Alan White’s Black Belt

October 9th 2008

From Martial Arts to marshalling gas engineers, a United Utilities worker has just gained one of the newest coaching awards in Judo.

Gas Emergency Dispatcher, Alan White from Forest Hall, near Newcastle, has been practising judo for more than 29 years since he was a teenager. A black belt just three years after taking up the sport and a second dan in quick succession prompted him to take up coaching, but now he has decided to formalise his coaching skills with a UK Coaching Certificate.

Alan practises at least 4 times per week at the Lakeshore Judo Club in Killingworth and has represented his county in competitions from London to Scotland.

Alan’s job helping to manage the gas emergency service on behalf of Northern Gas Networks at United Utilities offices in Doxford Park Sunderland gives him plenty of free time when he is not at work to practise his sport due to his shift pattern.

“Having a job where I sit down a lot means that I need to find ways to keep fit,”
said Alan. “I would recommend the sport to anyone who wants to stay fit and healthy.”