Hawaii Judo Academy, Aiea

Taylor Takata is no stranger to pressure. When he represented the United States in the Beijing Olympics, he stood toe-to-toe with some of the world's most fearsome fighters. Still, he knows that not everybody thrives when thrown into the fire. That's why his classes at Hawaii Judo Academy teach the principles of judo at a gradual pace and in a nonintimidating environment. At Takata's studio, students of all ages can master the martial art's trademark throws and takedowns at their own speed.