Meet... The Morris Family

A Family with

FIGHT

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER | PHOTO BY SUPER SOURCE MEDIA

FINDING THE BALANCE OF POWER.

In the 1950's, Teri Takemori's father, Jimmy, started The Washington Judo Club at the Pentagon. The club then moved to Alexandria, Virginia and although they had a strong women’s team, Jimmy didn’t allow Teri and her three sisters to participate at first, believing (as many did at that time) that judo wasn’t a sport for girls. Eventually, he relented, and at age 10, Teri began a practice that would shape her life. “Then, he loved that we were doing it, but he still made us take the beginner’s class twice, because he wanted to make sure we were doing it right,” she said.

THE STUDENT BECOMES THE TEACHER

Through her involvement in judo, Teri travelled the world, including through Europe, South America, and even to places like Cuba (that were restricted to other visitors then). In 1985, she won the Gold Medal at the Pacific Rim Championships in Japan. She’s also earned eight medals in the US Senior Nationals and has been in the top tier of the US Open five times. Teri found competitions frustrating however, because there wasn’t a trainer able to help her reach her goals. While at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, instead of a critique of her performance, she was told by a coach that she should teach. “He said, ‘You have so much better Judo than I. You could teach everyone here’,” she said.

DEVELOPING THE HEART, MIND, AND BODY

Although she would’ve loved to compete in the Olympic games herself, her coach back then was right. As a judo instructor, Teri has found a tremendous sense of satisfaction. In 2000, she and her husband, a four-time Olympian, cofounded the Jason Morris Judo Center where they have trained nine Olympians and 408 international medalists. “Coaching is more satisfying because I guide people in judo, but also in their life, diet, and sleep habits. It feels good and I’m proud to be able to help kids to achieve their goals,” she said. A graphic design major while at San Jose State College, Teri created the club’s logo, posters, and produced 30 issues of a judo magazine. “I think judo has helped me become a more well-rounded person, to be a hard-worker, do things correctly, and to do the best in everything I can.” Teri has also moved up quickly as a woman referee in the judo world. She refereed the 2003 World Championships and was an alternate referee at the 2004 Olympic Games. In recognition of her continued dedication to judo, skills in competition, coaching, refereeing and mentorship, she was awarded the Shichidan-7th Degree Black Belt from the US Judo Federation in June.

VALUABLE TRAINING FOR LIFE

Today, Teri and Jason encourage their 11-year-old twin daughters, Randi and Dani, the value of judo. “We want them to do it for the long haul. It’s good exercise, builds flexibility, core strength, and confidence. It makes me feel good - my daughters can handle themselves because they have judo,” said Teri. She’s seen inspiring transformations in her students, as well. Parents' worries that the sport was too dangerous melted away when they saw how it made their once painfully shy daughter, blossom. “Right from the beginning, she just loved it,” said Teri. Another boy lacked confidence and athleticism when he began taking classes at age 8. By the age of 14 however, his fitness had improved so much that he became a lacrosse goalie, played football, and was recruited for the wrestling team. “We are a judo family. We care about anyone that comes through our door and we treat them with respect, to enjoy the sport we love, and to achieve their goals.”

Try two classes for FREE. For more information, find the Jason Morris Judo Center on Facebook, Instagram, and at www.realjudo.net SF