INSTRUCTORS

Sensei Stephen Gonzalez, Sandan

Stephen Gonzalez (B.S., University of California, Los Angeles)
Physical Activity Instruction Program Coordinator; Martial Arts; Gymnastics; Excercise and Fitness. Sensei Gonzalez' class Syllabus

Sensei Sanders "Butch" Ishisaka, Godan

Sensei Butch has been doing judo since he was six years old.  He started his judo career at a small judo dojo outside downtown Los Angeles, called Daijuken, under the guidance and direction of Sensei T. Hagio, 7th Dan, and one of the orginal founders of the Southern California Judo Black Belt Association (Nanka).  Sensei Hagio was also Head Instructor for Gardena and Alhambra dojos.

Winning numerous tournament in his youth, competing at the 1976 Olympic trials, he retired from competitions in 1978.  Sensei Butch has devoted his time to teaching and coaching the art of judo to students at the Daijuken dojo, Hollywood dojo, Monterey Park dojo, San Gabriel dojo, and now, at Cal State L.A., the location of the 1984 Olympic Judo Games.

Sensei Butch comes from a long family history in judo.  His grandfather, Jenpachi Murazaki started judo at the first known judo school in downtown Los Angeles during the early 1920's.  His father, Ted Minoru Ishisaka studied judo at the Stockton Judo Dojo (French Camp, California) in the 1930's.  His three children (combined) placed in over 60 State and National events.

Sensei Butch has assisted in many local, national, and international judo championship tournaments, as a Referee and tournament staff.  He assisted in the preparation and development of the 1993 West Coast International Judo championships held at UC Irvine, which had over 200 competitors from numerous countries; assisted at the 1994 USJI Senior National Judo Championship, held at UC Irvine with over 600 competitors; assisted at the 1996 & 1999 USJF Jr. National Championship also held at UC Irvine which had over 1,000 participants, of which all three of Sensei Butch's children won the gold.

Sensei Butch was 1st Vice President (Tournament Director) during 1994 and 1995; 2nd Vice President (Public Relations) in 1998 to 2000; and 4th Vice President (Ways and Means) in 2002 to 2003 for the Southern California Judo Black Belt Association

Sensei Butch

Son, Sensei Kai Ishisaka (center)

Daughter, Sensei Chanda Ishisaka (standing)

Daughter Dawn Ishisaka

Butch's younger days - Shodokan Karate Blackbelt

Chanda at Olympic Training Center

Sensei Butch with Jimmy Pedro & Anna Maria Rousey

In 2004, Cal State LA Judo had only 1 registered USJA Member, now we have over 25, and it keeps growing. We are a USJA Charter Club, and an affiliate of the Goltz judo Club.