Welcome to Isshinryu Karate-do & Self-Defense, the premier traditional martial arts school in Orange City, Florida. Conveniently located at 130 May Street, our dojo is dedicated to teaching Okinawan Isshinryu Karate-do and character-building fitness for all age groups, pre-teens, teens, and adults. Whether you are looking to learn vital life-protection skills, build self-confidence, improve physical fitness, or learn the history and traditions of karate, our experienced instructors provide a safe and supportive environment tailored to all skill levels. Join the top-rated Orange City karate community today and discover how martial arts can transform your focus, discipline, and health.
The Orange City dojo was first opened in 1983, by Grand Master Chester Holubecki, a 10th Degree Black Belt, when he moved to Orange City from his home in Massachusetts.
When Grand Master Holubecki returned to Massachusetts in 1996, operation of the dojo was continued, at two (2) different locations, by his senior student, local attorney and Sensei, Master John B. Crowther (8th Degree Black Belt), before being relocated back to its former location at 1900 North Volusia Avenue (present site of the RaceTrac gasoline station), in July 1998, as a “Black Belt only” dojo.
In January 1999, the dojo was transformed into a “full enrollment” dojo, where both Black Belts and Color Belts could train. Through the efforts of Sensei and Mrs. Crowther, the students, and many contributors and volunteers, the dojo was moved to its present location at 130 May Street, on January 15, 2008.
The dojo is affiliated with the Isshinryu Network, an association of Isshinryu dojos located throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Each year students travel from the dojo to various championships and tournaments to participate as competitors, judges and referees. The dojo sponsored the American Okinawan Karate Association (A.O.K.A.) World Championships when they were held in Daytona Beach.
—The dojo was honored by the A.O.K.A. Hall of Fame at its 25th Annual World Championships held in Philadelphia, PA, when Master Crowther received the Outstanding Male Black Belt Award, and Sensei Howard Savage was the recipient of the Outstanding Male Student Award. The following year, Sensei Crowther was selected as a Finalist for the A.O.K.A.’s Instructor of the Year Award.
—At the 2024 Isshinryu Hall of Fame Tournament, in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Master Crowther was selected as a Finalist for the prestigious “Steve Armstrong Outstanding Contribution Award”.
—Seven (7) of our students have won thirty-nine (39) top awards over the past few years, in kumite (point fighting), hand kata and weapons kata, in their respective divisions, at both the Annual Isshinryu Hall of Fame (I.H.O.F.) Tournament, held in Gatlinburg, TN (2020, 2023-2026) and the Annual Bamboo Tournament, held in Vero Beach, FL. (2025-2026). These include nineteen (19) first place trophies/gold medals, ten (10) second place trophies/silver medals, (5) third place trophies/bronze medals, and (5) fourth place trophies/steel medals.
—From 2024 through 2026, MARCOS MONSERRATE, 2nd degree Brown Belt, as the dojo record-holder, has won 11 consecutive gold medals.
