Meet TRAVIS KIKUGAWA | Student/Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with TRAVIS KIKUGAWA and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi TRAVIS, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
German Proverb: To begin is easy, to persist is art. At the beginning of every season there is an excitement and joy that exists within all of the players, families, and coaches alike. It’s always easy to get up for the beginning of anything in life cause it’s new and refreshing. What happens to the mental make-up and team dynamic once adversity hits, cause it’s not about if but when. What happens when the individual isn’t getting the minutes or touches they think they deserve. What happens when the team drops a couple of close games and or the star player goes down with an injury. What happens when the pressure to perform and the expectation to produce starts taking over and affecting the team and ones mental health. What happens when some of the players go from being committed to interested halfway through the season. The ability to show up is probably the most overlooked quality today. Most people want easy and there is nothing easy about life and or winning. I love this proverb so much because it can and should be applied to every arena throughout ones journey.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
While a lot of people inside of the athletic arena are fixated on the obvious and tangibles when it comes to size, speed, athletic ability, and skillset; I have always been consumed with the intangibles and non-obvious like the whole mental aspect of competition as well as how to create a culture of excellence through moments, connection, and relationships. I have always believed that individuals and teams can close their own potential gap by being more intentional when it comes to focusing on things that can’t be seen, but instead have to be felt. I use various props and themes throughout the sessions to allow the individuals an opportunity to connect as well as be vulnerable amongst one another in a non pressured environment. At the end of the day, this journey will always be about helping students and coaches figure out what the best version of themselves looks and most importantly feels like both inside and outside of the athletic arena. After heading up various high school and club teams for the past couple of decades, I have since taken a half of step back to serve as more of a performance consultant of sorts within our athletic department. I now get the opportunity to work with all programs across the board and have thoroughly enjoyed the platform to affect and add value to everyone’s overall experience. I have been getting more and more opportunities outside of school to meet with various teams and programs and am really excited about the opportunity to share the vision, philosophy, and methodology with the masses moving forward.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Loaded question and to be honest I’m kind of a homebody. But for sure will be getting out in the water for a dawn patrol or sunset surf. Probably head down to Malibu to either Surfrider, Topanga, or Broad. Post surf meal is essential so would have to introduce them to Malibu Seafood on PCH.

Have to get a little zen time in at Huntington Library or Descanso Gardens in Pasadena area.

Old Town Pasadena has a sweet little vibe to it with its various shops and restaurants as well as little cobblestone alleys to post up and chat and also listen to some music.

Taking a nice short drive up to Santa Barbara and walking around State Street for the afternoon and hitting up Padaro Grill in Carpinteria on the way down.

Los Leones hike in Pacific Palisades will be a must either at sunrise or sunset.

Venice beach can be a vibe as well followed by more shopping and eating on 3rd street in Santa Monica.

Vegas for a night or two perhaps…

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Family first and foremost. Every member has in one way or another inspired me to continue to chase my process. My first club soccer team made up of guys who are all in their mid 30’s now. (Pride, Passion, Heart, Desire) That journey in particular was where it all began for me and I’ll remain forever grateful for the opportunity to serve that very special group. Coach Wooden, Bruce Lee, and Mr. Miyagi will continue to inspire and serve as my north star. All of the student-athletes and coaches that have allowed me to be a small part of their journey inside of the athletic / life arena, thank you. Meadow Oaks and Viewpoint School, which have both afforded me the opportunity to continue to grow and get better throughout the past 25 + years of service. To the rest of my very small and private circle, those who know, KNOW…

Other: Nothing yet but coming soon… Can always email me at Traviskiku@aol.com

Image Credits
CIF Southern Section took the one pic of me in the white t shirt while presenting at the Southern California Athletic Director Conference early October.