I am writing to inform the club of a major issue that occurred during breakdown of the 
tournament venue last week. At least some of you are already aware of this issue, through 
either active participation in it or allowing it to happen. Apparently there were some issues 
with one of the carts that were being used to transport mats which caused damage to the 
floors, particularly the new floors outside the dojo. Club sports and Rec Sports facilities 
directors are quite understandably upset--firstly that this occurred, but more so that the 
cart appeared to have been used for at least two more trips after the visible damage was 
present! 

The facilities staff has had to spend hours of extra work buffing the gymnasium floor (which 
was repaired after over two hours of work), and cannot after great effort repair the flooring 
in the hallways outside of the dojo. There will be financial ramifications which are likely to 
consume part, if not all of, the tournament fundraising proceeds and has put into jeopardy 
our ability to host any future judo events at UT. This is quite a disappointment as I know so 
many of us have put so much time and energy into making the event a success otherwise.

I bring this to your attention not because we can alter the events that occurred on 
Saturday, but to point out that all of our decisions and actions have consequences that will 
directly affect ourselves and others. One of the primary tenets of judo is “Jita Kyoei” which 
roughly translates to “mutual benefit and welfare”. We were willing to create an extra 
burden on the facilities staff and to cause damage in order to try to facilitate a task that 
could have easily been managed by the number of volunteers who were present. This was 
a disappointing decision, and one which certainly does not follow this basic tenet. As 
martial artists, we can and should hold ourselves to a higher standard of integrity and 
responsibility. As a consequence, we may have to end a 25 year run of hosting 
tournaments here, and frankly if it comes to that, I will fully support that as our actions as 
a club are in my view neither excusable or acceptable. 

In general, I am very appreciative of everyone’s efforts in contributing to the tournament 
last weekend.  Unfortunately, a momentary lapse in judgment can be enough to damage 
years of trust building and to color what was largely a positive experience for everyone into 
something negative in the eyes of the university. Our purpose in this club is to pursue 
personal development and refinement of character through the martial arts. What we 
practice on the mat is supposed to translate into our lives off the mat as well. That means 
every minute of every hour of every day we have to strive to have the right intentions and 
principles in all of our actions.  

We will follow up with additional information as it becomes available.

Mike Takata