Testimonials - what they say about Ray

Here's a selection of testimonials from a wide range of people who Ray has taught or been involved with in the fields of judo, mixed martial arts (MMA) and fitness training. You can see more testimonials on the Fitness Gallery page.

"Ray Stevens is acknowledged as one of Britain's greatest practitioners of judo in recent times. What people should also know is that he is also an outstanding teacher who understands both the mental and physical aspects of learning quickly and well. A club with him in charge of it is going to be a very good one, and a great place to be."
William Hague
Shadow Foreign Secretary and former Leader of the Conservative Party

"Ray Stevens has a long and illustrious career inside British Judo. He was always considered by his fellow competitors and the judo public as one of the most skilful of British Judoka with his dynamic throwing and equally effective groundwork techniques.
Since retiring from competitive Judo, Ray has continued his commitment to the sport in a variety of capacities including personal training and management. It gives me great pleasure to endorse the latest development in Ray's judo life with the establishment of a new judo club catering for both senior and junior membership."
Densign White
Chairman, British Judo Association

"Ray is known internationally in Judo as someone who has excelled at the highest level and whose approach combines dedication with technique and creative flair.
His enormous experience of Judo stretches back to training as a junior at High Wycombe, before progressing his senior contest career at the Budokwai, where he has always been much sought after as a training partner. His professionally competitive approach, but refreshingly unintimidating style and regard for dojo ethos has also led to him being valued as an inspirational teacher.
Ray's recent acceptance of the position of Vice Chairman of the BJA London Area promises additional and exciting benefits for British Judo."
Tony Sweeney
9th Dan, Hon President of the Budokwai

"It has been such a privilege to be able to train with an Olympian. Under Ray I have improved exponentially. I cannot recommend Ray as a coach highly enough."
Max Denning (16)
1st Dan and Independent Schools Champion

"Very few can have the chance to learn from such a great Judo champion as Ray Stevens, silver medal at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona (despite having competed virtually on one leg) and silver medal at the 1994 European Championships. The depth of both his standing and groundwork techniques and his attention to detail are phenomenal. Ray is very enjoyable to practice with, even when out of nowhere, I end up either watching my feet flying above my head, or arm-locked in a desperate position!"
Fabrice Pellous
1st Dan

"Many people know Ray as the last male Olympic medallist this country has produced; I however have the privilege of knowing him as a coach as well. His precise understanding of each and every technique goes way beyond any instruction that I have received from anyone else and his attention to detail is extreme! However his easygoing manner makes judo entertaining and easy to absorb techniques that had remained a mystery to me, have been broken down and reassembled in a way that not only work but also make sense!
There is no doubt in my mind that without Ray’s help I would not have earned my black belt in the two and a half years that it took me from starting the sport at the age of 45.
I recommend that if any one has the opportunity to learn Judo from Ray that they grab it with both hands."
Tim King
1st Dan

"Ray is one of the best judoists this country has ever produced. He has proved that he is literally - World Class. Aside from being an amazing athlete and competitor, he is a truly rare and gifted teacher whom I am lucky enough to call - Sensei.
Thank you Sensei Ray!"
Ashen Dachtler
Writer & Producer

"I’ve known Ray Stevens since he was 16 years old when he asked to be my training partner back in the 1980’s. Who could have asked for a better partner than him! Ray is committed, reliable, works extremely hard to get where he wants to be and above all that, is genuinely personable.
Ray has helped me get to the heights of an international sportsman and I am grateful for his time and the commitment he has shown to me over the years. I am proud of his achievements in Judo, and pleased to say he is someone I can call a dear friend."
Neil Adams MBE
Double Silver Olympic Medallist & 8th degree Black Belt

"Ray’s second sporting love is golf, and as his instructor and good friend I have seen him apply to golf some of the qualities that took him to the top in Judo, at International level. What stands out most of all is his resolve not to compromise the building of proper technique, even when things get difficult; he has a preparedness to do whatever is required to achieve technical excellence.
For a student to have Ray as their Fitness or Judo coach means to have confidence in training under someone with the highest regard for ultimate performance. It means a great deal when you are training hard to know that your efforts are being directed by someone with Ray’s calibre and background."
Gary Marks
PGA Instructor and 2006 PGA National Champion

"Ray Stevens doesn’t just talk a good game, he actually practices what he preaches. Ray competed at the highest level so knows what it takes to get and stay in great shape. On top of that he is also a very good communicator, which makes him an excellent teacher."
David Morgan
5 times commonwealth games gold medallist in Weightlifting

Here is a link to further comments about Ray from the European Fight Network forum.