A respected figure within German and international judo for more than five decades, Willi Höfken served as president of the German Judo Federation from 1992 to 1996. During the same period, he was also vice president of the European Judo Union.
A 6th dan, Willi Höfken first discovered judo in 1968. Before dedicating many years to leadership roles within the sport, he built a successful career as a coach with the judo section of the Recklinghausen Police Sports Club. His commitment was recognised with the Golden Laurel Leaf, the club’s highest distinction.
From 1987 to 1999, he led the North Rhine-Westphalia Judo Federation. His service to the federation had begun much earlier, first as chair of its legal committee between 1974 and 1982, then as sport director until 1987. A qualified national referee, he was elected honorary president of the federation in 2000.
Even in recent years, Wilhelm Höfken continued to support both the North Rhine-Westphalia Judo Federation and the German Judo Federation as a good governance officer. His experience, sound advice and steadfast commitment remained greatly valued by all those who worked alongside him. In 2007, he received the Federal Cross of Merit in recognition of his outstanding contribution to sport.
With Wilhelm Höfken, the judo family loses a dedicated judoka, committed leader and trusted friend. The International Judo Federation extends its sincere condolences to his family, friends and to the entire German judo community.