York martial arts star Rob Thomas flies to Japan tomorrow to take part in a most prestigious event. Evening Press deputy sports editor Tony Kelly reports.

A DREAM cherished for nigh on two decades will be realised tomorrow for York's judo titan Rob Thomas.

The man who has returned to the competitive arena with a bang this past nine months, flies out to Japan bound for a tournament in the nation where martial arts first sprang as a form of defence centuries ago.

For the 38-year-old Thomas, his expedition to the spiritual home of judo represents a lifetime of achievement.

But the ultra-competitive York ace does not envisage his pilgrimage to the Far East as the absolute pinnacle of his ambition. Now that he is on the threshold of realising the ambition of competing amid the masters of his art, his trip to the land of the rising sun is being propelled by a brace of aspirations.

His first goal is to win a fight at the Kodokan - one of the foremost judo clubs in Japan - where the World Masters Judo competition will take place. His next goal is to keep on winning so that he returns from his week-long 'dream of a lifetime' clutching a medal in a grip hewn from almost 20 years of combat on the mat.

If he negotiates both those hurdles then Thomas will not only be one of the happiest disciples of a discipline where honour and hardness go hand in hand. He will also believe it to be a fitting reward for the massive support he has attracted throughout his home city.

Since announcing his return to the Masters circuit last year after a spell in the wilderness, the newly-appointed fourth Dan has been backed by a fund-raising drive which has left him speechless and humbled.

Firms and friends have rallied around with generous support in a concerted campaign to get the considerable amount of cash needed to cover the costs of his midsummer mission to the Japanese capital of Tokyo. Companies such as Azlan, F R Pulleyn, Emperor's Gymnasium and the Buzz Bar have been his main backers.

But as the final few weeks ticked by, his own family - Thomas is the youngest of six sisters and three brothers - launched a final flourish.

They banded together for a surprise birthday bash for their youngest sibling at the Groves Working Men's Club that helped to amass more than £1,770. That, together with £400 provided by a barbecue and raffle at the Star Inn at Huby, enabled Thomas to finally clear any final financial hurdle to his trek to the other side of the world, which begins tomorrow with a train from York to Manchester Airport.

"To be honest I'm still overwhelmed by all the backing I've had. So many people have put so much faith in me that it's left me not able to find the right words to say how grateful I am," he told the Evening Press.

"The fact that so much has been raised has taken a hell of a weight off my shoulders and that means I can go into the World Masters event as relaxed as anyone can be competing at such a level."

His own immediate family - wife Diane and children Ross, Ryan, Robbie and Rebecca - too have backed him all the way as have Ryedale Judo Club, whom he represents, and Stamford Bridge JC where he is the chief coach.

Indeed, judo has been in Thomas' blood since he first attempted the sport as an 11-year-old. He had a break from it as teenage years passed by, but then returned as an 18-year-old since when he has fought at the top level. He was ranked the number one British heavyweight until a his 'retirement' a few years ago.

The Masters circuit re-ignited his competitive fire and, though he broke a shoulder in a tournament in Ireland last autumn, he was undeterred. Chasing the dream of Japan he battled back and in March se-cured a European Masters title.

Now the world beckons. He said: "When I was young I used to think about competing at the highest level at various events and games. But I never thought I would have the chance to com-pete in a world championships in Japan. Now the day is here.

"I'm nervous, that's for sure. But I'm sure when I get there and start preparing for the week to come that my mind will be right. I feel very strong and very fit. There are a lot of internationally-rated fighters there but I am determined to do my utmost to get on the medal rostrum."

Family united behind Rob

THE Thomas clan topped off the fund-raising push for their youngest brother as his six sisters and three brothers, plus their families, held a birthday celebration at the Groves Working-Men's Club last month.

That brought in a whopping £1,772, boosted by £400 from an event at the Star Inn at Huby.

And before Thomas left he was further boosted by the performances of his three sons at the Ryedale JC championships. Ross Thomas won gold ahead of brother Ryan, who took silver in the same weight category, while Robbie gained bronze in his class.

The backers for Thomas include: Azlan; F R Pulleyn; Kath Jackson-Galtres in Strensall; Hilton Hotel, York; Gallery Nightclub; Nestl York; Plonkers Wine Bar; Cock and Bottle; Buzz Bar, Megabowl; Acorn Butchers, Acomb; Strensall Butchers; Odeon Cinema; Opera House; Warner Brothers; Emperor's Gymnasium; Fitness First; Living Well Gym; Cads men's hair stylists; Wavelengths Unisex Stylists; Squires Hair Stylists; Tan Unique; Xanadu; Go Karting; H Richars MIW Limousines; Jackson's super-market; Topps Hair Stylists; Boyes Store; ATS Tadcaster; W H Smith; Boots; Kwik Save, Asda; Terry's; Nurses at the Retreat; Safeways; the Yorkshire Evening Press; Star Pub, Huby; Milling and Baking; York Racecourse; PP Snack Foods; L L Chapman greengrocers; DJ Ben Feetenby.

Back-up buddies

A TWO-MAN back-up unit will accompany Rob Thomas tomorrow.

The 'Team Thomas' comprises Alan Ainsworth, who is a fellow coach at Stamford Bridge Judo Club, and Chris Burman. He, like Thomas, fights out of Ryedale Judo Club, and will help with the York star's fitness.

In the months leading up this week's pilgrimage, Thomas has been assisted by his mentor Mick Leng, the head coach at Ryedale JC, while Dylan Morgan has been Thomas' fitness training instructor and sparring partner.

The schedule for the week will open with a therapeutic massage on Monday afternoon soon after his arrival in Tokyo.

Tuesday and Wednesday will be taken up with a run in the morning followed by training at Tokyo University.

Thursday will be a rest day before the exacting business of actual competition on Friday and Saturday before Thomas' expected return home a week tomorrow.

Updated: 11:11 Saturday, June 21, 2003