About Us

Ganbare Shotokan of Prescott was founded in April of 2014 by Senseis Victor Young and David Hurlbut, along with local attorney, Chris Kottke, and his spouse Carrie. Ganbare Shotokan strives to help you maintain a healthy life style by teaching traditional Shotokan karate, where students learn self defense, self control and respect. Our senior instructor is Sensei Victor Young, an 8th degree black belt in Shotokan.

Sensei Victor Young, 8th Dan

The Chief Instructor of Ganbare Shotokan Karate is Sensei Victor Young.  A native of Hawaii, he began his Martial Arts training in 1957, studying Kodokan Judo.  He had always yearned to learn karate and had the good fortune of training under some very high ranking instructors (and Japan champions) of the Japan Karate Association (JKA).  Sensei Young was awarded his black belt in 1967 by Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei and began teaching in 1970 where he was appointed Branch Instructor of the dojo where he began his training (Pearl City Dojo).

Relocating to Camarillo, California in 1981, Sensei Young opened the doors to the oldest karate school in town.  He has since trained hundreds of students of all ages and professions, both male and female.  His students continue to reflect his knowledge and teachings, not only in the dojo, but also by excelling in academics and competition.

Sensei Young enjoyed many years of tournament competition and looks forward to sharing these experiences with his students.  His tournament career spanned nearly 40 years, winning competitions in Hawaii, California, Colorado and Mexico.

Prior to relocating to Prescott, AZ in 2015, Sensei Young sold his school in California to enjoy retirement.  But fate wouldn’t allow him to, as the local Shotokan school (Prescott Shotokan Karate Club) had lost their instructor.  He was approached and asked if he would assume the responsibilities as head instructor at a brand new dojo.  After much consideration, he came out of a short retirement to head Ganbare Shotokan Karate.

Sensei Dennis Goldsmith, 3rd Dan

Sensei Dennis Goldsmith started his martial arts training at the age of 8, attending Sensei George Kent’s Prescott Shotokan dojo.  Dennis trained in Shotokan karate and Brazilian jiu jitsu for about 4 years and earned the rank of second kyu, or 2nd degree brown belt, before taking a break from training.

Unfortunately, that break lasted 13 years.  As a 25-year old father, he longed for a form of exercise that was both effective and fun, so he once again joined Sensei Kent’s dojo, starting over as a white belt.  The old skills he learned quickly returned, however, and within a year he was back to his original rank, while losing close to 40 pounds and vastly improving his physical health (read this article to hear more of the story).

After training with Sensei Kent for around 5 years, and reaching the rank of first kyu, or third degree brown belt, Sensei Kent was unfortunately forced to close the dojo due to health reasons, and passed away a year and a half later.  This left Dennis and many of the other members of the dojo without a sensei or a place to train.  Luckily for them, two sensei from California had recently relocated to Prescott:  Sensei David Hurlbut and Sensei Victor Young.  Under the guidance of these two excellent sensei, along with many former members of the Prescott Shotokan dojo, they founded Ganbare Shotokan of Prescott in April of 2014.

Sensei Dennis continued to train hard, as well teach the youth classes as he did at Prescott Shotokan.  In October of 2014, Sensei Dennis passed his Sho Dan (first degree black belt) exam, and in June of 2017 he earned his Ni Dan (second degree black belt).  Most recently, he passed his San Dan (third degree) test in March of 2021, and was awarded the title of Sensei in March of 2022.  Sensei Goldsmith has also competed and placed in several tournaments, including the Western States Karate Championships in Phoenix, The Ozawa Cup International Tournament in Las Vegas, The Goshindo Games Martial Arts Tournament in Prescott, the Chandler Karate Championships in Chandler, the Grand Canyon State Games in Phoenix, and the Pacific Coast Karate Championships in Camarillo.

Sensei Dennis is currently the head instructor for the youth classes at Ganbare Shotokan, and is also the owner and business manager of Ganbare Shotokan, so he’s the guy to see if you have a question regarding those issues!  When not in the dojo, he is spending time with his lovely wife and their four children, likely doing something adventurous outdoors.  Sensei Dennis has also been a certified teacher with Prescott Unified School District since 2007, and enjoys the opportunity to have a positive impact on the lives of children.

Senpai Amadeus Sutton-Barnes, 2nd Dan

As a kid in the 80’s Senpai Amadeus enjoyed Kung-fu shows, and was inspired to know martial arts. He joined karate for a few years as a kid. Although he didn’t stay enrolled, he knew this art would be in his life forever. Amadeus didn’t return to the dojo until age 24. 

Born and raised in Northern California, Amadeus moved from California to
Wickenburg, Arizona in 6th grade. This was a big culture shock in which he had to persevere and survive many challenges. That’s what he loves about Karate– it teaches us to overcome difficulties and push through. Ganbare Prescott Shotokan is a perfect name for our school. Ganbare means to push through and persevere. 

Amadeus started training in 2005 at Sensei Kent’s Prescott Shotokan dojo where he earned a ranking of 3rd degree brown belt. It helped keen a clean mind and balanced life. His body was in excellent shape and his self-esteem high. In 2010, Amadeus left the dojo for a few years to focus on his construction career as a framing contractor and starting his own business – Superb Industries.

After surviving a tragic life threatening accident in 2013, he began his recovery journey by returning to the dojo. This is where he had the pleasure of meeting Sensei Young and reconnecting with Sensei Dennis Goldsmith. He began training again with Ganbare Shotokan in 2016. He earned his 1st degree black belt in June 3rd, 2018 and 2nd degree black belt in 2021. 

Currently he is one of the instructors for the youth and the adult class on Mondays and Wednesdays; competes in tournaments on the local, regional, national, and international level; teaches private lessons; and has mentored youth on the application of our dojo kun—seek perfection of character, be faithful, endeavor to excel, respect others, and refrain from violent behavior. He is an inspiration to those who have gone through hardships and chosen to persevere. 

Ganbare!

DOJO ETIQUETTE:

As a traditional karate dojo, we observe these basic codes of conduct while in the dojo:

Our dojo is currently located at 720 6th Street in Prescott, AZ, 86301.  Our classes are held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  Kids classes are at 4:30 p.m. for ages 5-8, Youth classes are at 5:30 p.m. for ages 9-13, and adult classes for ages 14 and up are at 6:30 p.m.  Stop by the dojo and see what we’re all about. We know you’ll get hooked and be in the best shape of your life! Contact Dennis Goldsmith at the number listed below for more information.