West Covina Judo Dojo Celebrates 50th Anniversary
Saturday, June 23, 2007


West Covina Judo Dojo members

The history of West Covina Judo Dojo would not be complete without some mention of the history of Judo prior to the formation of our dojo in the East San Gabriel Valley. Its roots run deep as Judo was introduced in the late 1920’s by some active Issei Fathers who formed a dojo in the El Monte area. El Monte, at that time, was the center of the Japanese population.

This dojo eventually became the San Gabriel Valley Young Men’s Christian Association Dojo, whose Judokas were terrors of the Southern California Judo circle. instructor was Mr. Tadasu Iida who coached for some fifteen years. Some of its members made southland Judo history. The late Takeo Hazama of Rosemead became the first Nisei to receive a Black Belt and also studied in the Kodokan in Tokyo. The former Miss Kazuko Yamaguchi of Cucamonga became the first Joshi Nisei Black Belt holder. Takeshi Fujimoto was the youngest Yudan at 15 years of age. The Seinen teams of Mits Kimura, Carl Shoji, Yoshi and Kuwa Okumura, Hide Munekiyo, Yosh Sogioka, and Kikui Nishihara won five consecutive yearly championships.

Due to the evacuation of all its members, the San Gabri­el Valley Y.M.C.A. Dojo closed during World War II. Post war found its property liquidated and distributed equally to East San Gabriel Valley and to the present Gabriel Judo Dojo in Temple City. West Covina Judo Dojo was formed in 1958 under the sponsorship of the San Gabriel Valley Japanese American Association, now known as the East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center. Mr. Ed Kitamura, Mr. Yosh Sogioka, and Mr. Masaru Hirada were the instructors. They were assisted from time to time by the coaching staff of the Pasadena Dojo. The students were primarily sons of members of the community center. As time past and interest in Judo grew, more Tatami mats were purchased. These were eventually replaced with portable mats.

When our present Dojo site was established and a fine gymnasium was constructed, West Covina Judo Dojo went all out for new memberships, both male and female. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we are so very grateful to our present instructors, and the instructors of the past. They have selflessly volunteered their time and efforts to promote the sport of Judo. These senseis continue the tradi­tion of teaching the etiquette, discipline, respect and honor, which is Judo. We especially salute the head instructors of the past, Mr. Yosh Sogioka, Mr. Eddie Kitamura, Mr. Masaru Harada, Mr. Renso Shibata, Mr. Keigi Horiuchi, and Mr. Cal Kitaura. We thank our current head instructor, Aki Yokoyama, for continuing in the tradition of these great Judokas. And, we are proud of our students, of our former students, and all who have helped to make West Covina Judo Dojo what it is today.

On Feb. 18, West Covina Judo Dojo held our 50th an­niversary Judo tournament at John Glen High School. The tournament is dedicated to the memory of Sensei Horiuchi. Horiuchi passed away Dec. 2, 2006. He had attained the rank Hachidan (8th degree Black Belt) and tirelessly promoted the sport of Judo. Horiuchi Sensei was a member of the Nanka Yudanshakai Hall of Fame. He will be greatly missed.