During the opening ceremony of the European Judo Championships Kata Riga 2025, Robert Kojc was honoured for his exceptional contribution to judo education in 2024. He received the award in recognition of his outstanding dedication to the advancement of judo education, particularly in the field of kata, demonstrating remarkable initiative, expertise, and a strong commitment to engaging younger generations and promoting inclusivity within the sport.
A prominent figure in Slovenian judo, Kojc has played a significant role in the development of the sport, especially in the area of kata. He currently serves as President of the Slovenian Institute for Judo and the Judo Kata Association, and has long been an advocate for introducing judo to younger generations. His initiatives include organising events such as the Children’s Kata Festival and Kata Seminars, aimed at educating coaches and making judo more accessible and appealing to children and young people. Kojc shared his emotions after the ceremony:
“I am truly surprised and honoured by this award, I didn’t expect my work to be recognised at such a level. Of course, this is not just about me; I have a fantastic team and many supporters. It’s a growing community, not only within individual nations but across the whole European judo family. The Kata Commission gives us a wonderful platform to showcase the beauty and significance of kata. Each year, we see more young judoka joining us on this journey, which points to a bright future. I see myself as just a small part of this success story. I have promised myself, this is only the beginning. This recognition is a powerful motivation to continue and do even more, together.”
Author: Szandra Szogedi