It’s Not Just About Events!! “Team Malia” Goes Global!!

2025年09月17日

~ Private coaching with Malia: From U.S. Junior Champion to the World Stage! ~

At last, the first step toward a dream has begun!
As part of the second pillar of my judo mission in America—“developing world-class athletes”—Malia, whom I’ve been privately coaching, won the U.S. Junior Championships on Friday, June 20. This victory secured her a spot on Team USA for the World Junior Championships to be held in Lima, Peru, from October 2–6!

From my own experience, I can honestly say that there are plenty of athletes at this level worldwide. But Malia is only 16, a high school sophomore, and her potential is limitless. Our long-term goal is for her to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and aim for a medal at the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

One of my favorite sayings is: “If you keep chasing your dream, you’ll become the one closest to it.”
Believing in those words, together with her family, her dojo owner, and Malia herself, we have formed “Team Malia.” As her personal coach, I will not only train her but also fully support her participation in international competitions.

Malia’s home base is Los Angeles—just a 4.5-hour flight from Chicago (yes, the U.S. really is huge!). Balancing two bases while raising two small children will be challenging, but dreams have no limits. With grit, energy, and a bit of recklessness, I’ll be working side by side with her to take on the world! I’ll keep sharing updates along the way, and I’d be truly grateful if you could cheer for this young girl’s challenge, beyond borders and nationalities.

1. Profile: Malia Manibog

Born in Los Angeles, 2008 (16 years old)
Height: 169 cm | Weight class: -48 kg (same as Japan’s Tsunoda!)
Dojo: San Gabriel Dojo (Los Angeles) | High School Sophomore
Favorite techniques: Seoi-nage, Ko-uchi-gari
Personality: So gentle and kind—it’s almost too much! (My mission is to instill more “fighting spirit.”)

So cute isn’t she? Maybe I was like her when I was younger???

She demonstrates top-class potential in the sharpness of her techniques. With balanced development of mind, technique, and body, she can aim for the world level.

2. How We Met

In November 2023, I visited Los Angeles to lead a judo clinic. Thanks to the positive feedback, I was invited to San Gabriel Dojo this past March. There, dojo owner Riche Endo introduced me to Malia and asked: “Does this girl have world-class potential? If so, would you consider becoming her personal coach?”

After meeting her in person and taking her throws, I judged that she did indeed have the potential. With full backing from her family and dojo, we officially launched Team Malia!

The members of San Gabriel Dojo have also become my home base for activities in LA.

Our team is still small, but both Malia and Team Malia will continue to grow!

3. Achievements

2023:

U.S. Cadet Nationals (ages 15–17): Champion
Pan-American Junior Cup (ages 15–20): Runner-up

2024:

President’s Cup (U.S. version of the Kodokan Cup): Champion

2025:

U.S. Cadet Nationals (ages 15–17): Champion
U.S. Junior Nationals (ages 15–20): Champion

Winning the U.S. Junior Nationals has opened the door to the world!

(Photo: Malia in blue, going all in after a throw. In competition, there’s no room for “cuteness”—I was the same way!)

4. Upcoming Schedule (July–December 2025)

July 7–10: Training camp in Prague, Czech Republic
July 26–Aug 5: Private training in LA & San Diego
Aug 27–31: World Cadet Championships (Sofia, Bulgaria)
September: Private training in LA (1–2 weeks, TBD)
Oct 2–6: World Junior Championships (Lima, Peru)
Nov 22: President’s Cup (Dallas, Texas)
Nov 29–Dec 14: Training in Japan (with universities & corporate teams; also attending Tokyo Grand Slam)
July 15, 2028 (planned): Judo -48 kg event at the Los Angeles Olympics (!!)

Global Kids Judo Network