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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 1:19 a.m., Sunday, June 29, 2008

Olympic qualifier Takata to hold judo seminar

Advertiser Staff

Taylor Takata, who qualified for the U.S. Olympic judo team, will hold a seminar July 13 in the 'Iolani School athletic complex.

The first session will be held 9 a.m. to noon for children ages 12 and under. The second will be 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and is for ages 13 and older.

Cost is $35 per session for participants, $10 per session for spectators.

The seminar will focus on the latest judo techniques at the Olympic level from a world-class coaching staff, featuring Takata, two-time World Judo bronze medalist Danieska Carrion, two-time U.S. World Judo Team member Todd Brehe, and U.S. National Judo Team member Jeff Sato.

A 2000 'Iolani graduate, Takata became the first judoka from Hawaii to go to the Olympics in 12 years when he won the 145.5 pound men's judo division at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Las Vegas on June 13.

Also, a Hawaiian-style dinner will be held at 'Iolani July 20 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. to help raise funds for Takata's Olympic training and expenses.

Athletes, such as Takata, must pay the majority of the costs themselves to compete in the Olympics. The dinner is $40 per adults and $20 per students (18 and under).

Donations can also be made to Friends of Taylor Takata at American Savings Bank.

To register for the seminar or dinner, e-mail nicholasklee@gmail.com or call 348-3267.