The progress within IMPACT's grappling program can be felt almost as much as it can be seen through the new faces, opportunities, and improvements coming into the school. Our Judo program is going through some exciting transformation, specifically in the arena of Judo competitions. IMPACT's first team competition of 2012 took place this past Saturday at in College Park, MD at the Maryland Open Championships.
Sensei James Takemori, a 9th Dan (degree) black belt Judo instructor (the 2nd highest ranking in the sport) served as head referee for the Judo Maryland Open Championships. At the beginning of the senior competition, Sensei Takemori was also officially recognized as an international Judo referee. It was already an honor to be competing with judokas and senseis from different states, ages, and ranks. And then we had the privilege of having Sensei Takemori officiate the competition not only as a national referee, but as an international referee as well.
Judokas from our own state of Virginia as well as judokas from far away as California came together to compete among the Judo community. The IMPACT judokas that participated in Saturday's Open Championships were Guro Ervin Quintin, Senpai David Kennedy, Shawn Santana, and our old friend, Angelo Cristobal. Simo Eloy Quintin, the rest of the Quintin family as well as some of the IMPACT kapamilya (family) traveled up to support and encourage our IMPACT competition judokas.
Shawn Santana excelled with three out of four wins while Angelo Cristobal came through with an ippon. Guro Ervin, in his true fashion of leading by example, battled in the trenches alongside Senpai, Santana, and Angelo. Guro Ervin's first match was an unforgettably decisive as he achieved ippon with a choke in a staggering 20 seconds! His second match was even more memorable as Guro Ervin and his opponent fought in an intense battle for position that would have easily ended in an ippon for Guro Ervin.
However, Guro's opponent somehow managed to apply just the right amount of pressure to aggravate Guro's old knee injury. Thus, being mindful of his long-standing knee issue and to his desired longevity as a competitor, Guro chose to end the match early and seek medical attention. Thankfully, Guro sustained a minor knee 'tweak' that is on it's way to healing thanks to caution, care, and the trusty Quintin cane.
Whether as a competitor or spectator, Maryland Open Championships gave us all much to think about regarding our individual martial arts journeys, competition, and the IMPACT Judo program. The Judo competition also provided experiences that we may not have be afforded otherwise such as watching the future of Judo through the inspiring competition of judokas as young as 5 years old. Armed with fresh experience, lessons learned, and new questions to ponder, we expectantly and eagerly move forward on our journeys to more opportunities and adventures ahead. These are tremendous times indeed. Travel with us and discover what IMPACT has to offer you.