From Budokwai Beginnings to the JudoTV Commentary Desk

Sheldon Franco-Rooks has become one of international judo’s most familiar commentators, bringing knowledge and energy to World Judo Tour coverage on JudoTV.com. Alongside Neil Adams and other contributors, he has helped viewers follow not only the action but also the people behind it.

His route into judo began with a childhood mistake. Growing up during the martial-arts movie boom of the 1970s, Franco-Rooks spotted people entering a sports centre near his home in white suits and belts. Thinking he had found a kung fu club, he walked in one Saturday morning and discovered a packed judo dojo instead.

The club was not accepting beginners, so he claimed to have already trained in judo. His first session started with warm-ups and breakfalls before moving on to throws. The sport quickly became a lasting fascination, leading him to the Budokwai, the London club that has played a major role in British judo.

Before online results and video archives, Franco-Rooks built his judo knowledge through magazines and library visits. He followed junior events and was particularly inspired by Neil Adams, whom he has known since he was 15. Their competitive paths differed, however: while Adams rose through elite judo, Franco-Rooks recognised that top-level competition was not for him.

That did not end his connection to the sport. After leaving school, he worked at British Telecom, where his German-language role on international calls enabled him to help members of the British national team stay in touch with family and friends while travelling. His own experience as a judoka opened further doors, from training camps to friendships with athletes, coaches and administrators.

A chance visit to a judo club became a lifelong place in the sport.

Music also helped shape his future behind the microphone. Franco-Rooks had presented artists through his work for a music foundation, and Densign White later encouraged him to bring those presentation skills to European judo. Initially unpaid, the opportunity put him closer to the event environment.

The defining moment came around 2003 at a European competition. Passing the technical table, he noticed that the event broadcast had venue sound but no commentary. He picked up a headset and microphone and began speaking live. What started spontaneously developed into a long-running role in judo broadcasting.

Neil Adams later joined the live commentary, while Annett Böhm, Loretta Doyle and Dennis Van der Geest were among the other voices involved over the years. The project grew into the global JudoTV platform known today.

For Franco-Rooks, commentary is about more than explaining scores or techniques. He sees it as a link between elite competition and everyone learning from the sport, while reflecting the sense of community that has kept him connected to judo for decades.

Source: IJF.org

Image source: IJF / International Judo Federation