Marius Vizer: Judo achievements over the last two decades directly related to George Kerr

George Kerr is one of the biggest personalities in judo. He recently celebrated his 80th birthday and in this occasion he wrote a book. The IJF met with George Kerr in his hometown Edinburgh.

George Kerr is jovial, and his rolling Scottish accent makes you want to spend hours listening to his stories of the evolution of judo. As the man stated in his book, which was officially released on the occasion of the Suzuki Judo World Championships in Budapest last August, getting to the 10th dan has been a ‘real journey’ through time and through the successive revolutions of judo.

Mr. Marius Vizer, the IJF President, declared: “I have always respected and appreciated George Kerr. It is my conviction that many of the achievements in judo over the last two decades are directly related to him. I consider George to be an important chapter in the history, present and future of judo.“

In the introduction of his book, George Kerr said: “I am at an age where I have no need, nor desire to tell any lies. I am to old not to tell the truth now.“ And in fact, Mr. George Kerr not only opened his house but he also opened his heart during the exclusive interview that he gave to the IJF at the beginning of July.

Having celebrated his 80th birthday this summer, George Kerr is still an active judoka; he enjoys being on the tatami and beyond everything he loves to transfer his incredible knowledge and philosophy to the younger generations.