Matthias Montez, a sophomore at Heritage High School, recently took home his fifth medal in Junior National Judo competition, finishing second at this year's event in San Antonio, Texas.

Montez began his Judo training in 2003 at the After School All-Stars Judo program at San Jose State University at the behest of his cousin, and currently trains at Ricardo Barros Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Brentwood. When time permits and his family can arrange it, he also travels to San Jose or Manteca Judo Club for instruction.

"I like fighting, throwing people," said Montez, who had never participated in any sort of martial art before trying his hand at Judo. "Fighting is a challenge and it keeps me busy over the summer instead of watching TV and being lazy. It helps keep me in better shape and feeling good."

Judo comes easily to Montez, who typically needs to work on a move for only a couple of weeks before he's ready to add it to his arsenal and put it to use in competition. Although he considers himself an adaptive fighter, taking what his opponents give him and using their own momentum to their disadvantage, he still has his favorite moves.

The Morote Seoinage, Montez's favorite throw, is a devastating maneuver in which he takes control of his opponent by grabbing the sleeve and lapel, then draws the opponent close to his own body, turns his back and bends at the knees, then lifts the opponent off the mat and snaps him, head over heels, onto his back.

Montez also sees the rewards of his Judo training pay off on the football field. He plays both halfback and linebacker for the Patriots JV team, and he views his strong center of balance as a key in bouncing off of blockers and tacklers. Rather than fall back when he collides with opponents on the field, he's able to redirect his momentum and continue fighting for additional yardage or pursuing the ball carrier.

Although Montez is planning on taking some time away from Judo to focus on the fall football season, he's serious about competing at the highest level. When USA Judo announced during the Junior Nationals that it was working to put together a true Olympic Judo competition for athletes ages 14-18 in Australia in 2010, Montez immediately began thinking about what he could do to ensure himself a strong showing at the event.

Montez is currently learning Jiu-Jitsu, which is improving his technique grappling on the ground, and is also interested in improving his striking technique in hopes of one day competing in mixed martial arts.