One-by-one the judokas took the mats for the 2019 Judo Yukon Championships at the Carmacks Recreation Centre on Saturday.

When their names were called the two competitors, one wearing a blue sash in addition to their obi (belt), stood on either end of the mat, looking at their fellow judoka. As both bowed they walked to the centre of the mat and bowed again.

“Hajime (begin),” called the official, and the two athletes engaged.

When the judokas met at the centre of the mat they latched on to each other’s judogi, looking to score one of three ways.

They could score an ippon which is a full point, and once an ippon is scored the competition is over. An ippon can be scored by executing a skillful throwing technique which results in one contestant being thrown largely on the back with considerable force.

As well an athlete can pin their fellow competitor for 20 seconds or if their opponent cannot continue.

Earning to waza-ari, a half point, will also end a contest. A waza-ari is a less forceful throw with less force to be considered an ippon. A waza-ari can also be scored if a judoka pins their opponent for 10 seconds or if their fellow competitor violates the rules (shido) three times.

The matches for the younger judokas on Saturday were two-minutes long. If no ippon was scored the contestant with the highest score was awarded to the judoka with the next highest score.

In a match between Kenai Bryden and William Pacaud, neither scored during the initial two minutes. Both judokas then competed for the golden point. Bryden was able to score a waza-ari over Pacaud to win that particular match in exciting fashion.

There were 56 competitors on Saturday in six different age groups and numerous weight categories.

Marianna Pacaud was able to overcome fellow Northern Lights Judo Club athlete, Kippen Briggs, to win the U8 22KG class.

Henry Todd, from the Northern Lights Judo Club, defeated Joah Campell, from Golden Horn Judo Club, to win the U8 26KG competition.

The U10 24KG category was won by Bartosz Losinski who beat Elyse-Anne Pacaud. Hudson White outlasted Ganit Davis, from Hiroshikai Judo Club, to win the U10 30KG class. Xavier Macht beat Kaiden Johns from Carmacks Judo Club to win the 31KG title.

The U12 age category had the most judokas and most weight classes with six.

Huxley Briggs defeated Jorja Bellmore-Smarch to win the 29KG weight class. Jada Wheeler outlasted Josiah Wilcox to take the 36KG crown.

Bryden was the 39KG champion with William Pacaud placing second. Charlie Todd was able to outlast fellow Northern Lights Judo Club athlete Reid Sandiford to win 41KG gold.

It was another Northern Lights Judo Club final in the 45KG weight class. Lia Hinchey defeated Andrzej Benson for gold. Gavin Morgan-Evans was the champion of the 55KG class beating Aiden West.

The U14 age group had two weight classes. Gabby Farkas outlasted Justine Bellmore-Smarch to win the 36KG class.

The 60KG class had two judokas from the Shiroumakai Judo Club competing in the final. Max Naulet was able to defeat Ashlan Norquay for the title.

The U16 44KG class, the only weight class for the U16’s, was won by Jaymi Hinchey, who defeated Anneka Aasman for gold. The senior men +100KG category was won by Richard Zebruck.