The U.S. Parapan American Judo team is in the middle of a weeks-long venture through two major Brazilian metropolises. The eight American athletes with 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games aspirations competed at the IBSA World Championships in Sao Paulo earlier in the month before traveling to Rio de Janeiro for the Parapan American Games.

Scott Moore (Denver, Colo.), Myles Porter (Colorado Springs, Colo.), Jordan Mouton (Colorado Springs, Colo.), Scott Jones (Little Rock, Ark.), Greg DeWall (Chico, Calif.), Lisa Maria Martinez (Union City, N.J.) and Christina Thomas (Los Angeles, Calif.) will represent the United States in Rio. Andre Watson (Philadelphia, Penn.), will not compete because his 90 kg category did not have enough athletes.

Sweat seeping through their white and blue gees, the United States judo players are rigorously preparing to battle the top athletes from the Americas on the mat. The Parapan Ams represent the final opportunity for the judo athletes to qualify for Beijing.

Resolve is in the air around the Athletes Village of high rise apartments in Rio. Whether seasoned Paralympians or inexperienced participants, the American men and women are eager to pin and take down their opponents, accruing individual points toward a trip to China.

“We have a very competitive team,” said Porter, men’s 100 kg. “We all want to outdo one another.”

The top three men’s points earners in each weight category qualify for Beijing. The top five women’s points earners will also garner a spot in next summer’s games.

DeWall qualified for Beijing in Sao Paulo, fighting to a fifth-place finish in the 100+ kg category. He will look to continue that success in Rio.

The other Americans are finding their mental focus while surrounded by contenders in the vibe of a Paralympic atmosphere.

“Being in the village gives us kind of the “big show” feel,” said Moore, men’s 73 kg. “We have the judo venue separate. It’s set up just like the Games. I think that’s exciting.”

Moore is a three-time Paralympic medalist (gold, 2000 Sydney Games; bronze, 2004 Athens Games; bronze, 1996 Atlanta Games) and the unsung leader of the American team. His understanding of the mat – along with the knowledge of Jones, 81 kg, a member of the Athens team – supports the efforts of coach Raul Tamayo and assistant Marc Vink.

“Scott’s my role model pretty much; three games, three medals and six world championships, endless credentials,” Porter said. “I’m just trying to raise myself up there and win a gold medal.”

“If nothing else, giving my experience to the rest of the team and helping them realize what to expect when they come in here, hopefully I’m imparting some kind of wisdom in helping them prepare for these games,” Moore said. “This is not just another tournament; this is it. After this tournament there is no tomorrow, so hopefully I can help impart a sense of urgency.”

Thomas, women’s 48 kg, kicks off the competition for the Americans Aug. 16 at Riocentro. Mouton, women’s 63 kg, is moving up a category due to lack of participation in her usual 57 kg spot. Lisa Maria Martinez, 70 kg, fights on the last day of competition.