Mike Takata is a graduate of Stanford University, with a bachelors degree in Quantitative Economics.  He is a software engineering manager in his career and is passionate about judo and its capacity to help people develop themselves, physically, mentally and philosophically. He started judo at age 7 under Sensei Sam Imoto in Visalia, CA, who instilled in his students the traditional judo philosophy--grounded in the tenets of "Seiryoku Zenyo" or "maximum efficient use of energy" and "Jita Kyoei" or "mutual benefit and welfare."  Mike is currently a 6th degree black belt in judo and an IJF International "A" Level referee. Mike has been the judo instructor for the Martial Arts Club at the University of Tennessee since he moved to Knoxville in 1996.

Dr. Jason Rieger is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He holds a bachelors in Computer Science as well as a Masters and PhD degree in Communications from the University of Tennessee. Jason started judo as an undergraduate at the University of Tennessee and is a 2nd degree black belt and an experienced national level referee with USA Judo.  

Russell Ragghianti is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, with Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Mechanical Engineering. Russell started judo as an undergraduate at the University of Tennessee and is currently a USA Judo Shodan. 

Mason is currently a senior at the University of Tennessee, pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering. Mason is a first degree black belt with USA Judo and will be representing Team USA and the University of Tennessee in judo at the 2019 World University Games. 

Stay tuned as we add more profiles of our founding members.