Three members of the Mercer Island Judo Dojo and Emerald City Judo clubs competed at the USJA/USJF Junior Nationals competition in Irvine, Calif. at the beginning of July.

Alissa Kosugi finished in third in the 7-8-year-old girls under 34 kilograms division. Misato Sandoval also finished in third in the 9-10-year-old under 34 kilogram division.

Sensei Harold Yamada said Matthew Kosugi also did well in his division, the 11-12 year old under 56 kilograms.

It was the first trip to Junior Nationals for all three. Yamad also served as an international judo referee and traveled with the team. There were 900 athletes for the two day tournament, along with 80 national and international referees.