Klaus Friedrich refereed many international tournaments in the 1980s and 1990s as well as European Championships, the 1987 and 1989 World Championships in Essen and Belgrade and the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul (KOR). In 1996 in Atlanta and 2000 in Sydney he was appointed as a referee at the Paralympics. During his active time he was the most successful referee in Germany.
For many years he was also a member of the Referee Commission of the German Judo Federation (DJB) and trained numerous judges. He was one of the main people responsible for the positive development of refereeing in the DJB. Many of his protégés were later internationally successful and are now active in leading positions in the DJB.
Klaus Friedrich lived the sport of judo and its rules. He dedicated himself to refereeing with passion and was also active as a coach, youth leader and fighter. Due to his outstanding work for the German Judo sport, he was awarded the 7th Dan by the DJB in 2000.
The judoka, who was born in 1945, has also left his mark off the tatami. He achieved international fame as a scientist and is still one of the top 100 international materials scientists.
On behalf of our European Judo Family and refereeing community we would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the German Judo Federation on the passing of Klaus Friedrich. We are deeply saddened to hear such news and we extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends.
Author: Sören Starke