History of the South Elgin Budokan 

Budokan, when rendered into English means: “Hall of Martial Arts” or “house of many”. 

The daily operating Budokan is a concept that has lived in the Martial arts world for over a century, but historically in its purest form has only succeeded on too few occasions.  The concept, as simple as it sounds, requires such an immense ego free dedication and mutual respect from all of its instructors and members that in the fast paced society of today, traditional Budokans are truly a rarity.

South Elgin Budokan finds its roots in one of the greatest Budokans in western history, Britain’s first flagship dojo, Budokawi in London, England.  South Elgin Budokan’s founder, Thomas O’Shaughnessy was member of the Budokawi during the 1960’s and the original Renshudan; as well as being a member of the legendry “Earlham Street Gym” in the 1970’s.  After a lifetime of dedication to the arts, O’Shaughnessy decided it was time to once again settle and reawaken the Budokan spirit and open a full time, fully dedicated dojo.

South Elgin Budokan Offers disciplines in all aspects of the arts and has trained, professional instructions specializing in each style.  All instructors are active in there respective disciplines and each participate by expanding their abilities through the Budokan Master Class, devised and instructed by O’Shaughnessy (Invite only).

South Elgin Budokan offers serious training for dedicated students, the aim of which is the development of the ability to defend oneself effectively, overall improvement of strength, fitness and stamina, and the acquisition of an in-depth knowledge of the classical combat systems in order to produce a well-rounded, and complete effective fighter. 

South Elgin Budokan has programs for adults and children, men and women.  All disciplines can be experienced in either group lessons or through private tuition. South Elgin Budokan does not believe in contracts obligating students to complete the programs; all students are retained on a month to month basis only.

We have dedicated world class instructors specializing in Okinawan /Japanese Arts (Judo, Goju-Ryu, Shotokan Karate, traditional Ju-Jitsu and weapons training), Korean Arts ( Hapkido and Taekwondo), Chinese Arts (Ti-Chi, Water Boxing and Kung-fu), Boxing (with the South Elgin Boxing Club), Mixed Martial Arts ("The Forge"), Wrestling and General Fitness (conditioning for all sports), General and Specific Self Defense (Women’s, Law Enforcement and seniors etc.) and Yoga.  We also have a licensed registered Massage therapist (John Strobel, licensed since 1982) and private facility on site.