At a time when most people would rest on their laurels, Kevin Asano expanded his platform to influence others following his Olympic success. Discover what motivated him to create ways to serve more people and learn about the impact it has had on the lives of people, families and society at large.
Biography: Against all odds, Asano earned the silver medal in judo at the Seoul Olympic Games in 1988. Asano’s book, Step Onto The Mat; A Journey to True Success, (White Mountain Castle Publishing, LLC, 2008) chronicles this journey and provides thoughtful questions and practical tips for a more fulfilled life.Born and raised in Hawaii, Asano’s pursuit to become a United States Olympian took him to California, Okinawa, Japan and finally Seoul, Korea . Prior to Seoul, he earned a gold medal at the 1985 U.S. Olympic Festival. At the 1986 – 1987 Collegiate Championships, Asano was a two-year gold medalist. And at the 1987 U.S. International Championships in Colorado Springs, Asano earned another gold medal. At the 1987 World Championships in West Germany, he was a bronze medalist, and in 1988 was the U.S. Olympic Committee’s U.S. Judo Athlete of the Year.In 2000, he was inducted into the Hawaii Sports Hall of Fame, in 2002 into the San Jose State University Sports Hall of Fame and in 2008 into the US Judo Federations Inaugural Hall of Fame. As a 6th degree black belt, Kevin’s many athletic accomplishments include significant awards in judo, judo instruction and technical coaching and written and editorial contributions to various judo publications. Kevin has held several leadership positions with judo associations and is currently the President of Hawaii Judo, Inc., the state judo governing body.Kevin co-founded Pacific Wealth Strategies, LLC, a financial planning organization. Kevin is also the co-founder of Personal Transformation International, a non-profit organization committed to transforming individuals by helping them find their life’s calling.Kevin and his wife, Mari, have four children and reside in Hawaii . He is a graduate of Pearl City High School and graduated with distinction from San Jose State University .