th Dan, and was a former UKTA national team coach, and instructor of Thorne school in Yorkshire. Rest in peace.”

An obituary for Mr Fanthorpe described him as a ‘devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend.

“He will always be remembered for his commitment to living life to the full and on his own terms but he was always there for his family.

“He enriched so many lives and will be sadly missed by all.”

The funeral service will take place on June 26 at Rose Hill Crematorium at 1pm.