There was no shortage of drama at the HHSAA Judo State Championships on Saturday at Neal Blaisdell Arena, as history was made, legacies were cemented, and rivalries took center stage. When the mats cleared, Pearl City claimed the boys team title, while Moanalua earned the girls crown—but the real stories were in the individual battles.
Punahou's Eighla Fujitani delivered the upset of the tournament, denying Pearl City’s Chloe Obuhanych a career grand slam in the 109-pound semifinals. Obuhanych was chasing history, aiming to become just the seventh girls judoka ever to win four state titles. Early on, it looked like she was on her way, throwing Fujitani hard enough to knock the wind out of her. But Fujitani recovered, stayed composed, and secured an ippon (20-second press) in the first round to stun the favorite. "I was really scared going into the match because I knew how good she was and her reputation is incredible," Fujitani admitted. "I just went in knowing whatever happens, I tried my best." She carried that momentum straight through to the final, defeating Waiakea’s Layla Taasan to claim the 109-pound title—a remarkable turnaround for someone who didn't place as a freshman or sophomore and finished sixth at the same weight last season. Fujitani credited a summer training trip to Japan for her leap: "I got obliterated but learned a lot."
Moanalua’s Taegan Escaba, meanwhile, wrote her own redemption story. A two-time state champion as a freshman and sophomore, Escaba fell short last season, finishing runner-up at 98 pounds to Pearl City’s Serah Yogi. But she was determined to end her high school career on top. In the final against Mid-Pacific’s Emi Matsumoto, Escaba built a 3-0 lead with 53 seconds left, then sealed the deal with an ippon with just eight seconds on the clock—securing her third state title and proving she’s one of the most decorated judoka in the state. "I'm really proud of myself because last year I had a rough loss and it really devastated me," Escaba said.
The boys finals featured two matchups that pitted past champions and longtime friends against each other, adding an emotional layer to the competition. At 114 pounds, Pearl City’s Brayden Nakamura edged Moanalua’s Ronson Murillo by wazari. Nakamura won this weight class last season, while Murillo triumphed at 108 in 2024. The two have been battling since elementary school, and Nakamura—who estimates they've faced off "like 20 or 30 times" over 12 years—said this win felt extra special. "Me and Ronson battled all through high school and through elementary school. Nothing but love for the guy. It feels good. Last match of my life. Leave it all on the mat."
In the 132-pound final, Saint Louis’ Eli Suan faced off against Moanalua’s Draezyn Tanaka—best friends since they were 6 years old. Suan won at 121 last season, and Tanaka was the 114-pound champion in 2024. The matchup was bittersweet for both. "My plan originally at the beginning of the season was to go down to 121, because me and Draezyn are best friends," Suan said. "We've been best friends since we were 6. It was hard playing your best friend in the finals." Suan ultimately took the win, but the mutual respect was clear.
Pearl City’s Eli Oshiro (121 pounds, won at 108 in 2025) and Ku Miner (285 pounds) also repeated as boys champions, helping solidify the Chargers' team title. It was a day of unforgettable moments, fierce competition, and stories that will be told for years to come—exactly what high school sports are all about.