Cor Van Der Geest is the founder of the modern incarnation of the famous Dutch sports club Kenamju, which he took over the management of in 1971. He himself competed at the Tournoi de Paris, now known as the Paris Grand Slam, but it was in his move to coaching that he found his true calling, loving the adventures associated with taking white belts and helping them become great champions.
From Kenamju have come numerous Olympic, world and European medallists. Cor Van Der Geest is the coach responsible for the 3 world champions Ruben Houkes, Guillaume Elmont and his son Dennis Van Der Geest, who is now working with the IJF in the commentating team. Olympic medallists from his club include Claudia Zwiers, Jenny Gal and again Dennis. Kenamju also won European Club Championship gold twice.
Cor Van Der Geest became Head Women’s coach for the Dutch team in the lead up to the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, soon taking on the role for both men and women. In 2009 while in place as the Dutch Olympic coach, he took on the role of Technical Director, then retiring from the federation in 2012.
His proudest moment, though, was at the 2002 European Championships in Maribor, where sons Elco and Dennis each won gold in their respective weight categories on the same day.
During the presentation, Mr Vizer said, "Dear Cor, the judo family is celebrating today a unique moment to award somebody who dedicated not only his life to judo, but that of his family, friends, city and country. We are proud to have you here with us today. We wish you and your family good success, good health and we hope to see you for many years to come at our biggest judo events."
Cor Van Der Geest responded, "I am happy to be here. People are very nice here. Thank you Mr President, dear Marius, it is a really special moment to receive my eighth dan from you. Thank you.”
All judo fans around the world remember their heroes, world and Olympic champions. Most of the time, we tend to forget who were the people sitting in the coaching chair leading them to the podium. Cor Van Der Geest is one of those exceptions, that everyone remembers. He is a legend himself for what he did for his athletes and beyond that for the development of judo in the world. The new eighth dan was today enjoying the two categories in action in the Humo Arena. There is no doubt that passion is still beating in his heart. His 8th dan is the perfect continuation of what he's been doing throughout his career and life: transmitting passion.