Nathen Castillo, 8 years old. Taishi Judo Club.

Nathen started Judo on October 30, 2014 and is currently a green belt. His favorite Waza is Morote Seoi Nage. On the mat, Nathen is a dedicated Judoka who is always eager to learn. Nathen is very helpful, responsible, respectful, and polite. Judo has increased his self-confidence, self-discipline, social skills and has improved his behavior at home and at school. Nathen competes in almost every local tournament. He was allowed to make his debut as a referee at the San Fernando Valley Tournament in January 2018. Nathen had an amazing year from 2016 to the present. He won gold medals in the: Winter Nationals 2016 & 2017, San Jose Buddhist 2016 & 2018, Nanka Spring 2017, West Covina Invitational 2017, and the Golden States Open 2017.

Nathen not only has excels in judo but academically as well. In 2017, Nathen has been recognized as: Student of the Month, Most Improved, and Perfect Attendance. His Favorite subject is: Science and Art. During his free time, he loves to practice refereeing with his older brother David, reads the IJF Judo Refereeing Rules, and hopes to become a National Referee. Nathen is always appreciative of all of his Senseis input in building his judo. He has become not just a better athlete, but a better person as well.