SUN VALLEY : Park Judo Club Takes a Stance Against Gangs

Bud Tinaza teaches judo as a way to combat gangs.

But Tinaza, an instructor at the Stonehurst Judo Club, does not advocate the use of the martial art against knife- or gun-wielding gang members.

He wants teen-agers to learn to do judo in place of gang activities.

“A lot of the kids here would be on the streets, running with gangs,” said Tinaza, 26, a black belt and an instructor with the club that meets three times a week in a room at Stonehurst Recreation Center.

“This is a place where they can be themselves. Everyone here is a champion.”

At every meeting, the students go through a series of exercises including stretches, throwing opponents over their shoulders, rolls and floor work.

“We tell the kids ‘You take judo so you don’t have to use it,’ ” instructor Phil Tabbi said.

One teen-age boy came into the room very late.

“Forty pushups,” commanded Tinaza.

“Hey, I had homework,” said the boy.

It was an acceptable excuse. Not acceptable is associating with gangs or drugs.

One teen-ager in the club kept secret his membership in a gang. But other judo students found out.

“You can stay with us,” a student told him, Tabbi said. “But the gangs pressured him to go with them.”

There are about 100 registered members of the club, who come to Sun Valley from as far away as Whittier. Some are as young as 5.

No tuition fees are charged to students, and the club helps those who cannot afford to pay a $30-a-year fee for insurance and a uniform.

Members of the club form close friendships. But that doesn’t mean they cut each other a break in competition.

“You’re friends when you’re off the mat,” said Yvonne Carrera, 15, a brown belt. “And when you’re on the mat you just go for it.”