Edward Borja: All for judo

Ever since transferring to DLSU from AMA Makati, Judo rookie, Edward Borja, has been itching to be a part of the DLSU Green Judokas and make his mark in the UAAP. The 18-year-old rookie has been practicing the martial art of Judo for eight years, and is approaching his ninth. Borja discovered his love for the sport at the age of 10 when he signed up for a Judo summer clinic in his hometown of Muntinlupa. 

For him, he did not expect to fall in love with Judo, since the only reason he joined was simply because he had nothing to do during that summer.  But when he started, it was definitely love at first sight. 

Borja says, “Nagsummer clinic ako kasi walang magawa noon. Nagustuhan ko siya tapos nagtuloytuloy ako.”  Ever since he attended that Judo summer clinic, his interest in the sport started to grow, that it became more than just a workout, but a hobby. As time passed by, he started getting more involved in the sport. Eventually, he became one of the Judo fighters that represented the Muntinlupa Judo club and has been competing for the last seven years.

Balancing Judo and studies

A college athlete’s life isn’t merely comprised of training and developing their skills in their sport. Just like any student, a college athlete has to also make the grades in his/her academics, and at the same time has to dedicate time and effort to their chosen sport. In Borja, we see a person who is dedicated equally to both Judo and his education. On one side, he is passionate about fitness and Judo. On the other, he values his academics. When asked about his decision to join the Green Judokas, he responded by saying, “Dahil sa education at dahil ang brother ko dito rin nag-aaral para magkasama kami.” For Borja, his family and education is as important as his passion for Judo. He is currently taking up his Bachelor of Arts in Sports Studies (AB-SPM) and is planning to shift to Bachelor of Arts (AB) in Development Studies next term. 

Adapting to the culture

A common problem that rookies experience when entering a new team is adapting to the culture and dynamics of the squad, and as they transition, one of two cases may occur. First case is that the player may experience a little culture shock and may struggle to keep up with the demands of the team. Second case is that the player may have prior experience to a similar culture and have already become accustomed to the demands of the team. 

Fortunately for Borja, he was able easily adapt to the culture of the Green Judokas. According to Borja, the Judo club in Muntinlupa where he used to train in has a similar system with the Green Judokas. When asked about how he was able to adapt to the Green Judokas system, he replies by saying, “Hindi naman ako nahirapan dahil yung coach namin dito at ang coach namin sa Muntinlupa ay pareho nag-Philippine team at pareho sila ng system kaya, nasanay na ako.” 

The sheer love for the sport

As a rookie, Borja is only interested in three things: to improve his skills in Judo, to bring home the gold for the Green Judokas, and to compete. Among these three, the excitement of competing is what drives him the most. When asked about his aspirations as a rookie, he simply replies saying, “Wala naman. Happy playing lang.”  For Borja, it is merely his love for the sport that keeps him doing what he does best.  “Passion ko talaga yun nung bata pa ako. I really love judo,” Borja says.