Arman Niakan, 6 in his first judo bout

by Wes Wood, Staff Writer

The Goltz Judo tiny tots tournament event last week featured a room full of judo fanatics."Judo is not just about going out and throwing people and being tough," said Head Sensei and 7th degree black belt Gary Goltz. He was speaking to a handful of youths in white gi uniforms and their parents. Goltz said judo was about "the best use of your energy and power" and to "teach people to give back to the community."

The tournament was on February 21 at the Alexander Hughes Community Center, 1700 Danbury Road, and featured a judo competition, demonstrations and self-defense tips. Claremont Mayor Sam Pedroza presented a certificate signed by members of the City Council to Gary Goltz and Goltz Judo. "We truly appreciate your dedication to the city," Pedroza said in his presentation.

Claremont Mayor Sam Pedroza presenting a certificate to Sensei Gary Goltz, Tony and Ashton Farah

There were 28 youths who were in the tournament from ages 3 to 6, said judo instructor Ashton Farah, 23, who also officiated matches. Arman Niakan, 6, was asked if he was enjoying the tournament. "I guess so," said Niakan, who finished second in Division 8. Matt Durant, 37, of Claremont watched his 5-year-old son Lance in the tournament. "He's getting better," Matt said of his son who finished second in Division 3. Lance decided to participate after watching mixed martial arts, Matt said. "I watch MMA on television, and he thought it was kind of cool." Brenda Tremblay, 72, of Pomona said her 5-year-old grandson Thomas Tremblay really enjoyed the sport. "He loves it," Brenda said. "We're going to keep with it because he's enjoying it."

Results of the tournament are below courtesy of tournament judo instructor Tony Farah who is Ashton's dad:

Division 1: 1st, Ella Chin; 2nd Scarlette Sanders, 3rd Kaitlyn Loya and Lucia Sanders

Division 2: 1st, Azure Sanders, 2nd, Milana Guzman.

Division 3: 1st, Gabriel Maxson, 2nd, Lance Durant

Division 4: 1st, Noah Smelser, 2nd, Nicholas Murphy and Glenn Forman

Division 5: 1st, Madison Melocoton, 2nd, Kailee Cummings

Division 6: 1st, Daniel Lee, 2nd Derek Miyagishima, and 3rd Roland Carr and Ethan Sandoval

Division 7: 1st, Summer Sandoval, 2nd, Angelina Flores, 3rd, Maya Chin and Olivia Savage

Division 8: 1st, Jase Chin, 2nd , Arman Niakan, 3rd Jayme Montoya and Thomas Tremblay

Division 9: 1st, Armen Andreas, 2nd, Cameron Addy, 3rd Robbie Bartosh

More about Goltz Judo's Tiny Tots Program

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