The history of the Mojave Branch started back
in the summer of 1993 when Ray Zaragoza, Jr.
opened Mojave's first dojo at the Mojave
Movement Arts Center with the assistance of Ray
Zaragoza, Sr. During the beginning months,
Stephen Ponting enrolled his wife Margaret and
son Joshua into the training course. After
watching his family week in and week out Stephen
was approached to join his family in class by
Ray Zaragoza Jr. Learning that the Zaragoza's
teacher, Michael Foster, would be teaching a
seminar, Stephen joined his family in class,
which took place in October 1993. After
experiencing the seminar being taught by Michael
Foster, Stephen knew he would be in the Yoshukai
International Karate Association for life. He
had finally found the Martial Art style he had
being searching for.
During the later months of 1997 the Mojave Dojo
expanded to a neighboring city for a second dojo
in California City at the Silver Saddle Ranch
Club. A few months later it was relocated to the
California City Fitness Center in the Aspen
Mall. Ray Zaragoza Jr. asked Stephen Ponting to
assist him with the teaching at this dojo.
Shortly after opening, Stephen Ponting
substituted for Ray Zaragoza Jr., at Ray's
request, in teaching the class. These where
Ray's first lessons in teaching Stephen on how
to instruct classes. Stephen started to instruct
more and more classes at the observation of Ray
Zaragoza Jr.
Looking for further ways to expand the Yoshukai
International Karate Association in the Mojave
High Desert, a third dojo was opened by Ray
Zaragoza Jr. and Ray Zaragoza's Sr. in the city
of Quartz Hill at the end of 1997. In November
of 1998 due to a decline in students and the
desire to spend more time with their families,
the three Mojave High Desert dojo's were slated
to be closed by the Zaragoza's. During this
process Stephen Ponting asked the Zaragoza's for
Michael Foster's permission to take over these
classes so that training could continue for the
remaining students in these communities.
In December of 1998 Stephen Ponting received the
Zaragoza's permission and support to take over
the teaching at the three Mojave High Desert
dojo's as the newly named Mojave Branch of
Yoshukai International Karate Association. In
May 2004 Stephen Ponting opened his first dojo
in Tehachapi as YIKA, Mojave Branch's fourth
dojo at Body Works. In November of 2004 the
Tehachapi dojo at Body Works was moved to The
Tehachapi Academy of Performing Arts, where it
remains today.
In April 2004 the YIKA, Mojave Branch formed a
Scholarship fund for Mojave High School
students. In June, 2004, Diana Rico was the
first recipient to receive the Yoshukai
International Karate Association, Mojave Branch
Scholarship Fund of $200. In 2005, YIKA MB gave
$800 in scholarships to Freddic Gusman and
Danielle Moser, receiving $400 each. In 2006
YIKA MB will be giving away over $1000 in new
scholarships. In 2007 the scholarship will be
renamed after YIKA's Hanshi, ordaining the name
"The Mike Foster Yoskukai International Karate
Associations Scholarship"
YIKA, Mojave Branch remains active with in the
community, involving themselves at the Gold Rush
Parades, the Boy's and Girls Club events,
volunteering for community clean up with Keep
California Clean and the Adopt-A-Highway
programs. For further information please visit
the Events and Scholarship links.
The Yoshukai International Karate
Association, Mojave Branch under the direction
of Steve Ponting and Ray Zaragoza Jr. are in
agreement with the management and direction by
Mike Foster and he has our full support
.