By Paul Nelson, Director, Judo Australia
In May 2026, Australian judo lost an iconic figure, Judo Australia’s honorary life member, Albert John Whipp, AM, CSM, 7th Dan.
Whippy, as he was known to thousands of judoka, was exceptional in having attained competitive success at national and world championships, successfully coaching and developing high level competitors, and developing the sport through volunteer leadership roles in four states, as well as at national and Oceania Judo Union levels.
He also led or was a member of state and national coaching and grading committees. During his journey, he attained master judo grades with our Australian Federation, and the Kodokan Institute, and also in jujitsu.
What made Whippy even more unique was his highly committed service to club judo over 50 years and so many different clubs.
John’s military career saw him posted to new locations numerous times in southern and eastern Australia. Wherever he went, he reinvigorated or founded new clubs so by the time he retired from his last post with National Grades Committee in the early 2000s, he had helped develop some 20 Judo clubs, as well as countless competitors and people who became leading contributors to Australian judo.
Military & Police Committee chair, Derek Morris, spoke of his extensive service career.
“Major Albert John Whipp AM, CSM of the Royal Australian Infantry Corps served in the Australian Army from 1966 to 1996. He deployed twice to Vietnam, first in 1967/68, and again in 1972 as part of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV).”
“He attained the rank of Warrant Officer Class Two before commissioning at the rank of Captain, eventually retiring at the rank of Major. In 1985 he was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) and in 1995 he was awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM) for conspicuous service as the Senior Instructor of the Military Unarmed Combat Cell.
“In 1992 he managed, coached, and competed in the World Military Judo Championships in Korea as a member of the ADF team. He is considered one of the pioneers of modern military unarmed combat, involved in developing and teaching military unarmed combat for most of his career.
Even into his 80s, Whippy remained a supporter of ADF judo when in 2023 he personally awarded the Major John Whipp AM, CSM Shield at the 2023 Brisbane International Open to the ADF Serving team – the first time the trophy had been contested.”
It’s fitting that we will be reminded of the man and his far-reaching legacy each time this trophy is awarded.
Whippy was always warm, reasoned, and gentlemanly. This made him hugely popular and helped him work-with, guide and encourage multitudes of judoka and other people throughout the country. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Our condolences to all of Whippy’s family and friends who must be feeling his loss keenly.
