AS THE UAAP Judo tournament draws closer, higher do the spirits rise for the Ateneo Judokas. Eyeing a three-peat, Head Coach Ali Sulit is not shy in expressing his thoughts and feelings. He boldly exclaims, “This is the strongest line-up we’ve ever had.”

But such enthusiasm does not leave room for any complacency, “I told these guys sometime ago that winning is just an affirmation that you have been doing the right thing.”

With their hearts and minds set on the top prize at this year’s UAAP tournament, the Judokas have been hard at work, training since summer. And with that day just around the corner, Sulit is confident that his team will be in peak form come UAAP time, the coach says, “Their fighting spirit is tremendously strong.”

Strength and conditioning, is what this team prides themselves of, “that’s where all our Judo teams have them beat,” Sulit believes. “What good is all the technique in the world if you don’t have the cardio and the strength level to pull it off?”

For the first time ever, the Men’s line-up is complete, having two athletes for each of the seven weight divisions. As for the Women’s team, it appears to be a new line-up full of potential as Sulit expresses that they have far exceeded expectations in training.

“One thing about [both our Men’s and Women’s] judo teams is that they are very persevering. If I don’t tell them to sit it out and rest because of injuries, they’ll still be on the mat and giving it their 100 percent,” he says.

It goes without question that the long time Ateneo Judo coach and the training staff have put together a phenomenal program for these young athletes—pushing them to the limits, forcing them to dig deep and persevere through the most grueling of physical challenges on a regular basis. “They won’t quit for anything or anybody,” the coach says—such tenacity has become second nature to this team.

Having reigned at the top of the hill in 1998, 2005, 2008 and 2009, winning this year’s men’s division will grant Sulit a fifth championship, further establishing Ateneo as an undisputed force in judo.

As for the women’s team, whom have yet to win but have consistently placed in the top three, Sulit believes that they look poised to thrust back into contention for a top spot. Following the Blue Eaglets’ UAAP dominance, the Juniors’ team is well on their way to a fifth straight championship.

With the elusive three-peat in mind, Sulit is excited for the challenges to come. The coaching staff has devised a training program in preparation for the most grueling of challenges. “The only way to secure the championship is to exceed what we did last year. We cannot do the same things because all our rivals will expect that already,” the coach says.

Day by day the Judokas grow hungrier for the competition; it’s what has been on all of their minds since the start of training. “I told this team last April when we began our competition training, that this year’s program will be drastically different” says Sulit. “I prepared their mindset for the hardest training program they will ever go through.”

A sweep is their goal, and their perseverance, handwork, and sacrifice is a testament of their determination. Many have adjusted their schedules, their habits, their lifestyles around judo, leaving no compromise to be one with everyone else in the team.

The Judokas are more than prepared for what lies ahead; they, having gone through training hell to be as strong, to be as fast, and unstoppable as they are now, and come October 9 and 10, Sulit says, “The results will speak for themselves.”