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Sophomore Brianna Padron did not travel to Central America this summer for an exotic getaway. Instead, she departed for San Salvador with a goal fixed firmly in mind: to win big at the 2009 Junior and Juvenile Judo Pan-American Championships. And she did, returning with a third place bronze medal.

Padron, ranked number two in the nation in the 48 kg Judo division, competed in the tournament June 13-14 in San Salvador, El Salvador. She was selected to participate in the event as the runner-up in her division.

Though the tournament was described by USA Judo’s CEO Jose Rodriguez as “one of the strongest and most well-attended Pan American Junior Championships,” Padron fiercely rallied against her competitors, taking third place in her division.

“The competitors were tough,” she said. “Before each match, I was really nervous, even though usually I don’t get nervous at competitions.”

While gaining a medal was a memorable portion of the tournament, Padron said one of the best parts of the championship was the experience itself.

“It was a very great and fun experience to compete outside of the US,” said Padron. “The different styles [of Judo] from different countries were really cool to see. I never competed in this tournament before, but I’m glad I did.”

A two-time winner of the national judo championship, Padron became interested in the sport at the age of twelve after participating in jiu jitsu, a similar sport, for two years.

Padron was also one of the two girls on the Heritage Varsity Wrestling team last year and has won eight golds and two silvers in her class. She said that, although the two sports are similar, they have some fundamental differences.

“Judo is more focused on stand-up fighting, and wrestling is more grappling,” she said.

Training over 11 hours a week under the direction of former judo champion Chris McDonald, Padron said she has high hopes for her future in the sport.

“My next goal is to win first place at the Pan-American Tournament next year, and after that, hopefully, I can win the Olympic Trials and go to the Olympics in 2012,” she said.

What is Judo?

Judo is a combat sport and martial art involving the immobilization of opponents by throwing them to the ground or by putting them into a subdued position.

Judo has three levels of scoring: ippon, waza-ari, and yuko. An ippon (one point) is given to competitors who throw an opponent to the ground or hold him in a subdued position for 25 seconds. Waza-ari (1/2 point) is given to a throw that does not have enough power to be classified as an ippon. Yuko is a lower level of scoring given only in tie-breaker situations. To win, competitors must earn one point (one ippon or two waza-ari).