The Conception of Camarillo Shotokan Karate
Camarillo Shotokan was first opened in Camarillo, California when Sensei Victor Young relocated from Pearl City, Hawaii in 1981. Upon arrival, he noticed there was no Japanese Karate available to the public in town. Sensei Young also wanted his 8 year old son Marcus to continue his studies in Shotokan Karate. Having 17 years of experience under his belt and a Ni Dan (second degree black belt), he decided to take on the responsibilities of opening a dojo. And as they say, "the rest is history..."
The First Dojo
Sensei Young's first dojo was located at the old Boys and Girls Club of Camarillo and was open only to children. But as time went by, parents and adults wanted to learn this unique art. With this increased interest classes were opened to adults but the membership quickly outgrew the room. Sensei Young went looking for a larger location and found a dance studio owner that was willing to share floor space. Classes were held at this location for the next 12 years and during that time hundreds of students have come through our doors.
The Second Dojo
In 1994, Sensei Young saw the opportunity and felt it was time to open a full time school, especially since his son was now teaching children at the Boys and Girls Club. Sensei Young had always wanted to open a school dedicated to Martial Arts so he leased a location in Old Town (2298 E. Ventura Blvd.) and had a 1250 square foot sprung oak wood floor along with full length mirrors installed. Camarillo Shotokan is Ventura County's only traditional Shotokan Karate dojo. The training area was sparsely adorned with a mini shrine and a picture and plaque of Master Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan in the front (shomen). Japanese calligraphy with motivational phrases along with crossed Japanese and American flags help to signify the cross cultures within the dojo. The rear section of the dojo was an area reserved for dressing, stretching and working the heavy bag. To help stimulate further development, there were two makiwaras (striking post) for students to kick or strike to help condition their limbs to impact. A TV with VCR and training videos were also available.
The New & Current Dojo
Over the last 14 years, Old Town became more congested and the student body grew to the point where the dojo was running out of space. Writing was on the wall that it was time to look for a larger and less congested location. In August of 2009 (after 14 1/2 years in its current lcoation), the dojo was moved to its new location but not before a complete makeover inside the venue. It hosts a large matted training floor over sprung hardwood with a 20' ceiling. A large rear roll-up door makes ventilation a breeze while training. The spacious guest and viewing area is set in a warm environment with wood floors, WiFi, leather couch and a flat screen TV. More amenities will be added as we get "settled" in. It is located in an industrial business location that is next to a large residential community. Easy accessability is through a highly traveled street to the community and parking is wide open. Please come and visit our new dojo at 1330 Flynn Rd., Suite A, 93012 and possibly you'll find fullfillment in your journey in Shotokan Karate.
