9 February 2010

Ultimate Judo President Is Awarded 10th Dan — A Prestigious Honour in Judo

Ultimate Judo is deeply proud to announce that on 9 February 2010, our club President, George Kerr, was awarded the rank of 10th Dan at the Paris Grand Prix — placing him among a tiny, elite group in the global judo world, and making him the only Scotsman ever to hold this highest rank in judo.

This achievement isn’t just about a belt promotion — it recognises a lifetime of leadership, dedication and influence in judo — both on and off the tatami.

What It Means to Be 10th Dan in Judo

Attaining 10th Dan is extraordinarily rare. Only a handful of judokas worldwide ever reach this level. It’s awarded not merely for performance in competition but for service, influence, teaching, refereeing, and legacy over decades.

When someone receives 10th Dan, it's a signal that their contributions have shaped the art itself — in technique, governance, coaching, and culture. For Kerr to reach this mark is to affirm that his impact spans generations.

George Kerr: His Journey & Impact

Here’s a fuller look at the roles, achievements, and influence that underpin this recognition:

As a Competitor

• Multiple times British Champion Ultimate Judo

• European Champion, plus silver and bronze medals in other European championships Ultimate Judo

• Established himself early on as one of Britain’s judo stalwarts.

As a Coach, Mentor & Club Founder

• Founded Edinburgh Judo Club, one of Scotland’s most successful dojos, producing champions and strong competitors. Ultimate Judo

• Mentored top athletes, including Graeme Randall MBE, Scotland’s only world champion in judo. Ultimate Judo

• Coached Peter Seisenbacher, the only British coach to guide a double Olympic champion (1984, 1988) Ultimate Judo

In Governance & Administration

• President of the British Judo Association (BJA) Ultimate Judo

• Former Chairman of JudoScotland Ultimate Judo

As Referee & Arbiter

• Officiated Olympic Judo Finals in 1972 and 1976 Ultimate Judo

• Earned renown for fairness, technical depth, and understanding of high-level competition.

All of this combines to present George Kerr not only as a great judoka, but as a custodian of judo’s traditions, evolution and future.

Why This Matters to Ultimate Judo

George Kerr’s 10th Dan is more than a personal accolade — it’s a statement about the club’s lineage, values, and vision:

1. Symbol of Excellence
   His rank reflects a gold standard to which our students, coaches, and the club at large can aspire.

2. Historical Legacy
   As the only Scot to ever reach 10th Dan, his achievement roots our club in Scotland’s judo heritage.

3. Inspiration & Motivation
   Seeing that such heights are possible can galvanise members at all levels to push themselves further.

4. Increased Credibility & Recognition
   This level of distinction helps elevate the club’s profile, attract new members, and cement relationships with national and international judo bodies.

5. Anchor for Future Growth
   With a figure like Kerr leading, the club has a clear foundation to host seminars, collaborative events, advanced coaching, and further prestige-level programming.

How We’re Celebrating & Moving Forward

• Public Acknowledgement & Congratulations
  We invite all club members, past and present, to congratulate George Kerr on this milestone.

• Feature Displays & Media
  We’ll be placing photographs and narratives around the dojo and on our website to honour his journey.

• Educational Sessions & Seminars
  Expect guest seminars, masterclasses, and technique forums under George’s guidance — to share his knowledge with all members.

• Legacy Projects
  We’ll document his philosophies, signature techniques, decision-making in refereeing, and career highlights as part of the club archive — to inspire future generations.

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