After participating in judo, a Japanese martial art, for a little over a year, Jeremy Abuan has already won a gold medal in a regional competition in Philadelphia and a bronze medal at a national competition in York, Pa.
Jeremy, a sophomore at High Tech High School in North Bergen, competed in his weight division at the National Scholastic Judo Championships held in York this past March. He was the lowest ranked athlete there, having only earned a green belt, and found himself competing against brown and black belts with more experience. Yet he came in third place.
Then, he went from a national to a regional competition. In the Liberty Bell Judo Classic, one of the largest regional competitions in the country, he won the gold medal in his division.
Judo is an ancient martial art in which opponents are subdued or thrown to the ground through grappling maneuvers and strikes, often using their own height and weight against them.
Jeremy, who competes in the 132-pound and under 13-16 age division, said that since joining High Tech High School’s Judo Club, he basically lives the sport. He practices six days a week, giving himself a break on Sundays.
He said at the Liberty Bell Judo Classic, there were 15 people in his division. Jeremy had to fight four competitors in three minute matches.
“I didn’t expect it to be as hard as it was,” he said. “I was probably the tallest person in my division, but I guess I was the skinniest too, because I looked at the other people’s weights before the match and they were all heavier than me.”
Jeremy said that the last match was the most difficult, but his perseverance and dedication to the sport proved successful.
“I kept thinking ‘I could win this, I could win this,’ ” he said. “I ended up wining it.”
Sisters who kick butt
Part of the reason Jeremy decided to join the club was because of his older sisters Clena and Alaine, who are High Tech judo alumni themselves. Alaine also competed at the National Scholastic Championships, winning the gold medal in her collegiate division.
Jeremy turned his sights from basketball to judo during his freshman year of high school. His sisters both suggested that he try it, and he stayed with the club because he found his teammates to be “really nice.”
“Since [Alaine] graduated last year, she still comes down to different practices when she gets the chance,” said Jeremy. “She’s so happy for me.”
Jeremy said that Alaine taught him his favorite judo move, a shoulder throw called “Ippon Seio Nage.” He explained that most of the people in the club are shorter than him and that this move gives him an upper hand on their height.
Preparing for fights
Other than practicing the sport every week, Jeremy also has to watch his diet so that he stays in his weight division. He admits that usually when he eats “lighter,” he winds up losing too much weight.
When approaching competitions, Jeremy doesn’t like to over-think the upcoming match.
“Usually I just zone out,” said Jeremy.
Jeremy said that he has excelled rapidly in the sport in large part due to his coach, Clyde Worthen, a sixth degree black belt judoka, and his family.
“I was a little shy, and now, since I’m always around a lot of people, it’s easier to talk to others.” – Jeremy Abuan
________
Judo for life
He said that the club has helped him get in shape and become more confident.
“I was a little shy, and now, since I’m always around a lot of people, it’s easier to talk to others,” said Jeremy.
This Saturday, April 25, High Tech Judo will compete in a small club tournament at their North Bergen campus. Jeremy said there will be a few local clubs present.
For the future, he plans on competing at the National Scholastic Judo Championships again next year.
“I hope to continue judo even when I’m in college,” said Jeremy.
Tricia Tirella may be reached at TriciaT@hudsonreporter.com.