Makawao Hongwanji to Host State Judo Championships

Colby Hanley Jr. works from the guard position as Miyuki Patricio tries to get past his hold. Photo by Cy Yoshizu.

By Cy Yoshizu

Special to Maui Now

In its seventh year of existence, the Makawao Hongwanji Judo Club prepares to host its first Honpa Hongwanji State Judo Championship.

The 56th Annual Honpa Hongwanji Judo Federation State Championships will be held at the King Kekaulike High School gymnasium. The two-day tournament will start this Saturday at 11 a.m. and continues through Sunday, Sept. 6.

“I am excited about hosting the tournament,” said tournament head Claude Moreau. “I am very thankful that we have such good support from our parents. I look forward to making the tournament a successful and happy experience for all participants and spectators.”

This year’s tournament will feature six clubs from across the state, which includes Hilo Hongwanji Judo Club, Kona Hongwanji Judo Club, Makawao Hongwanji Judo Club, Pearl City Hongwanji Judo Club, Puna Hongwanji Judo Club, and Wailuku Hongwanji Judo Club. About 140 competitors are expected to compete this weekend.

Members of Makawao Hongwanji Judo Club practice their groundwork technique as head instructor Claude Moreau looks on. Photo by Cy Yoshizu.

The first day of competition will consist of the kata competition and team competition. The kata competition is judged on the forms of throws, pinning techniques, chokes, and joint locks. The day will finish with the kojin, or individual senior and open division championships.

On Sunday, Sept. 6, the tournament will consist of minor, junior, intermediate, and novice kojin division matches. The first match of the day is slated to start at 9 a.m.

Brothers Brycen Hanada, 11, and Brenden Hanada, 10, from the Makawao Hongwanji Judo Club are eager for the competition this weekend.

“I have prepared for the tournament by going to all my practices and extra practices to train for the regular competition and the kata competition,” said younger brother Brenden. “I am looking forward to competing and hope to do my best.”