IAC Founders
Takeshi Itani
My idea of modern martial arts is about continually refining the body and spirit to function at its highest level for a lifetime.
In this day and age, I feel that the highest level of self defense is to be able to move your body as you wish for a lifetime.
At the age of 100 years of life, wouldn’t you agree that a black belt in life is the one who is not rusty in both body and spirit for a lifetime?
When I was studying Judo, I suffered an injury that caused doctors to declare that I would not be able to run for the rest of my life, but I returned to competition. Later, I switched to martial arts, but due to a broken neck, I was unable to compete or work, and I have been unemployed and bitterly disappointed.
But that experience has raised the bar in my life and it led me to my destiny.
The secret that has raised my life to a higher level lies in the spirit and body-building of the Japanese martial arts, which was born during samurai era.
I truly love and appreciate Judo and Jiu Jitsu.
In Japan, I have been teaching Judo for more than 10 years at Kyoto University, which has a tradition of 1,900 years since its founding.
I have been teaching for more than 10 years to train athletes to have a good balance of mind, technique, and body.
I have been teaching for more than 10 years in order to contribute to the development of society through the martial arts.
The first character in 武道 (Budō) is my name, Takeshi (武）
My parents gave me the name Takeshi, which means to “stop any conflict”
The word ju or jiu (柔) means “gentle, flexible”.
Judo, written gentle road.
Jiu Jitsu, written gentle art.
I feel it is important to keep our mind and body flexible but
also important to make them strong.
I know I said big things, but I'm also in the middle of training to become a black belt in life.
I am in the midst of training.
I want to live up to the name of "Takeshi”.
Ōkini (much) mahalo for reading till the end.
Kyoto University Kosen Judo Coach
Born in Osaka
University of Kobe Graduate
Michael Nakagawa
Max Holloway's Wrestling Coach
Professional MMA Fighter
Born in Japan, Raised in Hawaii
University of California, Davis Graduate
I have been involved in sports and physical activities as a professional martial artist for over 20 years.
During most of that career, I have experienced many frustrating injuries and pain.
I also worked as a professional fighter and supported world-class fighters at the same time, but I assumed that injuries and pain were a part of life, including my own.
Looking back on my career, I realized late in my career that most of the injuries and pain I had could have been easily prevented with daily posture and training care.
I was so focused on getting stronger that I neglected the more elementary, pre-athlete basics that anyone can do.
It was the passing of my beloved brother, Ryan, during a covid lockdown that made me seriously consider sharing these basics with my close family and friends.
I was devastated by my brother's death and hit rock bottom both physically and mentally.
My mind and body were in shambles and I was stuck in a tunnel of darkness because I didn't know what to do with my life.
I was stuck for about a week and could do nothing.
What saved me was "exercise," which my roommate, Itani, invited me to do.
In Japanese, it is read as "luck in motion".
I strongly believe that good exercise ("good" exercise suited to your physical fitness level) will lead you to "good" luck in life.
I experienced this firsthand as soon as I started exercising again.
My physical and mental health changed, and I gradually emerged from the tunnel of darkness and began to feel a glimmer of hope.
I wanted to share this experience and knowledge with my family and Ryan's friends who were also in the dark but were not allowed to leave their homes during the lockdown.
So Itani and I filmed basic exercise videos (breathing, posture, stretching, training) using iPad at home and posted them on YouTube for family and friends to view and exercise.
After more than a year of making videos for those close to me, the circle gradually grew and led to the opening of Itani Athletic Club in downtown, Honolulu.
The name of the company is Ryan, INC, named after my beloved brother who passed away in 2020.
I feel that he left a gift to this physical world. Every time someone walks out the door with a smile, I feel my brother's presence.
I want to contribute to the society by sharing what I have experienced through Itani Athletic Club.
