Budokan Judo Club Secretary and Head Junior Coach, Kerrye Katz has been awarded the NSW Government’s Community Service Award. The media Release follows:
- On the 21st December 2023, Kerrye and I attended the office of the NSW State Member for Castle Hill, Mark Hodges MP, so that Mark could present the award.
- “This award is in recognition of Kerrye’s inspirational leadership and dedicated level of service to the Hills community for over 20 years,” Mark Hodges said.
- “Kerrye spends countless hours supporting, motivating and encouraging each and every one of her athletes irrespective of their skill level, age, fitness or ability from those undertaking their first class as nervous toddlers under 5 years of age, to National Champions and National Team members, providing an immense benefit to the local and broader communities.”
- “Together with my husband Rob, it has been a privilege and an honour to lead Budokan Judo Club and to see many of the club’s youngest athletes develop into happy, confident and successful adults not just as Judo athletes, but in life. This award is a tribute to the whole Budokan family of coaches, committee members, parents and athletes who make the club so special and I am very grateful” Kerrye said.
- The holder of a 5th Dan black belt, Kerrye has competed at Judo’s highest level representing Australia at five World Championships and the inaugural female Judo competition at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games.
- In addition to Club coaching, Kerrye has been the State Junior Team Coach to the Nationals for many years as well as the State Junior Development Squad Coach. She is also the current National Cadet (Under 17yrs) Coach, often travelling overseas for international events including the Youth Olympic Games and World Championships.
- At Budokan, Kerrye and Rob lead a team of 16 assistant coaches, all volunteers who offer up to 12 sessions per week for 200 athletes representing a diverse cross section of the community.
- Budokan caters to a diverse community demographic throughout the Castle Hill electorate and beyond. From pre-school toddlers, recreational players and members with spectrum disorders to veteran competitors and Olympians – athletes are guided along pathways which maximise their enjoyment and potential.
- Her coaching role in the club makes her responsible for the development of all Juniors 9 to 14 years of age, from beginner to National Champion. She has up to 50 students in these classes.
- Kerrye also created the “Dino Kids” pre-school pre-Judo program for pre-school 4 and 5 year olds. The program commenced in April 2017 and under Kerrye’s lead, has been a great success as an introduction to Judo principles and discipline whilst creating challenges in a safe environment.
- Budokan consistently achieves outstanding results in National competition. In the 21 National Championships in which Budokan has been represented since 2002, 502 athletes have competed in 723 divisions and have achieved 384 medals comprising 141 Gold, 102 Silver, and 141 Bronze medals. This enviable level of consistent success is a testament to Kerrye’s service and commitment to both Judo and the Hills Community over many years.
- At the opposite end of the competition spectrum, in August 2023 Budokan hosted its 25th NSW State competition for MONS (under 9 years) and Junior (Under 12 years) athletes from NSW clubs. These events provide an opportunity for all of NSW’s youngest competitors to experience competition Judo, many for the first time, and doing so in a friendly club environment. Importantly these competitions expose Judo to the Hills community as well as bringing the NSW Judo Community to the Hills.
- In all Kerrye’s commitment to Budokan Judo Club and the community exceeds 15 hours per week whilst continuing to work part time as a Special Needs Teacher.
- Budokan won the Hills Shire Council Australia Day 2020 Community Group of the Year and was also a finalist in the Sport NSW Community Club awards during 2019. In 2017, Budokan won the Judo Australia Annual Club Award for initiative.
Kerrye is a selfless coach who instils her Olympic values in each of the junior athletes she coaches motivating them to achieve their life goals both on and off the Judo mat. Congratulations Kerrye on your fantastic contribution to Judo and Budokan.