Results: 62nd Honpa Hongwanji State Judo Championships

By Cy Yoshizu
Special to Maui Now

The Honpa Hongwanji Federation State Judo Championships made its triumphant return to the Valley Isle as host Makawao Hongwanji Judo Club welcomed more than 121 judoka and their families from across the state. Judoka from six different Hongwanji judo clubs filled the King Kekaulike High School Gymnasium over the muggy Labor Day weekend.

“My first parents’ meeting left me wondering if we were going to be able to pull this off or not,” said tournament head and Makawao Hongwanji Judo Club Sensei Claude Moreau, who has been planning this two-day tournament for more than a year. “We have been rebuilding our club since the pandemic concluded. We had monthly meetings, and soon a few parents bought into the idea. By the third meeting, enthusiasm slowly crept in.”

Moreau was amazed by the various roles that Makawao Hongwanji Judo Club parents and its supporters played in the success of the tournament.

“We have an amazing group of parents, with many varied talents, skills, and connections,” said Moreau. “We all experienced a moment that all involved will always remember. All of our club members are very proud of ourselves for pulling this event off, Maui style.”

Moreau was very appreciative to have the support and backing of the Makawao Hongwanji Buddhist Temple congregation and its minister, Reverend Kerry Kiyohara. He shared how the temple allowed its members to use the kitchen to make food for the tournament’s concession stand and for the hospitality evening.

“The Honpa Hongwanji Judo Federation state championships are a shining example of what a Hongwanji temple can be for its community: a chance for anyone, just as they are, to be part of a community centered around the temple and its Buddhist values,” shared Reverend Kiyohara. “Through judo, keiki and young people learn discipline, self-awareness, and thus self-control. Judoka learn to respect their opponents, to be humble in victory and graceful in defeat, and to have fun doing it.”

Moreau also expressed his gratitude for the support provided by other judo clubs, temples such as the Wailuku Hongwanji Mission, and donations from various community members and local businesses. He highlighted the support received in a range of areas, including managing the match-making and scorers’ tables, providing referees to judge the matches, and having onsite medical staff to attend to any injured judoka. Additionally, several of his family members volunteered for critical tasks, such as running the concession booth.

“The beauty of this tournament is that not one person can do it all,” said Moreau as he reflected on the tournament. “This brought the whole community together to support a common goal. We used the Buddhist principle of Dana: doing something because it is the right thing to do, not because you expect a reward, but because it simply is the right thing to do.”

Even though the cost of travel and lodging continues to increase, making it more difficult to host tournaments such as the Honpa Hongwanji Judo Federation State Championships, many involved with the tournament share the sentiment that the tradition needs to continue.

Moreau cited how their club was able to gain approval from Makawao Hongwanji Buddhist Temple to allow the neighbor island judo clubs to stay over the weekend in the temple’s Social Hall to save money on accommodations.

“I think it’s vitally important for the Honpa Hongwanji Judo Federation State Championships to continue because it creates the time, place, and occasion for connection and re-connection, which is the primary role of a Buddhist temple,” said Reverend Kiyohara. “United by a love of judo, young people from across the state come together, creating connections that last a lifetime.”

Reverend Kiyohara was impressed by how many sensei of the various judo clubs literally grew up in the Hongwanji judo system, beginning as young judoka competing and now serving as coaches and sensei to a new generation.

Moreau emphasized the tradition and camaraderie gained through the Honpa Hongwanji Judo Federation State Championships.

“They will make lifelong friends,” said Moreau, speaking about the judoka and judo clubs that attended the 62nd Honpa Hongwanji State Judo Championships. “The judo community has some very special people in it, and I feel honored to be part of it.”

Pearl City Hongwanji Judo Club was the top judo club at the 62nd Honpa Hongwanji State Judo Championships, winning nine Dantai (team event) titles out of 13 divisions. Their team took home the Female Minor A and C; Female Intermediate, Open; and Male Minor A and C; Male Intermediate, Junior, and Open divisions. In the Kojin (individual) competition, Pearl City Hongwanji Judo Club had the most individual titles with 21 champions. Their club was also awarded the Edward Katahira Ippon Award, which is given to the club with the most ippons scored as a team.

Wailuku Hongwanji Judo Club’s girls’ team had a successful outing, finishing with two team titles in the Female Minor B (Ceydee McCorriston, Kira Yoshimoto, and Risa Cabral) and Female Junior divisions (Pohai Kamaunu, Madelein Milliet). They rounded out the weekend with six individual champions: Izabella Morikawa (Female B2 Heavy), Emma Toba (Female Intermediate 1 Middle), Kira Yoshimoto (Female Intermediate 2 under 75 pounds), Meiko Kurokawa (Female Intermediate 2 under 92 pounds), Madelein Milliet (Female Juvenile B over 154 pounds), and Mahealani Vares (Female Juvenile C under 154 pounds).

Wailuku Hongwanji Judo Club also captured the Male Senior division team title (Kody Sakamoto and Joshua Mori). Cayde Kusumoto (Male Novice 9yr Heavy) and Mason Kurokawa (Male Juvenile A under 117 pounds) won a pair of male individual titles.

Makawao Hongwanji Judo Club took first in the team Male Minor B division (Jay Campos, Toby Borja, and Evan Johnson). Zayden Patao (Male Novice 6yr Middle), Zeke Patao (Male Novice 9yr Middle), Jay Campos (Male Intermediate 1 Light), and Landon Lung (Male Juvenile A over 141 pounds) secured male titles. Mia Nishikawa (Female Novice 6yr) was Makawao Hongwanji Judo Club’s lone female champion. Toby Borja and Kayden Ibara also won the Division 2 Nage No Kata throwing demonstration.

“I am not overly concerned about the results,” said Moreau about his club’s performance over the weekend. “I tell the kids that I don’t even call tournaments ‘tournaments.’ I call them learning experiences. If they go to enough of them, they will keep getting better.”

Pearl City Hongwanji Judo Club graciously stepped up to host the 63rd Honpa Hongwanji Federation State Judo Championships next year.

Below is a list of complete results:

At King Kekaulike High School Gymnasium
Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, 2024

62nd ANNUAL HONPA HONGWANJI STATE KATA (FORM)

Nage No Kata

• Division 1 (8 years & under)
  1. Pearl City Hongwanji: James Hoshino, Connor Iwane
• Division 2 (10 years & under)
  1. Makawao Hongwanji: Toby Borja, Kayden Ibara
  2. Puna Hongwanji: Oliver Akimoto, Willow Akimoto
• Division 3 (12 years & under)
  1. Pearl City Hongwanji: Mark Jacob De Leon, Khloe Uehara
  2. Pearl City Hongwanji: Colin Iwane, Bert Nawatani

62nd ANNUAL HONPA HANGWANJI STATE DANTAI (TEAM)

• Female Minor A
  1. Pearl City Hongwanji: Giselle Grace Sokugawa, Raylen Grace Ganir
  2. Wailuku Hongwanji: Olena Withers, Kora Beauchamp, Izabella Morikawa
• Female Minor B
  1. Wailuku Hongwanji: Ceydee McCorriston, Kira Yoshimoto, Risa Cabral
  2. Puna Hongwanji: Willow Akimoto, Karly Kekoa-Lum
• Female Minor C
  1. Pearl City Hongwanji: Rhya Concepcion, Madisanne Gano
  2. Puna Hongwanji: Milee Matsumura, Nawai Naipo-Arsiga
• Female Intermediate
  1. Pearl City Hongwanji: Olivia Medlock, Princess Brown
  2. Wailuku Hongwanji: Jayda Biringer, Shaylee Watari
• Female Junior
  1. Wailuku Hongwanji: Pohai Kamaunu, Mahealani Vares, Madelein Milliet
  2. Wailuku Hongwanji: Olive Harper, Kristin Camit, Truth Kamaunu
• Female Open
  1. Pearl City Hongwanji: Sydnie Hirayama, Chastyne Dolor, Terrysa Uyeno
• Male Minor A
  1. Pearl City Hongwanji: Prince Brown, James Hoshino, Connor Iwane
  2. Puna Hongwanji: Oliver Akimoto, Levi Hunter, Thanith You
• Male Minor B
  1. Makawao Hongwanji: Jay Campos, Toby Borja, Evan Johnson
  2. Wailuku Hongwanji: Kaeden Biringer, Kaden Beauchamp, Kona Badua-Babcock
• Male Minor C
  1. Pearl City Hongwanji: Colin Iwane, Zaesten Transfiguracion, Mark Jacob De Leon
  2. Hilo Hongwanji: Paakaula Santiago, Laikahu Merseburgh, Eli Yasso
• Male Intermediate
  1. Pearl City Hongwanji: Jaylen Yasay, Travis Nguyen
  2. Pearl City Hongwanji: Jayden Yasay, Nigel Sarmiento
• Male Junior
  1. Pearl City Hongwanji: Kainalu Kaohe, Terren Uyeno, Virgilio Martinez
• Male Senior
  1. Wailuku Hongwanji: Kody Sakamoto, Joshua Mori
  2. Pearl City Hongwanji: Elliot Chai, Keoni Uehara
• Male Open
  1. Pearl City Hongwanji: Darieus Pavao, Pono Narciso, Nainoa Narciso
  2. Makawao Hongwanji: Colby Hanley Jr., Jaden Takushi, Sterling Doo-Wright

62 nd ANNUAL HONPA HANGWANJI STATE KOJIN (INDIVIDUAL)

• Female Novice 6yr
  1. Mia Nishikawa – Makawao Hongwanji
• Female Novice 12yr under
  1. Milee Matsumura – Puna Hongwanji
• Female B2 Light
  1. Elyana Julian – Hilo Hongwanji
  2. Cameron Fernandez – Hilo Hongwanji
  3. Riley Kekoa-Lum – Puna Hongwanji
• Female B2 Middle
  1. Raylen Grace Ganir – Pearl City Hongwanji
  2. Giselle Grace Sokugawa – Pearl City Hongwanji
  3. Kora Beauchamp – Wailuku Hongwanji
• Female B2 Heavy
  1. Izabella Morikawa – Wailuku Hongwanji
  2. Karly Kekoa-Lum – Puna Hongwanji
• Female Intermediate 1 Light
  1. Willow Akimoto – Puna Hongwanji
  2. Olena Withers – Wailuku Hongwanji
  3. Jaemi Williams – Wailuku Hongwanji
• Female Intermediate 1 Middle
  1. Emma Toba – Wailuku Hongwanji
  2. Skyler Nawatani – Pearl City Hongwanji
  3. Risa Cabral – Wailuku Hongwanji
• Female Intermediate 1 Heavy
  1. Shayla Transfiguracion – Pearl City Hongwanji
  2. Kristen Yi – Wailuku Hongwanji
• Female Intermediate 2 under 75 lbs
  1. Kira Yoshimoto – Wailuku Hongwanji
  2. Sophie Arruda – Hilo Hongwanji
• Female Intermediate 2 Under 92 lbs
  1. Meiko Kurokawa – Wailuku Hongwanji
• Female Intermediate 2 under 117 lbs
  1. Rhya Concepcion – Pearl City Hongwanji
  2. Madisanne Gano – Pearl City Hongwanji
• Female Intermediate 2 over 117 lbs
  1. Nawai Naipo-Arsiga Puna Hongwanji
• Female Juvenile A under 117 lbs
  1. Khloe Uehara – Pearl City Hongwanji
  2. Olivia Medlock – Pearl City Hongwanji
  3. Jayda Biringer – Wailuku Hongwanji
• Female Juvenile A under 141 lbs
  1. Princess Brown – Pearl City Hongwanji
  2. Shaylee Watari – Wailuku Hongwanji
• Female Juvenile B over 154 lbs
  1. Madelein Milliet – Wailuku Hongwanji
  2. Kellee Yi – Wailuku Hongwanji
• Female Juvenile C under 125 lbs
  1. Prestige Brown – Pearl City Hongwanji
  2. Ariana Macanas – Makawao Hongwanji
  3. Pohai Kamaunu – Wailuku Hongwanji
• Female Juvenile C under 154 lbs
  1. Mahealani Vares – Wailuku Hongwanji
  2. Kalei Yasumura- Mililani Hongwanji
  3. Terrysa Uyeno – Pearl City Hongwanji
• Female Senior Open under 125 lbs
  1. Leiana Kekoa-Lum – Puna Hongwanji
• Male Novice 6yr Middle
  1. Zayden Patao – Makawao Hongwanji
  2. Yoshio Morikawa – Wailuku Hongwanji
• Male Novice 9yr Middle
  1. Zeke Patao – Makawao Hongwanji
  2. Ace Nishikawa – Makawao Hongwanji
  3. Kamanao Naylor – Makawao Hongwanji
• Male Novice 9yr Heavy
  1. Cayde Kusumoto – Wailuku Hongwanji
  2. Aurelio Takemoto – Wailuku Hongwanji
• Male B2 Light
  1. James Hoshino – Pearl City Hongwanji
  2. Prince Brown – Pearl City Hongwanji
  3. Castor Fernandez – Hilo Hongwanji
• Male B2 Middle
  1. Connor Iwane – Pearl City Hongwanji
  2. Damien Clarke – Hilo Hongwanji
  3. Jaxon Toba – Wailuku Hongwanji
• Male Novice Intermediate Light
  1. Jrue Canida – Puna Hongwanji
  2. Maddox Gano – Pearl City Hongwanji
  3. Mason Nguyen – Wailuku Hongwanji
• Male Intermediate 1 Light
  1. Jay Campos – Makawao Hongwanji
  2. Oliver Akimoto – Puna Hongwanji
  3. Caleb Canida – Puna Hongwanji
• Male Intermediate 1 Middle
  1. Cornelio Concepcion – Pearl City Hongwanji
  2. Kaden Beauchamp – Wailuku Hongwanji
  3. Ethan Mochida-Sulopulos – Hilo Hongwanji
• Male Intermediate 1 Heavy
  1. Bert Nawatani – Pearl City Hongwanji
  2. Toby Borja – Makawao Hongwanji
  3. Evan Johnson – Makawao Hongwanji
• Male Intermediate 2 under 84 lbs
  1. Colin Iwane – Pearl City Hongwanji
  2. Luca Johnson – Makawao Hongwanji
  3. Kayden Ibara – Makawao Hongwanji
• Male Intermediate 2 under 92 lbs
  1. Zaesten Transfiguracion – Pearl City Hongwanji
  2. Cole Yoneda – Mililani Hongwanji
  3. Aiden Kinoshita – Puna Hongwanji
• Male Intermediate 2 under 106 lbs
  1. Laikahu Merseburgh – Hilo Hongwanji
  2. Kona Badua-Babcock – Wailuku Hongwanji
• Male Intermediate 2 under 117 lbs
  1. Mark Jacob De Leon – Pearl City Hongwanji
  2. Ethan Yeh – Wailuku Hongwanji
  3. Eli Yasso – Hilo Hongwanji
• Male Juvenile A under 79 lbs
  1. Jaylen Yasay – Pearl City Hongwanji
  2. Jayden Yasay – Pearl City Hongwanji
• Male Juvenile A under 117 lbs
  1. Mason Kurokawa – Wailuku Hongwanji
  2. Kaiao Katjang – Wailuku Hongwanji
• Male Juvenile A under 141 lbs
  1. Terren Uyeno – Pearl City Hongwanji
  2. Nigel Sarmiento – Pearl City Hongwanji
  3. Travis Nguyen – Pearl City Hongwanji
• Male Juvenile A over 141 lbs
  1. Landon Lung – Makawao Hongwanji
• Male Juvenile B under 121 lbs
  1. Elliot Chai – Pearl City Hongwanji
• Male Juvenile B under 132 lbs
  1. Kainalu Kaohe – Pearl City Hongwanji
  2. Ty Matsumoto – Mililani Hongwanji
  3. Aaron Ikehara – Wailuku Hongwanji
• Male Juvenile B under 145 lbs
  1. Virgilio Martinez – Pearl City Hongwanji
  2. Keoni Uehara – Pearl City Hongwanji
• Male Juvenile C under 145 lbs
  1. Darieus Pavao – Pearl City Hongwanji
  2. Jet Miyahara – Hilo Hongwanji
  3. Kody Sakamoto – Wailuku Hongwanji
• Male Juvenile C under 178 lbs
  1. Pono Narciso – Pearl City Hongwanji
  2. Joshua Gaspar – Wailuku Hongwanji
• Male Senior under 161 lbs
  1. Jordan Enos – Hilo Hongwanji
  2. Reynold Mabuti – Wailuku Hongwanji
  3. Jaden Takushi – Makawao Hongwanji
• Male Senior under 220 lbs
  1. Nainoa Narciso – Pearl City Hongwanji
  2. Sterling Doo-Wright – Makawao Hongwanji
  3. Zane-Hollis Lyman – Hilo Hongwanji

62 nd ANNUAL HONPA HANGWANJI STATE SPECIAL AWARDS

• Edward Katahira Ippon Award (Most Ippons over all club) Pearl City Hongwanji
• Richard Uno Award (Outstanding Male Judoka) Colin Iwane – Pearl City Hongwanji
• Masato Kawashima Award (Outstanding Female Judoka) Shayla Transfiguracion – Pearl City Hongwanji