Joshua learned how to play chess at the age of 5 after asking his dad to teach him. Three weeks after learning to play, he entered his first scholastic chess tournament and won 3rd place.
At age 9, Joshua began learning with Chess Expert Tony Palmer. Through frequent practice and study, he quickly rose through the ranks, earning the title of National Master at age 15.
At age 18, Joshua earned the FIDE Master title by winning the 2018 Michigan Invitational with a perfect 9/9 score.
At age 21, Joshua earned the International Master title after winning the 2022 Saint Louis Norm Congress with 7/9. Today he sits at a FIDE rating of 2417 and USCF rating of 2510, placing him in the US top 75.
In High School, after Joshua's skills greatly surpassed his peers, he moved into a coaching position at the Holland Chess Academy, working with over 30 students every week. Joshua also co-led the Jenison Christian chess club during this time.
Since graduating, Joshua has become a full-time chess coach. He leads many after-school programs in Ann Arbor and Detroit, and teaches many scholastic players throughout the Detroit area, and online throughout the world.
Many of his students have made it into the US top 100, and even US top 10 for their age. His student's skill levels range from total beginner to ~2200 USCF.
