As members of the Hanapepe Judo Club tightened their gi and straightened their obi, or belts and practice uniforms to ready for practice, Jonah Farias showed the two silver medals he won at the Aloha State Games. The dojo is
As members of the Hanapepe Judo Club tightened their gi and straightened their obi, or belts and practice uniforms to ready for practice, Jonah Farias showed the two silver medals he won at the Aloha State Games.
The dojo is located in a county-owned recreation building in Hanapepe, next to other rooms for karate, kendo and boxing.
Jonah Farias, 16, earned two silver medals at the Aloha State Games on O‘ahu earlier in July. Farias, on his first trip to O‘ahu, placed in the Juvenile “B” (199-pound weight class) and the Juvenile “C” (185-pound weight class) despite being only 165 pounds.
He said his favorite judo technique is the drop-knee “seoi otoshi” (shoulder drop).
New mats donated by sensei Bill Honjiyo were installed about two weekends ago. The last time the mats in Hanapepe were replaced was about seven years ago.
Sensei Bill Honjiyo, Will Newell and Clayton Ueno estimated they have about 15n20 members, the youngest being about 5, the oldest in his 50s.
There were 124 judo participants at the Aloha State Games this year with competitors ages 5-49, according to CEO/president Mike Zeug. Greg Chow, Aloha State Games commissioner, said Jonah was entered into four different groups of about four contestants each.
Farias was the only competitor from Kaua‘i to enter the Judo competition. Farias said the experience was good because he got to learn from other competitors, which he might not have met because there is only one Judo club on Kaua‘i. Farias’ brother Micah took home two gold medals and a bronze medal at last year’s Aloha State Games.
Judo, “The Gentle Way,” was founded in 1882 by Dr. Jigoro Kano, who refined principles of ancient Japanese fighting techniques from the martial art Jujitsu.
Using throwing techniques, grappling, locking and pinning moves, the system can be adapted for sport, self-defense, combat and competition. Judo was entered as an Olympic sport in 1964.
Kicking and punching are not allowed. Special padded mats are used for safety, as well as thick coat-like gi and belts that won’t tear.
The Hanapepe Judo Club meets Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m., on the road leading to the stadium.
Staff Writer Kendyce Manguchei can be reached at kmanguchei@pulitzer.net or 245-3681 (ext. 252).
