After years of dance and gymnastics classes, Christine Nguyen decided to start a new tradition for herself.

She joined Kentridge High School’s Judo team her junior year, and things in her life slowly began to change.

“I started spending more time on the mat, but my grades got better,” she said.

Deeply rooted in tradition, Judo expects a lot out of the athletes, not just physically but socially as well. As she began to train, Nguyen recognized the lessons in Judo not only applied to her time on the mat but in other areas of life as well.

“It’s a way of life,” Nguyen said. “My parents saw how dedicated I was, (and) me and my family, we got on the same page.”

Now a senior, the 17-year-old Nguyen hopes that this lifestyle change coupled with all her hard work will help her reach her goals for the season.

Only in her second year, Nguyen is a leader in a group of more than 80 students on Kentridge’s Judo team. Walking around the dojo, also known as the school gym, Nguyen gives tips and demonstrates throws, helping her teammates refine their technique during practice.

“I try to get the team pumped (and) try to get them to understand things,” she said. “You can’t get better when working with someone with less skill than you.”

For Nguyen, the aspect of community was a main reason she decided to stick with the sport. So soon after joining her high school team, Nguyen also joined the Zenyu Judo Dojo in Maple Valley. She competes in that club with peers from all over the area, including other Kent high schools.

“Everyone’s really close even though you’re competing against everybody,” she said. “(At Zenyu) that’s where the community of Judo comes together. There are no schools at Zenyu.”

But in the Puget Sound High School Judo League, school pride and competition mean everything, especially when Kentridge and Kentwood, the two rivaling Judo teams, tied as league champions last year and are tied in league again this season at 3-1.

With the four elements of good throw in mind (force, control, mainly on the opponent’s back, and speed), this orange belt (the fourth ranking) is ready to help lead her team to victory all the way to the Wilson Cup.

“When you’re in a match…(there’s) so much adrenaline,” Nguyen said. “My goals for this season are to get the triple crown, first place title for league, and win the Wilson Cup.”