Glenn Takemoto is not your typical paintball player. He has played through the upper echelons of the sport … slapped the paintball gods in the side of the head and even took a step back from the sport a few years ago. The story behind his exodus from the sport is one that is interesting and something of a coping mechanism for Glenn. After some issues with his former team he guested on a few teams to finish out the remainder of the year in 2007. In the off season he did not travel and host clinics or fly to other countries to play in leagues abroad. No, not this player. He took a giant step back from the sport to let his head wrap around what was going to be best for him.
“Normal” life was a priority for Glenn. To keep his drive for the sport alive he needed the break away to keep his sanity and to contemplate what his future would be in the sport, if at all. Eventually the bug crawled back into the skin of this future hall of fame player, and he ended up playing with teams such as LA Infamous. Let us play questions and answers with Mr. Takemoto shall we.
Name: Glenn Takemoto
Age: 25
Team: Los Angeles Infamous
Sponsors: Empire, Kee, Badlands, Sly, Planet Eclipse
You have been around the sport for a while now; What teams have you played on in the past up to your present team?
I have played on Outta Control, Kapp Factory, Avalanche, XSV and now with LA Infamous.
Now that this season is all but over what were some of the highlights of 2009 for you?
Huntington Beach was awesome as it always is. I have also had a blast playing in the Millenium and Centurio series this year.
If you were approached by a new, up and coming player what advice would you give to him/her?
Play paintball because you love the game, not for free stuff. And please stay in school as you can do both. Paintball is something you should love and long for when you are not playing.
How did you get into the sport of paintball?
I started how most players typically start out. I played with my dad and brother for fun and eventually joined a team, then slowly worked my way up to the top from there.
What is the funniest story you can share that has happened as a result of paintball?
There is no one in particular. Every time I think I have a good story it is soon topped by another. That is one of the best things about this game, it is a never ending building up of memories and good times shared with family and friends.
Other than your team who would you choose to round out your dream team and why?
To be honest now a days the quality of the players are so good on so many levels. It is hard to pick a dream team and depending on Xball or 7 Man it will differ. So seven of me J
If you could play anywhere in the world on a regular basis where would it be and what is the reason?
San Diego, Ca. That way I do not have to travel far from paradise.
Other than your current set up what has been your favorite marker ever owned?
My STO purple to blue fade Auto cocker.
You are given $5,000 but under the stipulation you have to spend it within three hours what would you buy?
My mom and dad a trip to anywhere to their liking.
Over the past year or so there have been a few leagues pop up that have players returning to the woods in a competitive format. What do you personally think of this?
Paintball will always be based in the woods since that is where this sport has started out. There will always be both woods and an airball based game which is fine with me as I like both sides of the game.
What is your favorite meal or place to eat?
Breakfast food is always awesome and then there are buffets.
Any words for your fans?
Thanks for the support and I hope to see you all on the field.
- Glenn Takemoto
As you can see this is a player who truly loves the game and his family. Both important aspects in each of our lives as we as a community of paintball players share this great love. Each and every time you slip into those jerseys or camo remember that this is a game and you should love it. If you ever lose that love take a step back and use the time off to reflect and see if this is really where you want to be. Glenn took the time off he needed to further his education and spend the off time with his family to get back in touch with his love for the game.
Paul Forcier
