GRAND ISLAND — Anthony Gugino can still remember the first time he draped himself in Judo attire and stood across from an opponent.

“I was only four and it was real nerve-racking,” the Grand Island resident said recently at his home.

Some 13 years later, the GI senior is still going strong with his Judo aspirations — not to mention he’s much more relaxed —as he prepares for this week’s Empire State Games.

Although, when your family owns one of the area’s few Judo clubs it’s hard for the sport to leave your blood. Gugino’s grandparents own Kin-Tora Judo Club in Buffalo and both his father and uncle serve as instructors. His dad is also a referee and his siblings have also participated in the sport.

That said, Gugino insists his family never pushed him toward the sport, he just naturally gravitated to it and would likely be lost without it.

“You have to love this sport to do it,” he said. “Now, I’m sure I’ll be involved with it for the rest of my life in some aspect.”

Gugino works out at least three times a week at the club and his hard work has paid off as he recently picked up second place honors at the Am-Can International Challenge at UB in the 161-pound men’s senior division. This past weekend, Gugino competed in the prestigious Junior U.S. Open in Florida and he’s also scheduled to test for his black belt next month at Brockport State.

The Section VI wrestling medalist said he loves the 1-on-1 combat that both sports can provide an athlete with.

“You get all the credit for the wins and you can’t blame anyone else for a loss — it’s all on you,” he said of the complimentary sports.

Gugino is scheduled to depart for Binghamton and the Games on Thursday. He is entered in the open men’s 161-pound division and hopes to improve upon his third-place finish two summers ago.

“I can probably win it this year,” he said. “I know I’ll place. The New York City athletes could be tough because they have one of the best training centers in the world. I’m confident though.”

Contact reporter Nate Beutel at 282-2311, ext. 2262.