Introduction and Philosophy

Shobukan Judo Club teaches and promotes the art and skills of judo which develops the judoka both mentally and physically, promoting positive character traits which will help them to be assets to society. A corresponding by-product of the training at Shobukan is the experience gained through local, national and international competition in tournaments. This experience in winning, losing and learning life’s lessons helps to prepare them to become successful throughout their lives. 

Mission Statement

"To create a nurturing place of trust, order, fellowship, integrity, cooperation and respect for others. To provide the opportunity for each person to learn and grow physically, mentally and spiritually in order to gain the discipline, confidence and skills to become responsibly independent to maximize their potential and serve a worthy purpose in society.”

It has always been Shobukan’s mission to provide an environment where judokas could develop themselves physically, and more importantly, mentally and spiritually. Each judoka is taught to learn from others and themselves using judo as a tool.

History and Background

2008 marks the 100th Anniversary of Shobukan Judo Club and makes it one of the oldest judo clubs in the nation.  Japanese immigrants who came to work on Hawaii’s sugar plantations as laborers established the Shobukan Judo Club in 1908. These judokas or students selected the name Shobukan, which was literally translated as “A Place of Challenge.”

The basement of the old Asahi Bakery on Beretania Street in Downtown Honolulu served as Shobukan’s first dojo.  In 1910, Shobukan moved to the Katojinsha on Hall Street with Kakuji Fukai serving as the Club's chief instructor until 1924.  It was during this 14-year period that Professor Sunao Migita joined the Club and after only 2-years of judo training, he became an instructor in 1920.

Shobukan relocated to the Liliha Daijingu in 1924 with Professor Migita serving as the chief instructor.  Seven years later in 1931, the late Professor Hisashi Kochi, one of Shobukan's most dedicated and respected judo instructors, joined the club.  Shobukan flourished during this period until 1941 when World War II temporarily halted all Japanese martial arts activities.

Shobukan was reactivated in 1947 at the Palama Gakuen and a year later, moved to Kuakini Street in Liliha.  Faced with demolition of the dojo in 1957 because of a public highway construction project, Professor Migita together with club members and friends, purchased the present site in Liliha off Kunawai Lane.  

Since 1980, Professor Sunao Migita's son, Dr. Lloyd Migita, 7^th Dan, has served as head instructor. There are many highly qualified instructors and trainers who assist in teaching. All instructors teach on a voluntary non-paid basis.

While Shobukan offers judo classes to Hawaii youths as a sport and character building activity, Shobukan has achieved a reputation of producing many top competitors from Hawaii. There have been many students who have become junior national champions, Olympic contenders and medalist.