Loras judo instructor to hang up his black belt
DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — At Loras College, there is only one sensei.
His name is Terry Smith, and for the past 57 years he has been teaching judo to any who entered his dojo. To some at the college, his status is mythical.
"He's a legend walking among us," said TJ Miller, head wrestling coach for Loras. "Everybody knows Terry."
However, after decades of teaching young adults the various throws and takedowns that comprise judo, a 100-plus-year-old Japanese martial art, Smith is calling it quits.
"I just kept getting older, and all of my 21-year-olds just kept turning 18 again," Smith said. "I think I'm ready to leave it behind me.