The Oceania Judo Union (OJU) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jason Koster of New Zealand as Director of the OJU Education Commission.
A respected coach and leader within Oceania, Koster brings a strong background in athlete and coach development, underpinned by both academic and practical expertise in sport and exercise science. Based in Christchurch, he operates Premiere Equipe Judo Club, where he has successfully developed a high-performance environment within a community-based setting.
Earlier this year, Koster completed the prestigious International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Programme (ICECP) — a 12-month professional development initiative delivered by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee in partnership with the University of Delaware. The programme, which has produced many influential sport leaders worldwide, combines online coursework, in-person training, and a final presentation at the International Olympic Committee headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.
For his ICECP capstone project, Koster designed and implemented the Development of a High-Performance Programme within a Community-Based Setting, leading to remarkable growth and success for his club. Within months, the programme expanded its high-performance membership from nine to fourteen athletes and produced 50 per cent of New Zealand’s senior national champions. At the 2024 Pan American-Oceania Championships in Chile, five of New Zealand’s ten representatives hailed from Premiere Equipe, demonstrating the impact of his initiative on national performance outcomes.
In addition to his coaching achievements, Koster represented New Zealand as an athlete, winning bronze in the men’s –100 kg division at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. His lifelong commitment to judo education, athlete development, and community engagement will serve as valuable assets in his new role with the OJU.
As Education Commission Director, Koster will lead initiatives aimed at strengthening coaching, technical, and educational standards across Oceania — ensuring that learning opportunities remain accessible, progressive, and aligned with international best practice.
Jason Koster can be reached at education@oceaniajudo.com.