Masao Takahashi, the family patriarch, has been
involved in judo for 65 years, during which time he has taught and
coached numerous national and international champions through the
Takahashi Martial Arts School. Established in Ontario, Canada, in
1969, this family-run training school is recognized as one of North
America's most successful dojos, offering courses in judo, karate,
jiu jutsu, aikido, and kendo. Masao is an 8th-dan black belt and
was decorated by the emperor of Japan in 2002 with the Order of the
Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Rosette in recognition of his
exceptional service to elevating the status of Japanese Canadians
through his lifelong commitment to the promotion and development of
the sport of judo. He was inducted into the Judo Canada Hall of
Fame in 1998.
June Takahashi is a 5th-dan black belt and a
judo instructor at the Takahashi dojo. She was one of the first
women in Canada to earn a black belt and is credited with
encouraging and supporting her children's competitive pursuits over
the years. The Takahashi siblings, Allyn, Phil, Ray, and Tina, are
all accomplished student-athletes who have trained and competed
internationally and have earned nine university degrees between
them.
Allyn Takahashi is considered the technician of
the Takahashi family with a theoretical approach to judo as a sport
and a martial art. He was a Canadian national youth champion and
wrestler during his high school years, winning three Eastern
Canadian Championships and the Canadian National Exhibition
International Championship.
Phil Takahashi is a three-time Olympian,
two-time medalist in world championship competition, and 10-time
Canadian champion. He was inducted into the Judo Canada Hall of
Fame in 1996 and currently instructs at the family dojo.
Ray Takahashi is currently a lecturer and
wrestling coach at the University of Western Ontario. He is a
3rd-dan black belt and a three-time Olympian who placed 4th in
1984. A member of the Canadian wrestling team for 10 years, Ray
holds 16 Canadian national titles in the sport and was inducted
into the Canadian Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1991.
Tina Takahashi is a World University champion
who has taught judo for the past 25 years. She was the first
women's Sport Canada carded athlete, the first coach of the women's
judo team at the 1988 Olympics, and the first Canadian woman to
achieve the rank of 6th-degree black belt. In 1998, Tina was
inducted into the Judo Canada Hall of Fame.