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Makawao hosts 62nd Honpa Hongwanji State Judo; home judoka take multiple titles
Makawao set the stage at King Kekaulike High School for the 62nd Honpa Hongwanji State Judo Championships, a two-day meet that brought more than 120 judoka from six Hongwanji clubs to the Upcountry mats [1]. The Makawao Hongwanji community pitched in on food, lodging and hospitality, with Reverend Kerry Kiyohara helping lead the effort as the dojo continued its post-pandemic rebuild under tournament head and Makawao sensei Claude Moreau [1].On the tatami, the home club delivered. Individual golds for Makawao included Zayden Patao, Zeke Patao, Jay Campos, Landon Lung and Mia Nishikawa, while the Male Minor B team of Jay Campos, Toby Borja and Evan Johnson topped their division to highlight a strong team slate for the host dojo [1].Makawao’s pedigree at states runs deep. The club captured the Female Senior team title at the 56th Honpa Hongwanji championships in 2015, with stalwarts such as Leah Cayaban and Deedra Fabella among the weekend’s winners [2]. The state meet rotates among member temples in the Honpa Hongwanji Judo Federation, a tradition that continued through the 61st edition and brought this year’s showcase to Upcountry [3].Two days, six clubs and more than 120 competitors — and Makawao walked off its home mats with multiple champions and momentum for the program’s next steps [1].