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Paola Martinez, a Lakeway Area resident of nine years, won 1st place for her weight and age class in the recent U.S. Open Judo Championship under the coaching of Morristown Police Department Chief Roger Overholt.

Martinez competed in this year’s Championship with little professional training aside from the countless hours she and Overholt put in to ensure her proficiency – amounting to approximately 35 hours a week of recreational training.

“There is no specific team [locally] with someone of my age, 42 years old, and light weight so it is hard to find people [to practice with],” Martinez said.

“Much of my opponents are taller and heavier.”

Martinez first began practicing Judo when she was only 12 years old but stopped at 22 due to an elbow injury. Her and her husband, Ismael Concha, initially moved to Tennessee for his job at Lincoln Memorial University. Martinez’s move was a catalyst for her resuming Judo around five years ago.

When Martinez was first adjusting to the move, she found herself depressed as she stayed at home waiting to work with her pending citizenship. She also was not fluent in English, making it difficult for her to find and forge friendships.

Concha suggested one day that Martinez try out a local Karate or Jiu Jitsu class where Overholt was the teacher, or in other terms, Sensei. She obliged, though was not so enthusiastic about Karate or Jiu Jitsu as opposed to the more assertive marital art of Judo which she dearly missed.

Overholt admitted to her that he did not have prior experience with Judo, but conceded to researching the martial art in-depth so that the pair could train.

“He really believed in me and gave me the opportunity to train. And of course my husband and son helped me practice too, but Sensei Overholt must have saw something in me because he wanted to send me to training camp in Florida for professional training,” said Martinez.

“Sensei Overholt really helped prepare me mentally and physically.”

Martinez attended formal training camp in Florida two years ago where she was able to network and receive a place representing a team based in Arlington, Virginia known as Kogaion Academy.

The Academy is part of the United States Judo Federation which allows Martinez to compete nationally. Martinez visits the Academy only several times a year for formal training in that location.

After relentless training and dedication to the art of Judo, Martinez won second place (silver) in the U.S. Judo Open Championship in 2022 at the veteran level for under 57 kilos, and was proud of her accomplishment.

“I was happy. Judo is my passion, I just enjoy it,” Martinez said.

But Overholt believed her potential was great enough to win first place, and did not want Martinez to limit her capabilities. Though representing the Kogaion Academy, Martinez competed this year in the Open Championship solo with Overholt as her coach, who is not nationally or internationally certified.

“It really is almost impossible for someone a part of no real team with no certified coach to try and compete and win. But I just do it because I love it,” Martinez said.

Overholt also weighed in on Martinez’s accomplishment.

“This was a big win. I am very proud of Paola and we are glad she is part of Overholt’s Karate Studio,” he said.

“We have another competition coming up soon; if anyone is interested in participating with a sponsorship they may contact Overholt’s Karate Studio at 423-312-2126.”

Martinez is now a state certified Judo coach in Tennessee, and won gold in the 2023 U.S. Open Champion in her category.