EDGAR MENDEZ - [X]PRESS Jimmy Kim, 18, puts on his belt as Corwin Learned, 17, goes to shake hands after the two practiced judo maneuvers together at Cahill's Judo Academy in San Bruno. Kim and Corwin are training to compete in Beijing in 2012.

Kim grabs Learned by his right arm, then bear hugs him by the waist. Kim steps back and lifts up Learned in air. “Huh!” Kim slams Learned onto the mat. “Huh!”

Meanwhile, Jordon Mouton, guided by her coach, lifts up her sparring partner to throw on the mat.

From throwing to grappling on the ground, utilizing pins, control holding arm locks and choking techniques, the physical aspect of Judo requires coordination, power and flexibility.

At Cahill’s Judo Academy in San Bruno, there are three athletes training to be Olympians. Kim, 18, wasn’t able to participate in the 2008 Beijing Olympics due to a knee injury in 2005. Learned, 17, wasn’t able to either because he was underweight. And Mouton, 18, who’s visually impaired, is heading off to the Beijing Paralympics in August.

“You have to have the heart and want it,” said Mouton during a break in training. The drive to do well, travel, and stay disciplined is what motivates her.

Mouton, who has been competing in Judo for three years, said she remembers how she felt before her first match: “Terrified.”

And how did she do? “I won,” she said. Victory is on her mind for Beijing too. She said she already knows how she would feel if she won.

“Disbelief. I’d think of everything I did to prepare for it and everyone who helped me,” she said.

Kim and Learned, both hopeful athletes, are undaunted when it comes to training to pursue their dreams of competing for the 2012 Olympics.

Kim said his knee blew out during a competition in 2005. “ I’ve been thinking about making the Olympics for a very long time. Unfortunately, after my knee broke, it was part of my peak and I was never able to reach it. But now, I’m all better. Everything is for Judo,” Kim said.

On the other hand, Learned, being 12 pounds underweight to be qualified for the Olympics, said, “I’ve always wanted to be in the Olympics. I’ve never thought about quitting.”

Kim and Learned have been doing Judo since the age of 3 and 5. Their family members first introduced them to Judo and Kim and Learned have been going to Cahill’s Judo Academy since the beginning. They have proven their skill and dedication to Judo by winning many awards. Kim has won several Junior Olympics and State and National Championships while Learned has won six State Championships and Junior and Senior Nationals.

Kim and Learned are living the judo life to its fullest.

“Judo is in my life. Between 2008 to 2012, I just have to push myself, train more hours, step it up and make more sacrifices,” Kim said.

Due to his determination, Learned is going to start lifting weights and eating proteins. He is also going to train at San Jose State University and plans to move to Japan six months after high school.

Cahill’s Judo Academy coach Raul Tamayo said, “The six months before the Olympics is some intense crunch time. We train these athletes five hours a day. They aren’t just doing judo but they are also running, swimming, and biking. Most of these athletes aren’t getting much sleep. However, the skill level here is high.”

Kim and Learned are positive that they will reach their goals because they live and breathe Judo.

“I have enough skills and dedication. I have what it takes to be an Olympian,” Learned said.