Joshua Coetzee, a promising young member of the Judo WA community who trains at Kano Judo Schools in Joondalup, has returned home triumphant after competing at the 2025 South African Open Judo Championships in Pretoria from 2–5 July. Representing the Asia-Pacific region as the sole overseas competitor, Josh showcased exceptional skill and determination against some of Africa’s best young judoka.

A Remarkable Solo Journey

Despite arriving in Pretoria just 36 hours before his first match, with no opportunity to acclimatise to the city’s high altitude, Joshua wasted no time making his presence felt on the tatami. His preparation and focus under challenging travel conditions.

Road to Gold in Pre-Cadets Boys U/42 kg

• Early Rounds: He secured four consecutive Ippons, dispatching opponents with decisive throws and groundwork to cruise into the final.
• The Final Bout: In a fiercely contested golden-score period, Joshua executed a perfectly timed yuko to clinch victory and be crowned 2025 South African Open Champion in his category.

Team Bronze with West Rand Judo Association

Beyond his individual success, Joshua was invited to join the West Rand Judo Association’s team event. Competing against larger pools, he won all of his matches, contributing crucial points that helped secure Bronze for the team.

Overall, Josh finished the tournament with an outstanding record of 7 fights, with 6 Ippons and 1 golden-score winning yuko, underscoring both his explosive attacking style and tactical acumen.

Please join us in congratulating Joshua Coetzee on his remarkable performance in Pretoria. We look forward to seeing where his judo journey takes him next!