‘Positive future for NMI Judo’

The art of Judo in the CNMI got a big boost the past two weeks, getting a visit from an Oceania Judo Union official.

Oceania development coach Andy Pragnol of New Zealand, who holds a 2nd degree black belt in judo, had the opportunity to visit Saipan and work with the local judo program.

“The main reason is to see how judo is going in Saipan and see if I can assist them in any way,” he said. “So I travel around in all developing countries, and see what I can to build it up, whether it be coaching, organizing competitions, or help with running a tournament.”

The Kiwi assisted the local judo federation in organizing a tournament that was held last Saturday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Taking top honors in the Juniors category (65-80 lbs) was Jonah Whitt, while Taylor Whitt placed second. Ashley Welch and Jasper Van der Moss shared third place honors.

The Senior Division (120-150 lbs.) was topped by Herman Duenas, while Nathan Flores and Reyner Ferrer placed second and third.

Francis Mendiola reigned supreme in the Masters Division, while James Revilla and Joe Sablan took home second and third place honors.

Meanwhile, Pragnol said he is happy that local program and sees a bright future for the sport in the Commonwealth.

“It’s excellent,” he said. “It seems that numbers have picked up quite a bit especially in the last six months. There’s a lot of kids and strong core of interested adults as well.”

Pragnol said in order for local competitors to excel in the art, they must get experience in regional or international competitions.

“For me, I think it a lot more competitive experience…[it] counts for quite a lot in a judo competition,” he said. “Saipan hasn’t had a lot of competitive representation in the past…in fact almost very little in terms of international representation, but it looks like in the next few years, they’re going to have quite a few people that are going to have the potential to represent Saipan,” he added, citing that the next goal is a slot—competitive or exhibition—in the Micronesian Games.

“If not [Micro Games], then certainly in the Pacific Games next year.”

Pragnol has been involved in the art for the past 15 years, and has been ranked No. 1 in New Zealand for the past seven years. He has competed in countless tournaments across Europe, and also competed in the World Championships in Egypt last year.