Judo master of 11 years, David Katz wins fifth place at the 2009 Junior Federation National Championships

Just two years ago, senior David Katz injured and tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during a vigorous basketball practice. Not only was he disabled for the rest of the basketball season, but much to his dismay, Katz was also unable to compete in the Judo 2008 Junior Federation National Championships. As a dedicated Judo fighter of 11 years, Katz fought his way to an impressive fourth place in the 2007 Junior Olympic. With his ACL fully healed, Katz entered the 2009 Federation National Championships with high hopes of winning.

Katz was introduced to Judo when he was six years old, and was tremendously inspired by his two older brothers and his father, who were judo fighters themselves. At a young age, Katz showed incredible talent for the sport, displaying surprising power and skill.  Over this last year, Katz constantly worked out to increase his bulk to 155 pounds, but he had to cut ten pounds in order to be eligible for the 66.2 kg senior division weight class.    This summer at the 2009 Junior Federation National Championships, Katz competed against opponents who were bigger, stronger, and tougher than himself.  He started out his first match with an opponent from Hawaii, a state famous for its aggressive judo fighters.  Katz was under constant attack and could not muster up enough points to win his first match, automatically placing him in the loser’s bracket.   

However, Katz persevered and won the next four matches and ended his last fight with a throw called drop "knee seoi nage", which requires dropping under ones opponent and tossing him.  With this tactical maneuver, Katz threw his opponent on his back for an "Ippon" — an automatic win. At the end of the day, Katz settled in at fifth place at the national tournament.

Because it is such an adrenaline-fueled sport,  Judo has become an way for Katz to escape the pressures and stresses of life: when he was angry, he fought; when he was hurt, he lunged, and when he was overwhelmed, he threw all the emotions away with Judo.    “If I am angry, I can take it out in practice and fight all out,” Katz said. “You can really go at the guy.”    As stress over school grades, college, and other teenage dilemas build up, Katz falls back onto the Judo mat to help him focus on staying fit and practicing his Judo techniques.   

In every match, Katz could be found in his lucky green clover boxers, patting his arms and legs like a sumo wrestler as he warms up to fight, an unusual routine that serves to intimidate his opponents. 

One of his most memorable fights was against an opponent that his coach did not like.  Katz recalled the fight as one of the most rewarding and exciting moments in his Judo career.    With quick, wiry moves, Katz pinned his opponent into a sit-out chokehold.  Although subdued, his opponent still did not tap-out, so Katz just pulled his grasp around his opponent’s neck tighter and tighter.    As the referee pulled the two fighters apart, Katz’s opponent fell limp to the floor, unconscious, leaving Katz standing tall as the winner of the match.

Another perk that Katz enjoys is the confidence that comes with the knowledge of a basic style of fighting.  

“Even if I am up against a six-foot nine black guy who was super intimidating, I know I’ll still be able to hold my own, which is comforting,” Katz said.

Even with life throwing more challenges at him, Katz is determined to stand up to them. And just like he does on the Judo mat, he fights back.