Head instructor Aaron Jensen of Shiroumakai Judo says the seven judokas representing Judo Yukon fought well in Anchorage last weekend – really well.

He said this week competition at the Alaska State Championships is tough but in the last couple of years Yukoners have been doing better, particulary as a young team.

Of the seven who competed in Anchorage one was an adult while the rest were 15 and under.

“Our fighters are starting to move up the ladder,” Jensen said.

The following results were provided by Shiroumakai Judo.

Damon Tonner had a very rewarding victory over a young man that beat him last year. Damon went 2-0 to win gold in the U9 -66lbs division.

Up next, Richard Zebruck went 2-0 in the senior men’s +220lbs division for a gold medal.

Daniel Tonner moved up an age division to fight Jaun Salcedo in U15 -88lbs. Salcedo is a green belt judoka, travelling all the way from Las Vegas. Daniel went 2-0 against Jaun to win gold.

Jadon Leenders went 2-0 in the U15 +144lbs division to win gold.

Ove Maxfield fought Landon Shooshanian in U13 -114 lbs. This was a tough match, won by Maxfield.

Unfortunately the match ended in an injury to Shooshanian. Maxfield won the second match by default for a first-place finish.

Rowen Kingston fought U18 -145lbs. Kingston went 2-0 against a skilled competitor. Kingston collected a silver medal.

Daniel Tonner fought his way to gold in the U13 -92lbs division. After fighting his way to the gold medal match, Tonner lost a tough fight to Connor Rimando. Being his first loss of the double elimination tournament. They fought again. This time Tonner threw Rimando for Ippon and won the gold medal with a 2-1 record.

Cassi Jensen fought in the girls U13 -114lbs division. Jensen won a quick and decisive first match against Robyn Suttcliff of Matsu Judo. Jensen then went on to beat Abbi Bridge of Mountain View Judo. After winning a decisive second match against Sittcliff, another gold medal for Judo Yukon.

Zebruck fought hard in the masters open division. Richard went 0-2 finishing in 3rd place.

Team Yukon finished second overall in total points.

Upon reviewing the results:

• Mountain View Judo – 78 points ( 4x10 for gold) + (7x5 for silver) + (3x1 for bronze);

• Judo Yukon – 76 points (7x10 for gold) + (1x5 for silver) + (1x1 for bronze);

• MatSu Judo – 68 points (3x110 for gold) + 7x5 for silver) + (3x1 for bronze).

“A very impressive finish for our club, given the logistics in getting our athletes to Anchorage.

Hopefully more athletes can join us next year,” club officials said

Judo Yukon entered a male team into the Sato Cup competition for the first time. This is a team event using one competitor from each youth division. Of the three teams entered, no team could fill a full roster.

Team Yukon squared off with Mountain View Judo Club.

Damon Tonner won by default as Mountain View didn't provide a 7-8-year-old fighter.

The favor was returned as Team Yukon couldn’t provide a 9-10 year old fighter.

Maxfield was the 11-12 representative. Maxfield was matched up with Gavin Melon, a 4th-place finisher at a major USA national tournament in 2015. After blocking four of Melon’s attacks, Maxfield landed a beautiful throw for Ippon, giving Team Yukon a key win.

Next up, big Jadon Leenders in the 13-14 division. Leenders fought great, and having a rather distinct size advantage, put another win on the board for Judo Yukon.

The last fight of the event, Kingston represented Team Yukon in the 15-16 division. Rowen was unable to defeat the much larger and very experienced Darion Melon.

Team Yukon came away with a 3-2 victory marking the first time the Sato Cup has ever left Alaska – much to the disappointment of the local Alaskan Judoka & their coaches.