Meet Our Staff
Director of Tennis - Albert Murata
Albert's tennis life for the past 40+ years—playing, teaching, stringing, and retailing—has positively impacted every aspect of his tennis business.
Background
Albert grew up in Kona and started playing at age 14. He was active as a ranked junior player and was a Big Island Interscholastic Federation doubles champion while playing for Konawaena High School. He still enjoys competing and most recently played in the 2019 USTA 4.5 18+ National Championships. On and off the court, Albert appreciates the friendships he's developed along the way within Hawaii's close-knit tennis community.
Before joining the Royal Kona Resort Tennis Club as the Director of Tennis, Albert held the same position at the Waialae Iki 5 Tennis Center on Oahu. During his 35 years there, Albert honed his skills in all aspects of the tennis trade.
Teaching
"Teaching tennis never gets old. There's always something new to learn as the game evolves." — Albert Murata
Teaching is Albert's opportunity to share his passion for tennis with others, and he loves to see his students enjoying the game!
- USPTA Teaching Professional since 1986
- USPTA Hawaii Division Pro of the Year – 1990 & 2016
Stringing
Albert considers stringing to be relaxation! He was first hired as a stringer in 1977 and has been behind the stringing machine ever since. He handles each racquet he strings with respect. He philosophizes that, through the racquet, a part of him steps onto the court with the player.
The United States Racquet Stringers Association certified Albert, making him one of Hawaii's first certified stringers.
- USRSA Master Racquet Technician and Certification Tester
- International Alliance of Racquet Technicians Global Ambassador
- US Open, Davis Cup, Fed Cup & Hawaii's professional tournament stringer
Retailing
Albert enthusiastically embraces innovation. He specializes in the Prince brand, recently adding Yonex to the lineup. He thinks of his retail shop as a toy store and feels like a kid at Christmas every time he unwraps a box of new products!
- Owner of AM Stringing since 1985
- Prince-sponsored teaching professional
Assistant Professional - Terry Maruyama
Terry is a PTR certified teaching pro and has been teaching at the Royal Kona Resort for 22 years, helping many players—youth and adults—develop and improve their game. As a coach, Terry is passionate about promoting and growing the game in Hawaii. Well-connected in the tennis community, he will help to expand your tennis network.
Background
Terry met many excellent tennis players in college, where he began his tennis life. He enjoyed the game's fast pace and competitive spirit.
Graduating from the University of Hawaii in 1979, he worked at the Mid Pacific Institute as a counselor and became the girls' tennis team's head coach. During this time, he also started teaching tennis at The Mid Pacific Tennis Club.
He played league tennis and some tournaments, including The Kailua Racquet Club Night Doubles, until 1988, when he left for the mainland to pursue other passions, opening a restaurant and nightclub. He returned to Hawaii (Kona) in 1996.
Philosophy
Terry can sum up his teaching philosophy in one sentence.
"I teach the basics, including good form, to help my students obtain results and avoid injury." — Terry Maruyama
He believes that focusing on good form results in faster improvements and proactively lessens the risk of injury. He enjoys explaining to his students why it's essential to learn these skills, and he emphasizes the results they can achieve. Then he shows them what to do with those basics and how to maximize their movement so they can get to the ball to execute their best shot.
