Kadena Airman competes in World Military Judo Championship

  • Published
  • By Capt. Heather Boytim
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Active-duty members in all service branches from 30 countries were invited to participate in the Conseil International Du Sport Militaire's 35th World Military Judo Championship from June 27 to July 7 in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Capt. Trevor Mallo, 718th Civil Engineer Squadron maintenance engineering chief, was selected for the U.S. all-services male team and 73 kg individual competitor categories.

Competing since he was 5 years old, his love for Judo and his father's referee background led him to try out for the team. After claiming his spot, Mallo spent 10 days with the team preparing for the championship at a training camp in Pennsylvania.

The team performed vigorous training, knowing they would have the "chance to compete against several Olympic athletes," Mallo said.

"This was a phenomenal opportunity to build camaraderie and interact with military members from 30 different countries in a competitive sports environment," Mallo said. "Regardless of the results or ideological and political barriers, everyone enjoyed this peaceful experience and gained invaluable friendships."

World Military Judo championships typically take place every two years. The next CISM event featuring Judo, along with 25 other sports, will be the 6th Military World Games in Mungyeong, Republic of Korea, in 2015.