Pickleballer in the 808: Yoshinori Tamukai

“Pickleballer in the 808” Yoshinori Tamukai

Honolulu—I signed myself up for pickleball lessons with the Oahu Pickleball Association about a year ago. Given that the Beginner’s class was so early in the day, I decided to enroll in the Advanced Beginner’s class, even though I hadn’t watched a single YouTube video and didn’t know how to score the game.

Looking back, it wasn’t cool to subject my fellow classmates to my very beginner level of play.

But this is why I love pickleball. There was not a single person in my class who made a face or a fuss about it. Everyone was so nice and so encouraging, including Coach Yoshi!

Meet Yoshinori Tamukai, the tri-lingual pickleball coach who makes every shot look totally effortless. He blends his mastery of the game with his low-key style of coaching, and has a loyal group of students who book up his classes quickly every time they open for registration!

Join me in getting to know Pickleballer in the 808 Yoshinori Tamukai!

Yoshi, at a PPA Tournament in Boca Raton, FL where he won Gold in 3.5 Singles

Currently resides in: Honolulu

Where did you grow up and what high school did you go to?

I was born in Japan, moved to Korea at one years old until age of six, then back to Japan until 10. Then, I moved to Hawai’i. I speak fluent Japanese and English, and I’m conversational in Korean.

I went to Kalani High School!

How did you discover pickleball and when did you start playing?

I started playing when they built a court in Kakaako, inside Mother Waldron Park, in the middle of COVID in October of 2021.

I was walking my dog and saw the park and started making friends at the courts.

What do you do outside of pickleball?

I was born in Japan and raised in Hawaii, and grew up speaking both Japanese and Korean.

Sports have always been something that I found enjoyable where I played competitive soccer until the age of 24.

When I started playing pickleball 3 years ago, I lost track of time and fell in love with the sport alongside the people. I compete in the 5.0 division and my favorite shot is the third shot drop.

Outside of pickleball, I mentor and support upcoming coaches and consultants in optimizing their performance, marketing & advertising.

What do you love most about pickleball?

Not only do I love the different techniques and proper understanding of the game but the mental psychology that comes with it. I enjoy playing pickleball with my friends and family and I love that it brings people together.

My hope is that we can all share this love for the sport while improving alongside each other. I’ve been an instructor with the Oahu Pickleball Association for about a year now. I work with clients that are looking for the edge in competitive games and wanting to get better. I look forward to working with you all!

What paddle are you currently playing with?

I’m using the Joola 14mm Perseus—I’m a Joola brand ambassador, so if you want Joola paddles I can get it for you for 20% off!

How often do you play?

I play about 3-5 times a week

You’ve played (and won) some tournaments. Tell us about that.

I won Gold in 3.5 singles about a year ago in Boca Raton, FL, and played in a second tournament (The Pac Rim) where I won Gold in 4.5 men's doubles and Silver in 4.5 singles.

Mahalo Yoshi!

Follow Yoshi on Instagram @yoshi_pickleball