Judo     Mixed Martial Arts         Bujutsu       Shotokan Karate         South Elgin Boxing Club

Women's Self Defense        Hapkido         Tai Chi

Click on any of the above arts for a more detailed description...

Judo ( jūdō),

meaning "gentle way", is a modern Japanese martial art (gendai budō) and combat sport, that originated in Japan in the late nineteenth century. Its most prominent feature is its competitive element, where the object is to either throw one's opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue one's opponent with a grappling maneuver, or force an opponent to submit by joint locking the elbow or by executing a choke. Strikes and thrusts (by hands and feet)—as well as weapons defenses—are a part of judo, but only in pre-arranged forms (kata) and are not allowed in judo competition or free practice (randori).
Ultimately, the philosophy and subsequent pedagogy developed for judo became the model for almost all modern Japanese martial arts that developed from "traditional" schools (koryū). In addition, the worldwide spread of judo has led to the development of a number of offshoots such as Sambo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Practitioners of judo are called jūdōka.
Judo as we now know it was established by the legendary Kanō Jigorō, (1860–1938) when he began teaching at Buddhist temple in Kamakura, later to be known as the world famous Kodokan.
Judo finds its roots in pre modern martial arts history and is considered one of the purest and most noble of styles and is practised today as an Olympic sport.
Classes are open to adults of all ages, both men and women and are instructed by South Elgin Budokans founder, Master Thomas O’Shaughnessy, lifetime judo practitioner and student of the Kodokan.
Students will learn:
In judo, there are several phases of combat: the standing phase, tachi-waza; and the ground phase, ne-waza and chokes and armlocks; with each phase requiring its own (mostly separate) techniques, strategies, randori, conditioning and so on. Special training is also devoted to "transitional" techniques to bridge the gap. Jūdōka may become quite skilled in one phase and be rather weak in the other, depending on where their interests most lie, although most encompass a balance in all phases. Judo's inclusion of both the standing and ground phases of combat gives judoka the ability to take down opponents who are standing up and then pin and submit them on the ground.

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The Budokan is located within the buildings of South Elgin’s original blacksmith forge.  It seemed only fitting to name the MMA program in the spirit of the old buildings, it is our goal at South Elgin Budokan to “forge” athletes and fighters.

Students can expect a vigorous, technical and demanding program that is designed to carry an individual through from the beginner all the way to professional fighter/Coach level.  Our syllabus caters to an individuals ability and offer students a comprehensive graduated insight into all aspects of MMA including: fitness conditioning, body conditioning, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai Kick Boxing, No-Gi Judo, Boxing, Tudo Vale and traditional Karate.

Our skilled instructors and current fighters offer students the invaluable opportunity to interact with active and experienced Mixed Martial Artists. It is important to note that The Forge does not have any "street fighters". The Forge has combat athletes concerned with being able to defend themselves in the street. A byproduct of that training is sometimes the desire and ability of its athletes to compete in MMA, Muay Thai, BJJ or submission wrestling competitions.
Many of the members at The Budokan train exclusively for fitness and fun, which translates to stress release and a sense of well being. Drilling and sparring for sport translates to the most intensive, challenging and safe way to build the necessary attributes for self-defense as well as building overall confidence and fitness.
If a warrior needs a weapon he can find it at The Forge.

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Shotokan Karate

Shotokan is a traditional Japanese Form of Karate-Do (Empty Hand) and covers the art of self defense.

Karate as we now know it was first introduced to the Japanese public in 1922 When Meijin Funakoshi preformed a Demonstration of “Traditional Marshal Arts” to the Japanese Ministry of Education.  The audience’s response was so great, that Meijin Funakoshi was implored not to return to his native island of Okinawa and instead teach at various universities across Japan.  In 1936 Meijin Funakoshi opened his own dojo, that his students quickly named the Shotokan.  In 1955 the Japan Karate Association came into being with Funakoshi as its chief instructor.

Shotokan as taught today follows the teaching, style and philosophies as established by Meijin Funakoshi.

Students will learn Basic Technique, Traditional Form, Kata (prearranged sequence of techniques), Kumite (controlled sparring), Basic instructional Japanese and general physical flexibility and conditioning.
Shotokan is the art practiced by current UFC Light Heavyweight champion Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida.  Machida is a life long student and 3rd-dan Shotokan black belt,

Classes are open to adults of all ages, both men and women.

Students Will Learn The Fundamentals Of Shotokan As well As The Niju Kun:

 Form: Correct form is very important in the execution of Karate techniques as the body must harmonize in order to acquire the stability necessary to sustain the shock of delivering a kick or a punch.

Balance:  Good balance is essential when performing any karate technique, especially kicks.  At times the body’s whole weight must be supported on one leg or transferred quickly from one leg to another.

Center of Gravity: Involves Hara, the body’s physical and spiritual center of gravity.  Any technique no matter what direction must keep the Hara on a constant level in order to propel the full potential power towards the opponent.
Concentration of Power:  When performing basic techniques, the body should remain relaxed and only tensed at the end of the movement when contact is made.  This tension is known as “Kime” or focus.  Physics dictate that that a muscle that is contracted can not move as quickly as one that is relaxed.  Both muscles and tendons should be kept relaxed to allow instant response to changing circumstances.

Rhythm: Is essential in most sports, it is essential in timing opponent’s motions and in the clear conduct of ones own.  Rhythm is especially notice in the practice of Kata, defining each move and position from another.

Timing:  Good timing is vital and if incorrect, will cause the technique to fail.  A punch delivered to soon may be out of range, whilst a punch delivered to late may result in no uncertain terms for the executor.

Hara: All body power should emanate from the Hara, the body’s natural center of gravity.  If tension is only applied to the muscles of the forearm whilst punching, the punch will be week, using only a fraction of the body’s capability.  Understanding the Hara is the single most important factor in the execution of correct technique.

Hips:  Coupled with Hara is the hip movement or “Tanden”.  When performing basic techniques the hips should rotate rather than undulate.  The mechanics of hip movement in basic Shotokan must follow and appreciate the physical laws of action and reaction.  The timing of the hips is crucial to the success of the technique.

The Niju Kun are Funakoshi's Twenty Precepts, written to help the student understand how they should conduct themselves in karate, and in everyday life. Each of the principles is explained in detail in 'The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate' by Gichin Funakoshi.
1.     Karate is not only dojo training.
2.     Don't forget that Karate begins with a bow and ends with a bow.
3.     In Karate, never attack first.
4.     One who practices Karate must follow the way of justice
5.     First you must know yourself. Then you can know others.
6.     Spiritual development is paramount; technical skills are merely means to the    end.
7.     You must release your mind
8.     Misfortune comes out of laziness.
9.     Karate is a lifelong training.
10. Put Karate into everything you do.
11. Karate is like hot water. If you do not give heat constantly it will again become cold.
12. Do not think you have to win. Think that you do not have to lose.
13. Victory depends on your ability to tell vulnerable points from invulnerable ones.
14. Move according to your opponent.
15. Consider your opponent's hands and legs as you would sharp swords.
16. When you leave home, think that millions of opponents are waiting for you.
17. Ready position for beginners and natural position for advanced students.
18. Kata is one thing. Engaging in a real fight is another.
19. Do not forget (1)strength and weakness of power, (2)expansion and contraction of the body, (3)slowness and speed of techniques.
20. Devise at all times.

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