With Josh seeded #2 in 60kg and Nathan #1 in 66kg, #TeamKatz had high expectations and were keen for a strong performance at their first Commonwealth Games.
- Josh Katz 60kg. Josh had a bye in the Round of 32 and in R16 fought Bennett from Wales, who beat Tanzania in his first round. Josh fought strongly and with intent. His Ashi-Waza and Seoi-Nage were on point and mid-way in the match threw his opponent for Ippon. The QF was against another left-hander, Yadav from India, a difficult customer. Josh remained dominant but this match still went into Golden score. Again Seoi-Nage was the deciding factor. The semi-final was against multiple Grand-Slam and Grand-Prix medallist McKenzie (ENG). Josh was looking great in Tachi-Waza and the match was quite even. In Ne-Waza, McKenzie managed to catch Josh’s arm and roll him into a hold-down surprising Josh. With huge determination he escaped conceding a Waza-Ari. The remainder of the match saw Josh absolutely dominate and arguably McKenzie should have been penalised his third Shido but this was not the case. McKenzie went on to win the competition. Josh’s Bronze match was against Zulu from Zambia. Josh completely dominated this match with Zulu conceding 3 Shidos in normal time. A great effort from Josh.
Nathan and Josh spent a bit of time in Sydney recently for a visit and to do some of their own training. They also took time out to assist in both club Junior and Senior sessions; great role models who always take the time to give back to the club – thank you boys! They return to Melbourne and begin their final preparations for the Senior World Championships to be held in Tashkent Uzbekistan on 6th October. Following this, they will compete in Abu Dhabi on the 21st October, the Perth Oceania Open (Grand Prix points) on 29th October, a small regrouping in November and then December includes the Tokyo Grand Slam and the Jerusalem (World) Masters, a solid schedule for the rest of the year. Wishing the boys all the best in their quest for this Olympic cycle.