Josh Waitzkin is an American former chess player, martial arts world champion, and author. As a child prodigy, he won the U.S. Junior Chess Championship in 1993 and 1994. His early life was the inspiration for the film Searching for Bobby Fischer. Waitzkin has an impressive record in chess, being the only person to have won the National Primary, Elementary, Junior High School, High School, U.S. Cadet, and U.S. Junior Closed chess championships during his career.

In addition to his achievements in chess, Waitzkin is a highly accomplished martial artist. He holds a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, having trained with world champion Marcelo Garcia, and has won five national titles in tai chi chuan.