Jan de Rooij remembered: a Dutch judo builder who stayed ringside to the end

Dutch judo has said goodbye to Jan de Rooij, who has passed away at the age of 78. For many in the Netherlands, he wasn’t just a successful coach; he was a steady presence whose influence could be felt in clubs, at competitions, and in the mindset of athletes who grew up under his guidance. Even in his final days, he remained closely connected to the sport.

For more than five decades, de Rooij helped shape Dutch talent and set standards that went beyond podium goals. Among the athletes linked to his work were Olympic medallists Deborah Gravenstijn and Elisabeth Willeboordse, who developed into world-class competitors with him in their corner. His impact also reached far outside elite results, shaping generations on and off the tatami.

He demanded commitment, but he never forgot the person behind the judogi.

A stroke fourteen years ago brought growing physical challenges, yet it didn’t break his bond with judo. Shortly before his death, he described his long struggle in characteristically judo terms: he had been “defending an arm lock” for twelve years, and now it was time to tap.

Former pupil Grim Vuijsters remembers de Rooij as a father figure as much as a coach. Vuijsters once defeated Teddy Riner with de Rooij in his corner, and he credits his mentor’s discipline and structure for pushing him further than he thought possible. De Rooij was known for being strict and direct, but also for creating an environment where athletes felt supported and free to grow.

His attention never faded. Just one week before he passed away, he spoke with Jur Spijkers to wish him success ahead of the European Championships in Tbilisi. In the end, the legacy he leaves isn’t only about big names; it’s about the culture of respect he built—so strong that many athletes addressed him formally as “Mr De Rooij” for years.

Source: JudoInside