Real lives: Scotland's 'Mr Judo' earns a top Japanese accolade

Published on Saturday 23 January 2010 10:23

George Kerr, a Scottish judo legend, has been recognised by the Japanese Government for promoting understanding and friendship between Japan and the UK.

George Kerr – Scotland's "Mr Judo' – was awarded the Certificate of Commendation by the Japanese Government at a ceremony in the Japanese Consulate on 15 January.

"I was overwhelmed. I don't know of any other Scots who have it," the 72-year-old said.

Mr Kerr, from Edinburgh, is former captain of the British Judo team and multiple medal and title-winner, including the British Open Championship in 1966 and 1968. He fell in love with Japan after receiving a scholarship for Nihon University at the age of 16.

He spent over four years studying the sport in the country and is currently one of only two Britons to have achieved the 9th Dan in judo, the second-highest grade of skill and technical knowledge.

He stopped competing professionally in 1968, but he is now President of the British Judo Foundation. He is also a Scottish Sports Hall of Fame member said.

Born in 1937, Mr Kerr currently runs Junior Judo, a centre where youngsters can learn the sport, with his wife Pauline, 48, who has been married to George for 28 years, and is a qualified personal trainer and fitness instructor.

Recently, the Kerrs have welcomed three-times Japanese Olympic champion Kosei Inoue to be a guest instructor at their West Bowling Green Street centre. Mr Inoue, who is in the country to learn English, has been training the Scottish squad twice a week. Mr Kerr said: "In Japan, he is like someone better known than David Beckham, with the skill of Ronaldo,"

The father of three added: "Throughout my judo career I have tried to follow, and to teach, traditional Japanese values such as politeness, discipline and honour."

He said judo teaches children to be honest and look out for each other, and promoted a healthier lifestyle.

"Most kids have a TV in their room, and are always playing with a Game Boy or an Xbox or a PlayStation. You show me a kid who is five or six years old, and doesn't know how to use a computer – I don't think you'll find one."

Mr Kerr is set to return to Japan later this year, as well as numerous other locations with his coaching, including Vienna and Miami. Next month, the International Judo Federation will also be honouring the grandfather-of-two's lifetime achievements at a ceremony in Paris' Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy.

He still shows no sign of slowing down. He said: "What do you do when you retire, watch television? That sounds terrible to me."