Mr King founded the club when he arrived in 1966 and has been the driving force of it ever since. 

He retired this year after an incredible 48 years of service to judo in both Katherine and Australia. 

Until recently, he was the head coach in Katherine, with the reins now in the hands of Mr Hussey-Smith, who was in fact coached by his predecessor for 27 years.

“Without him, it’s going to be hard,” Mr Hussey-Smith said.

“He’s singlehandedly kept it going and has helped train literally hundreds of kids and adults, and actually changed their lives.”

Brad Fong, president of the NT Judo Association, congratulated Mr King on his long career and his indispensable contribution to the sport. 

“Max has been an absolutely fantastic contributor for many, many years, and he has been such an amazing ambassador for judo in the NT,” he said.

“He has coached many people to win medals at national titles.

“He has just been a great ambassador and will be greatly missed in his retirement.”

Judo Federation of Australia president Neville Sharpe also extended his thanks to Mr King. 

“As president of the JFA, we just want to congratulate and thank him for his contributions,” Mr Sharpe said.

“He is one of the great characters of judo and he has made a big difference to the lives of young people in Katherine – he’s contributed to that for whole generations.”

Reflecting on his long career this week, Mr King told the Katherine Times that of all of his medals and accolades, he was most proud of his second dan black belt.

He also said that judo had taken him and his wife around Australia for countless tournaments, and made them lifelong friends along the way. 

June King, who served as a dedicated volunteer and put in decades of service at the Katherine Judo Club, said the couple would be able to slow down, just a little, in retirement.

“It’s been quite time consuming over the years, but you don't mind putting the time in because we've always had such good kids, such dedicated kids,” she explained.