Our school originated from what was intended to be one of several youth summer programs offered by the Aurora YWCA at the Aurora Housing Authorities Eastwood Center in 1974. We were originally called Eastwood Karate Club. As the summer concluded the programs grant funding was depleted yet the YWCA wanted to continue, what had become, their most successful summer program. Through a mutual agreement Master Smith agreed to continue the program as a volunteer.
Over the following years the program outgrew the Eastwood center moving to the YWCA building on Downer and then to the newly built YW facility on River St. in Aurora, Il. Prior to the closing of the YWCA's River St. facility the Fox Valley Montessori School graciously agreed to become the new home for the Midwest School of Isshinryu.
Throughout the history of our program we have seen the success of our students who have gone on to become outstanding high school athletes, police officers, military men and women, successful business owners, teachers, doctors and even an actress (Stana Katic in the TV series "Castle").
All the successes of our program would not have been possible without the support of the Aurora YWCA and now the Fox Valley Montessori School who have given us a place to call home.
web: http://www.msoiaurora.org
