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Brief history of Hollywood Judo Dojo
(Originally written in 2002. Updated in 2011 by Gary Freeman.)
Hollywood Judo Dojo was founded in 1932 by the Issei (first generation) Japanese who lived in this area. Their aim in starting Judo was for the betterment of the young people in this community and the development of the physical, mental and moral character through this art. The property was bought by, and the Dojo was built by, Issei members of the Judo Dojo through funds donated by the Dojo members and the Japanese residents in this area.
The first sensei (instructor) was Mr. Yokoyama, Yodan (4th degree black belt) from Japan. He was succeeded by Mr. Tadasu Iida, also Yodan, who remained as head instructor until 1941. The Dojo was closed during the war years due to the expulsion and incarceration of all persons of Japanese ancestry living in the West Coast into concentration camps for the duration of World War II.
In 1945, after the war ended, the Japanese returned to California and Hollywood Dojo reopened with instructor Takashi Kikuchi, Hichidan (7th degree black belt) at the helm. Kikuchi Sensei was a student at Hollywood Dojo during the pre-war days. Kikuchi Sensei retired in the 1970's.
Assistant instructor, Frank Emi, became head instructor at this time. Emi sensei, Hachidan (8th degree) and assistant instructor, Arthur Emi, Rokudan, were students at Hollywood Dojo since 1937. Another instructor who was a prominent member of Hollywood Dojo from the post-war period until his retirement in the late 1970's, was assistant instructor Frank Watanuki, Godan (5th degree black belt). Emi Sensei was head instructor until December 2010.
Hollywood Dojo has had its share of honors in both team competition and individual championships. After winning the California State team championship for three consecutive years, Hollywood retired the State team championship banner in 1956.
Individual national championships developed at Hollywood Dojo in the various weight divisions are as follows:
Ben Takahashi |
130 lbs |
Los Angeles 1955 |
Arthur Emi |
150 lbs |
Seattle 1956 |
Gene LaBell |
Heavy Weight |
San Francisco 1954 |
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Heavy Weight |
Los Angeles 1955 |
(Gene LaBell also won the Grand Championship both years) |
Toshiyuki Seino |
160 lbs |
Tampa, Florida 1960 |
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160 lbs |
San Jose 1961 |
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160 lbs |
Fresno 1963 |
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160 lbs |
San Francisco 1965 |
Since our old Dojo building had deteriorated to the point where the structure was unsafe, the property was sold and the proceeds used as seed money for the construction of a new multi-purpose building.
We built a large new modern building which houses the Judo Dojo on the ground floor, complete with both men and women's dressing rooms and showers. The second story houses classrooms for a Japanese language school.
As of Oct. 2011, the Senseis at Hollywood Judo Dojo include:
Instructors
Gary Freeman, Godan (5th degree)
Bob Iwasaki, Sandan (3rd degree)
Philppe Morotti, Nidan (2nd degree)
Masanori Hase, Nidan (2nd degree)
All black belts that help instruct at Hollywood Dojo donate their time and services without compensation.
We welcome anyone who has an interest in learning the art and science of Judo to join our Judo Dojo. The benefits are great. Judo enhances one’s mind, body, self confidence and self defense capabilities.
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