It is only fitting that those who know him best describe Myer Alokoa as a "gentle giant."

Alokoa is the O'ahu Interscholastic Association's 198-pound champion in boys judo — a sport which literally translates to "the gentle way."

The freshman attends the Hawai'i Center for the Deaf and Blind, near Diamond Head. The HCDB is within the school district of Kalani, allowing Alokoa to compete for the Falcons.

"I've known him since he was about 10 years old; we used to go to club practice together," Kalani teammate Megan Yamaguchi said. "He's really grown physically a lot, he's really big now, but he's a gentle giant — a really good person."

Alokoa, who was born deaf, began judo about five years ago at the Makiki Seidokan Judo Club.

"When he was smaller, I would let him grab me and I would show him what I wanted to do and he would do it on me — so I knew that he would do it correctly," Makiki Seidokan instructor Ed Hanashiro said. "He doesn't use his loss of hearing as a handicap. It's not in his character. He always wants to learn and do the best he can."

Alokoa initially joined judo with a friend who also went to HCDB.

"I watched practice a couple of times, I thought it looked cool and I decided to join," Alokoa said through his interpreter, Scott O'Neal. "After I started, I found out how hard it was and I complained a lot and wanted to quit a few times, but (O'Neal) kept pushing me to keep going and even told me I couldn't quit. After a year or two, I started to really like it and still do."

Alokoa progressed enough to enter the United States Judo Federation Junior Nationals in July of 2007 in Michigan.

"The months before (nationals) we were training really hard and that's when I decided I had to be serious about it," said Alokoa, who placed second in his division.

Hanashiro, who is a referee during the high school season, said he has noted a difference in Alokoa's mental approach on the mat.

"He's more focused during the high school matches," Hanashiro said. "It seems like it means more to him. I can just look at his eyes and how he competes ... we haven't seen that in the local tournaments."

Alokoa has directed his focus into a runner-up finish at the OIA Eastern Division Championships on April 18 and the OIA individual championship title on April 25.

His play has gained the notice of opposing coaches.

"He's a solid, big ninth grader and his technique has gotten better throughout the season," Kahuku coach Ray Imada said. "What I really like about him is he just goes for it. He's a fearless player, keeps coming at you — just relentless."

Alokoa, who also played football for Kalani, is the No. 2 seed in the 198-pound division at today's Hawai'i High School Athletic Association Judo State Championships.

Matches begin at 10:30 a.m. with finals expected to begin around 4:30 p.m.