Piano Prodigy Jude Kofie to Headline Project Harmony’s 30th Anniversary Gala
2 days ago
Australia Josh Katz is an Australian Olympic judoka who has competed in two Olympic Games and earned multiple national and international medals.
Judo Australia is the national governing body for Judo in Australia, partnering with Josh Katz to develop and promote the sport, including performance pathways and national events.
CombatAUS partners with Judo Australia to provide an effective athlete pathway from beginner to elite levels in Judo.
This program at La Trobe University assists professional athletes like Josh Katz, who juggles study and judo, with support for their busy lifestyles.
Josh Katz has appeared in Olympic Unleashed TV, a program that likely involves athletes sharing their experiences and inspiring others.
Born on December 29, 1997, in Baulkham Hills, New South Wales, Australia, Josh Katz comes from a family deeply involved in judo. His mother, Kerrye Katz, competed in judo at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, and his father, Robert, coached the Olympic judo team in both 1988 and 2016. Josh began his judo career in the junior ranks, securing junior national championships in 2013 and 2014, along with four consecutive junior Oceania Championships between 2012 and 2015. He continued to rise, winning his first senior Oceania title in 2015 and defending it in 2016, which led to his automatic qualification for the Rio 2016 Olympics.
At 18 years and 220 days, Josh became Australia’s youngest male judoka to compete at an Olympic Games during Rio 2016. He competed alongside his older brother, Nathan Katz, marking the first time two brothers represented Australia in judo at the same Games. Following his Olympic debut, Josh faced several challenges including injuries and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which prevented him from qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics. This period prompted a re-evaluation of his approach to the sport. He later earned a bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and continued to compete globally, including a fifth-place finish at the Panamerican and Oceania Championships in April 2024. He also secured a silver medal at the 2024 Abidjan African Open, qualifying him for his second Olympic appearance. Josh competed in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where he was defeated in the first round of the men’s -60kg event.
Outside of competition, Josh has pursued academic achievements, completing a double degree in exercise and sport science and sport management. He and his brother Nathan have also established a speaking and mentoring company. Josh’s career is marked by consistent performance in national and international competitions, reflecting his dedication to the sport despite setbacks. His 11 Oceania titles and 12 Australian titles as of February 2024 highlight his sustained success and prominence in Australian judo.
Curious about our offerings or have inquiries? We're eager to assist!
Just complete the form, and we'll respond promptly.
