When opponents look across the mat at Joshua Terao, they are witnessing history in the making.

The Mid-Pacific junior has positioned himself to accomplish one of the most difficult feats in prep athletics: winning state championships in both wrestling and judo through all four high school campaigns. According to Hawaii High School Athletic Association records, no student-athlete has accomplished the feat in both sports throughout state tournament history.

Terao is more than halfway toward his goal of notching the double four-peat after winning the state wrestling crowns at 110, 125 and 130 pounds — his most recent title, which he picked up March 2. He also posted state judo titles in the 108- and 132-pound weight divisions.

"It’s instilled in me by my parents, my coaches, my family and friends," said Terao, when asked about his goal of claiming all eight state grappling titles by the time he graduates. "They all told me I had the potential since my freshman year, and when I won, it opened my eyes and I said ‘Wow, this is a realistic goal.’ "

Joshua took up judo at age 5 after watching his brother David, father and grandfather participate in martial arts. He also followed his sibling into the sport of wrestling; David began competing in high school. His older brother provided a stellar model. David ended his prep career at Mid-Pacific as a four-time state judo champion (2008-11) in addition to claiming two state wrestling golds.

"I developed a passion for it," said Joshua of his foray into wrestling, "and once I got into high school, I just kept practicing both sports. Judo is really different from other sports like baseball or basketball. It’s more one-on-one, and the harder you train, the better you’ll get."

Joshua developed the mind-set that he would need to train progressively harder as opponents aim to dethrone him. He credits the advice and tutelage of coach Miles Tsubota and David, who wrestles for American University in Washington, D.C. David provides credible words of wisdom, according to Joshua. He is still competing at an elite level in wrestling, earning a spot in the upcoming NCAA championships in Des Moines, Iowa.

"My brother has always helped me, ever since I started judo, and he tells me that he wants me to surpass him," Joshua said. "He wants me to do well, and that keeps me motivated. I have respect for my brother, but at the same time, I want to try to beat him and his accomplishments. It’s a friendly competition."

Despite his heavy workload on and around the mat, Joshua carries a 3.35 grade-point average and expresses an interest in studying biology and history in college. Terao takes a balanced approach to his studies and athletic exploits. It has allowed him to remain on top of his assignments as well as opposing grapplers.

As one would expect of a five-time state champion, Terao has already received attention from collegiate wrestling programs.

"I’m trying to get ahead of the game and look at colleges now," he said. "I don’t want to have to wait until the last minute like my brother did, because he got his scholarship during the summer after his senior year. I want to be prepared."

While some would be wary of the exponential pressure that mounts with each additional championship he notches, Terao welcomes it. He traveled to the prestigious Cadet and Junior National Championships in Fargo, N.D., last summer, where he took third in the Greco-Roman competition and fourth in freestyle. His goal this year is to "win it all."

"As an athlete, it keeps me honest," added Terao of his sustained success and resulting attention from competitors and teammates. "When there’s no attention on you, you get to goof off and do whatever you want. But when you have people looking up to you and people watching, it motivates you to set the example and the tone. It’s helped me to look at the bigger picture."

Terao’s accomplishments led to his earning a role as team captain.

"(I had to) mature a little earlier and develop skills so I can help to teach others that are new to the sport or have a hard time with certain things," he said. "It’s a great learning experience."

After taking a few weeks to transition from wrestling to judo, Terao and his Pac-Five teammates (they wrestle under the Pac-Five banner in league and state competition) will kick off the season March 28 with an Interscholastic League of Honolulu meet at Punahou. With the "drive for five" accomplished, Terao is focused on taking down those who stand between him and a sixth state crown.

"He’s a good athlete and really likes to compete," said Tsubota, now in his seventh year coaching the program and first as head coach. "Joshua has always been a hard worker and helps the team practice as one.

"As long as he keeps practicing and remains focused, he’ll accomplish his goal."