Annual Uemura Cup returns to Hilo; referee certification, special clinics offered
One of the most iconic judo tournaments on Hawaii Island is returning to Hilo at the end of this month.
One of the most iconic judo tournaments on Hawaii Island is returning to Hilo at the end of this month.
On Saturday, Aug. 29 at the Edith Kanakaole Multi-Purpose Stadium, nearly 450 judokas from around the state will compete in the annual Shudokan Uemura Cup – Hawaii International Judo Championships, hosted by Michael Hayashi Sensei and the Shudokan Judo Club. Admission will be free and open to the public.
A 22-member team from Uji Judokai in Kyoto, Japan will also be competing in Hilo, giving local judokas a chance to test their skills against premier international competition.
“This tournament has really grown over the years, and it’s an opportunity for us to give our local judokas and students a chance to compete against Japanese players, which they normally don’t have a chance to,” Hayashi said. “Giving the children the opportunity is one of the goals for us in this tournament.”
This year’s event has additionally been selected as an official USA Judo Referee Certification and Testing Site, which is expected to draw interest from referees from around the islands. This allows Hawaii officials an opportunity to further grow their development and pursue USA Judo referee certification, while also being part of one of the island’s largest judo events.
“This is the first time we’re having this referee certification,” Hayashi added. “This allows our state referees to have an opportunity to update their certifications, where normally they would have to travel to the mainland to have this done.
“This makes it easier for them with less traveling, and it attracts more referees to help us with our tournaments. So overall, it’s a win-win for both sides.”
Read more Picking the Wahine volleyball team captains was easy for coach Walker
Following the conclusion of the tournament, Shudokan will host a unique rules clinic on Sunday, Aug. 30, featuring two internationally-recognized judo officials — Gary Takemoto Sensei, IJF/PJC Referee Director and 2016 Olympic referee and Hector Estevez Sensei, chairman of the USA Judo Referee Committee and 2008 Olympic referee. This one-of-a-kind clinic will provide Hawaii’s referees, coaches and judokas an outstanding educational opportunity.
“This is the first time we will be featuring this caliber of referees,” Hayashi said. “Both are well-respected in the judo community, and having them guide our local referees and give them their own perspectives will be very valuable, and a great opportunity.”
Historically, the tournament is held in honor of the late Uemura Masaichi Sensei — who is a highly-respected Japanese language instructor who personally selected the name of Shudokan Judo Club, which was formed in 1988. Because of this, his legacy has lived on throughout East Hawaii judo.
Originally a member of the Hilo Hongwanji Judo Club, Hayashi sought guidance from Masaichi on a name for his new club, which he then provided the Shudokan name.
“We decided to name this tournament in honor of him because of his connection to our club,” Hayashi said.
All in all, Hayashi and the rest of Shudokan Judo Club hope the weekend is full of healthy competition, education and fun for all judokas, coaches, spectators and officials.
“I hope this tournament will inspire more of our local athletes to want to try and compete at a higher level of competition in the future, and continue on in judo and have some higher expectations of competition,” Hayashi said. “Just that inspiration to compete at a higher level.”
Read more DLNR’s proposed rules stir debate over cat management
See the paper next month for coverage of the 2026 Shudokan Uemura Cup.
