MARINA KARATE CLUB
Shotokan Karate-Do

[ Club History ] [ Club Affiliations ] [ Black Belt Achievement ] [ Chief Instructor ]
[ Children's Classes ] [ E-Mail MKC ] [ Links ]

Club History

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The following information is provided by Dr. Dean Norman, M.D.:

"The Marina Karate Club was founded on May 1, 1980 by Mr. Gene Takahashi, who has attained international stature in the world of Shotokan ("Classical" or "Traditional") Karate.  "Gene Takahashi was one of a handful of high-achievers to earn the first black belts ever bestowed in the United States.  He earned the top belt in the mid 1950's during the embryonic stages of Karate popularity in the nation." (Culver City Department of Human Services Guide to Leisure Activities, Fall 1990)

The Club originally offered classes at the Venice Buddhist Temple on the corner of Braddock and Centinela (on the outskirts of Marina Del Rey, hence the name Marina Karate Club). As the membership expanded and outgrew the space available at the temple, the club moved to its current location in the Veterans' Memorial Complex on the corner of Overland and Culver (across from Sony Motion Pictures Studios). The Club was incorporated into the Culver City Department of Human Services programs in September 1985.

The club has maintained the original times (Tuesdays from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. and Saturday mornings from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 noon) with the first hour primarily devoted to the lower rankings (from white through green belt) and the second hour focused on techniques for advanced students.  Recently, classes have been open to children six or older who are serious about practicing Karate.

The club has maintained its very high standards of teaching through the efforts of Takahashi Sensei and the Senior Instructor, Mr. Richard Kageyama.   Furthermore, by maintaining strict safety standards, including a non-contact format, both Mr. Takahashi and Mr.Kageyama are proud that there have been no serious injuries throughout the many years the have been teaching. Considering the power of Shotokan Karate techniques, that is no small accomplishment. Outsiders may consider the formality of the classes to be unnecessary, but it is very important to realize that this structure conveys more than respect to the Sensei and one's opponents -- it is essential to maximize learning and maintain safety."

Those interested in joining the club may register first with the Culver City Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department Office located at 4117 Overland Avenue (telephone 310.253.6650), or visit a class to arrange a free introductory class before registering.  Now is a great time to begin Karate lessons at the Marina Karate Club.

Club Affiliation

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The Marina Karate Club is affiliated nationally with the American Amateur Karate Federation (AAKF) through the Japan Karate Association International of the USA - Western Region (JKA Intl. - USA).

The AAKF was established in 1961 to promote and develop the highest standards of Traditional Karate in the United States. Today the AAKF is recognized nationally and internationally as the governing body for Traditional Karate in the United States. The President of the AAKF is Mr. Hidetaka Nishiyama. Mr. Nishiyama is recognized as one of the pioneers of Karate-Do and the Japan Karate Association.

The Marina Karate Club is affiliated internationally with the International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF) through the AAKF. All Dan ranks earned at the Marina Karate Club are registered with the ITKF.

Black Belt Achievement

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Chief Instructor

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The Chief Instructor, and Chairman of the Board of Examiners, is Mr. Gene Takahashi. Takahashi Sensei has over 30 years of Karate experience. Mr. Takahashi currently holds the rank of Nana-Dan (7th Degree Black Belt) and has earned the title of Shihan (Teacher of Teachers).  Sensei is currently one of only three ITKF ranked Nana-Dan (7th Degree Black Belt) in the United States.  Takahashi Sensei is an internationally ranked Judge and Coach. Sensei is often invited to officiate at ITKF World Championships. As only two individuals from each participating country are asked to act as judges, the club is honored to train under the instruction of such a qualified individual.  

Takahashi Sensei was introduced to Karate by his older brother George.  George Takahashi Sensei began his Karate training in 1953 with Shoshin Nagamine Sensei while stationed with the U.S. Army on the island of Okinawa.  Upon his return to the United States in 1955, George Takahashi began instructing Gene in Karate techniques.  They trained together for nearly a year before discovering and joining a group under Tsutomu Oshima Sensei.  In 1959 George Takahashi was awarded Sho-Dan (1^st Degree Black Belt) by Oshima Sensei.  Shortly after, Oshima Sensei returned to Japan for a visit.  The California Karate Association was organized by George Takahashi to help prevent dispersion of the group while Oshima Sensei was out of the United States.  Classes were taught at Cal-Tech, UCLA, in Hollywood and West Los Angeles.  During this period, Gene Takahashi returned from a two year enlistment in the U.S. Army, and began assisting with the instruction.  In July 1961, at the invitation of the California Karate Association, Hidetaka Nishiyama Sensei (Chief of the Instruction Committee of the Japan Karate Association) arrived in Los Angeles from Tokyo.  Under Nishiyama Sensei's inspiration and guidance, the All American Karate Federation was founded.  In December 1961, Gene Takahashi was awarded Sho-Dan (1^st Degree Black Belt) by Nishiyama Sensei: and, as they say, the rest is history!

Children's Classes

Shotokan Karate for Children

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George Takahashi Sensei and Gene Takahashi Sensei
Photograph courtesy of Gene Sensei

George Takahashi Sensei, Gene Takahashi Sensei and Richard Kageyama Sensei

George Takahashi Sensei
photograph courtesy of Gene Sensei
(photo credit - John Ball)

LINKS

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Midwest Karate Association

E/B Productions

West Los Angeles Karate School

International Traditional Karate Federation Home Page

American Amateur Karate Federation Home Page

Monterey Park Karate Club Home Page

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This Page was last revised 04/13/2005

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