Home › Illinois › South Elgin › South Elgin Budokan Martial Arts
South Elgin Budokan Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 14 Google reviews · Judo dojo in South Elgin, Illinois
Plan your first class
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth judo classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule southelginbudokan.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (847) 888-8866
Hours
| Monday | 3–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 3–7 PM |
| Saturday | 9–11 AM |
| Sunday | 9–10 AM |
The classes they run
“They have classes that can accommodate complete beginners through black belt/black sash+ levels, so wherever you are on your journey, the Budokan has something for you.”
“Been enjoying this facility since my child started kindergarten and have been since.”
Other martial arts here
What members say
“EXCELLENT facility with top-notch, world-class instructors.”
“This esteemed martial arts academy is dedicated to fostering discipline, respect, and self-confidence in its students.”
From the reviews
I highly, highly recommend the Budokan,. There are many classes and martial arts styles to choose from, all the instructors are fantastic! They teach martial arts the way it's supposed to be done it's about the art .
South Elgin Budokan is a very special and rare martial arts and fitness school. The broad range of martial arts that are taught there is like nothing else I've seen in the area. They have an extraordinary team of experienced instructors teaching classes in just about any martial art you could want to learn.
It’s a very real and decent place the master and the lady they are really good my kids enjoy this place but I I have to say something parents you bring your kids over here for discipline you to learn something from here but the way you people park your car when you come and drop your kids please see what you were…
EXCELLENT facility with top-notch, world-class instructors. Kid friendly, lots of various disciplines/programs. Really great place for beginners and advanced alike. AAA+.
New to judo? Start at South Elgin Budokan Martial Arts
South Elgin Budokan Martial Arts comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo, going by their listing and members’ reviews. If you've never stepped on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and sensei scale the intensity to you. Second, you'll start by learning to fall safely (ukemi) — reputable dojos build fundamentals (breakfalls, grips, a first throw and some groundwork) for weeks, live randori eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps everyone safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and remember to bow in and show respect (rei). Most dojos are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first judo class at South Elgin Budokan Martial Arts
Nervous about walking into a judo dojo for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good sensei expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, learning to fall safely (ukemi), then drilling a throw or two and some groundwork with a partner — not hard randori. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a judogi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many dojos lend a loaner judogi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own judogi. Live randori eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the sensei. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
More judo dojos near South Elgin
Shindo Kan School of Judo
JS Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 14 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Barrington Judo Club
4.9 ★★★★★ 16 reviews