Josh Saunders transitioned from professional rugby league to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2020, marking a pivotal shift in his athletic career. Inspired by fellow Australian grappler Kit Dale and his accelerated rise through the ranks, Saunders committed himself to intensive training and rapid skill development. Remarkably, he achieved his black belt in under four years—far quicker than the typical decade-long journey—demonstrating exceptional dedication, athleticism, and natural grappling aptitude.

Saunders made an immediate impact at the 2024 ADCC World Championships, delivering a standout performance in the +99kg division. In the quarterfinals, he secured a swift submission victory over renowned competitor Damon Ramos, finishing the match via rear-naked choke in just two minutes. This decisive win propelled Saunders into a highly anticipated semifinal showdown against legendary grappler Felipe Pena. Reaching the final four in his ADCC debut firmly established Saunders as a significant new force on the international grappling circuit.

Prior to his ADCC success, Saunders earned a high-profile match at FloGrappling's Who's Number One 24, challenging reigning heavyweight champion Gordon Ryan. Although Saunders ultimately lost via heel hook submission, the experience provided invaluable exposure to elite-level competition. The match significantly elevated his international profile and offered critical insights into competing against the sport's top-tier talent.

In preparation for the ADCC World Championships, Saunders showcased consistent dominance at regional ADCC Open tournaments. He captured double gold at the 2024 ADCC Oceania Open, winning both the +100kg and absolute divisions. Saunders repeated this impressive feat at the 2024 ADCC Sydney Open, further solidifying his qualification and building momentum heading into the prestigious global event.

Leveraging his rapid competitive success and growing reputation, Saunders founded the High Performance Unit (HPU), a coaching platform designed to accelerate grapplers' progress. As HPU's director, Saunders provides structured online training programs and regularly shares detailed technical breakdowns through YouTube and social media channels. His entrepreneurial approach combines business acumen with a passion for teaching, aiming to elevate grapplers' skills and performance worldwide.