[1] His interest in karate was inspired by the character Oddjob[2] in the James Bond film Goldfinger.

On 25 May 2010,[4] on behalf of the Emperor of Japan and the Japanese government, the Japanese Consul General in Edinburgh, Mr Masataka Tarahara, presented Ronnie Watt with the Order of the Rising Sun[5] with Gold and Silver rays.

This was in recognition of Mr Watt's outstanding contribution to karate and his commitment to strengthening the relationship between Scotland and Japan.

[6] Watt was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2011 New Year Honours for services to karate.

In 2015, Watt was made a Knight Commander Cavaleiro da Casa Real Portuguesa.