By AJ Alarcon

Judokas know the importance of a good grip — firm, steady, and unyielding — for it gives them the control to throw, to balance, and to rise again. But beyond what happens on the tatami, that grip grows tighter as the arena erupts in a chorus of support: judokas calling out to their teammates to throw, step back, push, or escape a lock. In that same spirit, the high school team of the Ateneo Judo Association (AJA) held on — gripping tight to their bronzes and silvers — during the Philippine Ultimate Judo Championships (PUJC) International Open, held on October 4 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.