Twelve judokas earned gold medals at the first judo tournament of the Yukon season Saturday.

Judokas battled in 12 judo classes and three knowledge categories at the Golden Horn Judo Championships, held at the elementary school east of Whitehorse.

Hannah King beat out Scottie James Shepherd for gold in U16 open – the oldest group doing battle Saturday.

U14 gold-medal winners were Cassandra Jensen and Daniel Tonner, while Devon Raymont, Gabriel Racine, Willow Sippell and Jaymi Hinchey all earned top honours in their respective U12 categories.

Also winning gold in U10 divisions were Souleymane Sangare, Alex Lojang, Gage Albertini, Sapphira Oettli and Anneka Aasman.

Finally, Jayden Iskra earned gold in the advanced knowledge class, while Rogan Parry and Laurick Corriveau earned top prizes in the intermediate and beginner divisions, respectively.

Yukon’s judo scene includes four clubs – one each in Carcross and Golden Horn, and two in Whitehorse.

Golden Horn sensei Michael Bellon said there was plenty of new faces at the season opener.

“There was a lot of new judo students, a lot of beginners this year,” Bellon told the Star.

“Other than that, it was a pretty standard turnout.”

Bellon said there was slightly more than 50 judokas battling on the mat last weekend.

He said the turnover in judo means it’s difficult for Yukon numbers to rise. As newcomers enter the sport, older participants are exiting stage right.

“Families are busy,” he said. “Many have other things going on – music lessons, soccer and stuff. Life’s pretty hectic and there’s usually a lot of turnover in martial arts.”

Only two per cent of those who try judo make it a lifetime pursuit, Bellon offered.

Judo Yukon president Peter Melanson said the U12 category typically sees the largest increase in participation each season.

Melanson said this season will be a fairly typical one in terms of events.

Judo is not part of the Arctic Winter Games schedule, but some local judokas will be attempting to make the territorial roster as wrestlers.