Our History

Brief history of Hollywood Judo Dojo (1932 - 2010)
(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 black belt) 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:

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.

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.

Previous Head Instructors

Hollywood Judo Dojo - Board Members

Luis Sandor - President
Peter Banachowski - Treasurer
Gary Freeman
Philippe Morotti
Aaron Brown
Juan Rodriguez
Erick Mendez
Ruslan Esenov
Anthony Lau