Jeff Takeda

Good Morning Simon Sensei,

Hope that all is well during these uncertain times. I’m currently the president of the Central California Black Belt Judo Association (Chuka) after the passing of Jeff Takeda Sensei in 2016. I accepted the position prior to my knowledge that I was elected as Vice President by the BOD at that time. Being the president has been a challenge for me that carries many responsibilities that I’m not all familiar with. Fortunately, with the support and guidance of my associates has simplified the transition.

Our Yudanshakai recently had a video conference in which I gave a summary report of the USJF Spring meeting in which I announced the latest judoists that were inducted into the 2020 US judo Hall of Fame. It was brought to my attention that our organization should consider nominating candidate(s) that may be worthy of this prestige induction. After much thought our organization would like to recommend Jeffrey Tameo Takeda Sensei, for consideration to be inducted to the 2021 US Judo Hall of Fame. Here is some background information that I was able to put together.

Sensei was born on September 14, 1948 to Matsuso and Katsuko Takeda and was raised in Fowler, California. He started his judo involvement at the age of 8 along with his brother Matsuo Mac under the tutelage of Professor Toshitaka Yamauchi, a student of Jigoro Kano and Frank Kawano Sensei at the Fowler Judo Club. Through his efforts he became an accomplished judoist that he received his Shodan before graduating from high school. He went on to earn his bachelors degree for his studies in Wildlife Biology and Food Science and Technology while attending California State University Fresno. After graduating with his degree he started his career as a Park Ranger in the U.S. National Forest for a short period of time. He later decided to change his career and began to attend classes in the medical lab field while interning at a nearby hospital before accepting the position at Saint Agnes Medical Center as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist where he worked for 38 years until his retirement in 2013. It was this period of time he took a leave of absence from judo to focus on his new position at the medical center and starting a family after his marriage in 1979. It wasn’t until 1986 he decided to restart his journey back into judo along with his family members. After a few years later the establishing board members recognized his commitment to the organization and decided to groom Takeda Sensei as the future president of the yudanshakai. He served as
the president of Chuka yudanshakai from 1998 to 2016.

It was during this period of time while representing the organization at the yearly biannual USJF meeting as the delegate that he became the chairperson for USJF Athlete Scholar of the Year (ASOY) from 2003 to 2016. During his lifetime with his leadership sensei have been instrumental in the continued development of the Chuka organization. It was through his dedication and passion for judo that inspired others to follow his goals. Through his efforts and determination he established the existing West Clovis Judo Club in 1989. I have included an attachment that listed all his accomplishments and to our yudanshakai during his tenure.

Our yudanshakai feel that Takeda Sensei is very deserving of this recognition and we would appreciate your consideration. I would like to thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Tom Jay