David Terao

David is one of the few athletes to have reached elite levels across three separate grappling disciplines. He is an NCAA Division I All-American wrestler, a former USA Judo No. 1 ranked athlete, and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. His competitive accomplishments include a BJJ World Championship at brown belt, a Pan American Championship bronze medal at black belt, and a 4th-place finish at the 2016 NCAA Wrestling Championships.

David's journey in martial arts began in the second grade when his father enrolled him in judo after he developed a habit of getting into fights on the soccer field. What started as a way to channel his energy quickly became a lifelong passion. Growing up in Hawaii, a state with a rich tradition in both judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, David naturally expanded his training into BJJ by the age of ten.

Although he did not begin wrestling until high school—considered late by elite wrestling standards—his extensive grappling background allowed him to progress at an exceptional pace. Just nine years after stepping onto a wrestling mat for the first time, he earned the prestigious title of NCAA Division I All-American.

Known for his intelligent, counter-attacking style, David has built a game that emphasizes timing, movement, and technical precision. His approach allows him to consistently neutralize stronger and often larger opponents, making him a respected competitor and coach across multiple grappling disciplines.

As an instructor, David brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Fifty/50 youth program. He is known for his calm, precise teaching style and his ability to create a positive learning environment while maintaining high standards. He challenges every student to pursue excellence, helping young athletes develop confidence, discipline, and technical skill both on and off the mats.

When not teaching at Fifty/50 Martial Arts, David continues to compete internationally, pursuing his goal of reaching the highest levels of world-class judo competition.