By: King Eddie

Seeing kids compete in any form of martial arts is truly a pleasure. They approach it with such energy and wonder. To learn a new skill and to craft it over years and years is something that they may not understand now, but eventually they will appreciate. Having a kid who loves hard work is like having a kid who loves vegetables. It's not often the two go hand and hand. Most times attention can be drawn in so many different directions. But in Hawaii I have noticed kids by the boatload that dedicate time and hard work to a martial art and begin to succeed early on. It's such a strong lesson for the youth in our state. Humility, Discipline, and Dedication go a long way.

This past weekend the Boys And Girls Club of Hawaii held a JBBAH Yonebu Judo Tournament at Spalding Clubhouse. The ages ranged among the 180 competitors, but the fun and thrill of competing was equal for all. Out of the many smiling faces, two stood out tremendously, Boltyn (age 9) and Tyger (age 5) Taam. They are the sons of Andy Taam, owner of Hawaiian Fight Gear. These two youngsters made quite an impression by both taking first place in their divisions.

Boltyn - "You have to have the desire to win. And you have to train everyday."

 The event also served as somewhat of a fundraiser for those who will be competing in the Junior Nationals that will take place in Spokane, Washington in July. Tyger and Bolt have both competed and sometimes didn't even place. But through a continued drive to compete, and the desire to win, the two brothers tasted victory on the same day. They absorb what their instructor, Dr. Greg Chow, shows them at the Tenri Judo Hawaii dojo. They are like little sponges. And Tyger really loves doing pullups to get stronger.

Tyger - " I play lots of sports and exercise. I do pullups to make me strong. I can do 10 pullups."

With the tournament over and the trophies won, you can bet that Tyger and Bolt are still working just as hard as they ever did. And in the end, that's really what it's all about.