Budokan Martial Arts Academy offers a unique opportunity to learn a variety of Martial Arts disciplines in a safe, friendly and challenging environment. Our Sogo Budo program offers an in-depth approach to modern day combat and street survival tactics. A student who signs up for Sogo Budo can expect some "old school" hardcore training with cutting edge techniques which are practical, concise and refreshing. Sogo Budo is a comprehensive study of all Martial systems and sciences. Students who pass through the ranks from intermediate to Full Instructor will learn the value and necessity of not being limited to one style or discipline. Students will have the ability to adapt to their terrain, they will develop their own personal attributes as well as the psychological component to enter and succeed in combat. Sogo Budo students will have the oppurtunity not to just learn a few drills but to become extremely proficient with edged weapons and impact weapons (Kali sticks). From long range to middle range to close quarter, students will learn how to fight in the clinch, use their natural weapons, utilize footwork and resolve or terminate any conflict.

What are some of the Martial Arts you will learn in Sogo Budo?

In order to maintain a positive environment that is both conductive to learning and welcoming to potential students, we require our students, parents of students in the kids' classes, and staff to adhere to the following Dojo Etiquette guidelines.

Guidelines

1. Always show respect to your instructors, training partners, and fellow human beings. Respect in training means: do not seek to harm fellow students physically (e.g., by cranking a submission harder than necessary to make them tap) Respect also means that you must train seriously and hard enough for you and your partner to improve his or her skills, conditioning, and fighting spirit. Not giving your best during training detracts from both you and your partner's experience. You must also address the Instructors by their title at ALL times, ex. Sensei, Shihan, Professor, etc.
2. Maintain good hygiene (i.e., shower and brush your teeth regularly). As you can imagine, it is difficult to concentrate on technique when you find your partner's smells distracting!
3. Keep finger and toe nails short and clean to prevent injury to yourself and others.
4. Bring a clean, dry gi to each class. Also, always keep a rash guard or T-shirt in your gym bag for no-gi classes.
5. Keep shoes off the mat, so that we can keep the mats clean and sanitary.
6. Do not walk outside with bare feet. If you have to go outside, wear sandals or shoes. Items (5) and (6) are especially important to prevent the spread of skin conditions such as ringworm.
7. Do not shout loudly or use profanity in the dojo. This should go without saying.
8. Do not talk while the instructor is talking. It distracts those who are trying to learn and is disrespectful to the teacher, as well as other students.
9. Stand, sit with your legs crossed or kneel during class. No lounging. Studies show that people learn more effectively when seated in upright postures.
10. Do not leave the mat during class without the instructor's permission.
11. Keep cell phones off during class. Again, they distract those who are trying to learn.
12. If the instructor has not changed the task, then continue doing the task he or she has given (i.e., don't sit around talking because you feel you have done a technique enough times). You can NEVER do a technique too many times.