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Judo Australia, together with CombatAUS celebrate an expanded performance coaching team.



Performance Judo in Australia takes to a new level of commitment with the announcement of a bolstered National Coaching team to spearhead efforts towards Brisbane 2032. 


Under the direct the leadership of 4-time Olympian, and 3-time Olympic Coach, Daniel Kelly, the new team brings together incredible experience at an International, and now importantly, local grassroots level.


As a result of increased ASC Win Well funding provided to the sport of Judo, a long-held vision to build new coaching roles is now a reality. These three new roles will address significant issues of travel time, costs, and aim to create stronger one on one support for our Pathways and HP athletes and their respective club coaches ‘at home’ and at the National Performance Centre.


"As part of the program it is essential we bring together our Australian Pathways and HP Team throughout the year at various National Camps. To build on this, the long-held ambition has always been to take the program 'to the' athletes, on a more regular basis around the country. These three new appointments are a significant step change in supporting our athletes and club coaches towards 2032. More support, more training opportunities, more often 'at home". - MARIA PEKLI – General Manager, Performance and Pathways – Judo Australia


NEW ROLE - National Program Coach

Appointment - Emilien Freund


Arriving in Australia 7 years ago with international athlete and coaching experience from a world powerhouse in French Judo, Emilien has garnered tremendous respect from the Australian Judo Community in his role as Victorian State Performance Centre Coach, and Junior National Coach.



His exceptional international experience, coaching results nationally, and strong relationships with our Australian Judo Team put him as the strongest candidate for the role working in the daily training environment based in Melbourne.


"I am grateful for JA and CombatAUS to put their trust in me for this role. I look forward to building upon my previous responsibilities and continue to support our young talent to achieve their dreams. Developing them to reach world class level as we work towards Brisbane 2032 is truly an exciting challenge". - Emilien Freund







NATHAN KATZ – REGIONAL PATHWAYS DEVELOPMENT COACH



2-time Olympian, Commonwealth Games Medalist, Assistant Australian Pathways Coach, NSW State Coach, and Club Coach (Budokan) in his hometown Western Sydney.


After retiring in 2023, Nathan immediately turned his efforts towards coaching at various levels across the sport.


Nathan is a successful product of the Australian Judo Pathways system from grassroots local club to full time athlete.  He begins his new pathway of coaching, displaying all the right signs for success. His relatable experience, judo skills and position as a Judo role model will only benefit our team. 



"I am very much looking forward to being a part of the JA Team and contributing towards the preparation of our future team for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. I love Judo, am passionate about growing the sport in this country, and can't wait to support Australia's next Olympic medalist". - Nathan Katz


IVICA PAVLINIC – REGIONAL PATHWAYS DEVELOPMENT COACH



Current Australian Cadet Coach, and NSW State Performance Centre Coach for the past 6 years ‘Veets’ as he is well known has been a consistent and well-respected voice on the tatami to our National Pathways athletes contributing strongly to results that see 9 Australian Cadets (aged 15-18 years) currently ranked in the top 20 in the world.  


"I'm excited to step into my new role as Regional Pathways Development Coach with Judo Australia! Having already worked alongside so many passionate individuals, I’m looking forward to building on those experiences and focusing on high-performance development. With the Brisbane Olympics 2032 on the horizon, it’s an exciting time for judo, and I’m eager to help create pathways that will support our athletes in reaching their full potential on the world stage!"

 


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CONTACT        admin@ausjudo.com.au
LOCATION      
  
C/- Combat Sports Office 
                             Australian Institute of Sport, Leverrier Street, Bruce, ACT

CALL                +61 2 6160 0528 

Judo Federation of Australia Ltd
ABN 49 305 099 035    

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