By Lawrence Machodo
Robert Allan Katz is honoured and humbled at receiving an OAM (Medal of the Order of Australia) for his service to judo, saying his job as a coach is a labour of love.
His wife and former Olympian, Kerrye received an OAM for her services to judo last year, giving them a rare family honour. Their sons, Nathan, and Josh, are double Olympians who are continuing the family tradition of coaching the next generation of champions.
Robert is one of the most experienced judo exponents in Australia, being very active in the national and state associations for many years. As a coach, Robert is among the most respected in the country and runs the award-winning Budokan Judo Club in Baulkham Hills with his family.
“Kerrye and I do what we do as a labour of love which gives us great satisfaction, a sense of giving back to a sport which means so much to us,” Robert said.
“Actually, I was more excited about Kerrye gaining the honour last year! For us, making a difference is very important. We measure our success by the development and progress of our athletes, so we haven’t really thought too much about personal awards. Having said that, this recognition is an honour and also very humbling.”
Robert, who took to judo aged 13, said their club thrives on recommendations by their members to their friends. “This is a positive indication of how we are doing, and in a minor sport like judo, any exposure to the wider community is great,” he said.
AWARD ALSO BELONGS TO FAMILY, CLUB
“Our club coaches, committee and volunteer parents know that we greatly appreciate their commitment – this award also belongs to my family and the club.
“I am also very grateful to Scott Young, our club Vice-President who I am aware invested a lot of time to put the nomination together.”
Robert has ticked off all the main boxes in his sport, including excelling in local and international competitions, being the national coach at Olympic and World Championships, setting up a pioneering judo club in The Hills and now overseeing the family’s expanding judo legacy.
After a 21-year career at the RAAF where he ended up as Wing Commander, Robert and his wife took over as head coaches at the Budokan club in 1999 from founder Ivor Endicott Davies.
In The RRAF, Robert was employed in a range of roles, including: air delivery projects, aircraft maintenance, aircraft maintenance scheduling, aircraft maintenance audit, aircraft acquisitions, procurement manager, contract management, and strategic planner .
“Judo wasn’t a sport available in the military so on each posting I sought approval to participate in civilian sport.,” Robert recalled. “The RAAF was very accommodating and approved six months leave without pay in 1982 and many other events as athlete and coach.
“I competed in the International Military Sport Council (CISM) World Military Games in 1992.”
Robert won silver and bronze medals at the Senior Australian Championships, Oceania Championships and the World Masters Games.
In 2020, he received the NSW Community Service Award and NSW Community Coach of the Year Award.
