Both the Girl’s and Boy’s Judo team have returned home with another State Championship title, their third in a row. 

On Saturday, May 7, the judo team competed at the UH-Manoa Stan Sheriff Center, in the 2022 Atlas Insurance Judo Championships. Both Moanalua teams came out on top over 40 public and private school teams across the state, with 114.0 points and 86.0 points, girls and boys respectively. The girls team came in number one with a 64 point difference over second place, Hilo High, who received 50.0 points. 

Before the pandemic that ultimately canceled two seasons of judo, the Moanalua judo team won the state championship in 2018 and 2019. 

“Honestly it feels really good, because we haven’t had it for two years, and to come back to do it again it feels really good,” Senior Jessica Dixon said. Dixon placed first in the 139 weight class.

Individually, 19 Moanalua judokas placed. Kayla Shota (11), Jessica Dixon (12), Taryn Titcomb (12), Josh Establlio (11), Blaze Sumiye (12), and Brady Lee (10) placed first within their weight brackets. 

“It feels good. I’ve been working my entire life to become one (a state champion), so knowing that my hard work paid off it feels amazing.” Junior Josh Estabillio said. He has been in judo since he was 5 years old. Estabillio placed first in the 108 weight class.

The season ended with a 3-peat victory, but the hopes for next season are high. 

“I hope that we keep winning, or just keep growing, and producing more talented athletes. There are so much talented athletes now that are coming in, like either from football or  wrestling, and keep up the Moanalua name in judo.” Dixon said.

Girls 

98 lbs – 3rd Hayashida, Gabrielle 

103 lbs – 3rd Beltran, Sage

109l bs – 1st Shota, Kayla 

115 lbs – 2nd Yasumura, Kamaile

129 lbs – 2nd Oshita, Rachel

139 lbs 1st Dixon, Jessica

154 lbs – 2nd Kukonu, Nohi, 5th Yasumura, Kalei

172 lbs – 1st Titcomb, Taryn, 4th Baguio, Eden

220 lbs – 2nd Adiniwin, Jasmine 

Boys

108 lbs – 1st Establlio, Josh

114 lbs – 4th Flores, Diego

145 lbs – 4th Salvador, Teagan

161 lbs – 5th Lazo, Branson 

178 lbs – 1st Sumiye, Blaze 

198 lbs – 1st Lee, Brady 

220 lbs – 2nd Nitahara, Karter

285 lbs – 4th Paleafei, Christian