Obukan Judo Dojo’s mission is to study and practice Kodokan Judo with all its traditions, strengthening the body, sharpening the mind, and developing individuals with strong moral character.
Obukan Principles in Action:
- Always be courteous and respectful: Respect is part of every aspect of Judo and is a discipline that perfects the heart and mind. Always be attentive to your Sensei or one of higher grade, respect their knowledge and endeavor to increase your knowledge. When with one of lower grade, be courteous and treat them with kindness and be a good example to them demonstrating true Judo spirit.
- “Coexist in Harmony”: The Dojo membership is a family, and the goal is the “common good”. Always strive for unity and avoid division. Refrain from negative divisive criticism of any fellow member, but especially of a sensei. Comments or criticism should be made directly to the person, never to others! Work to understand and appreciate the views of others. Harmony will be realized when we all invest in each other and work together, united by a common vision for Obukan and the greater goal of Judo.
- Ambassadors: Always conduct yourself in a manner that will not bring shame to the Dojo, your Sensei or fellow students. Let your actions outside of the Dojo reflect the moral teachings of Judo.
- Goal: The ultimate goal of Judo is to perfect your mind, heart, body and spirit, by this you benefit your family, dojo, and community.
- Prepared: Come focused, ready to work hard and push yourself beyond where you have been. Always come prepared with a clean Judogi that has no holes or loose threads. Trim and clean fingernails and toenails before practice. Girls are to wear a plain white T shirt under their Judogi. Remove all jewelry.
- Responsibility: This is “OUR” club and being part of Obukan is fulfilling our responsibility. We must pay our dues on time, every month. We are to be willing to help out when needed.
- Positive Atmosphere: Each person impacts the atmosphere of the club, either positive or negative. As we do our part to create a positive atmosphere, we create a safe environment so all can grow!
Obukan Judo Dojo
In 1926 members of the Japanese-American community approached Mr. Bunazaemon Nii, an instructor of Kito Ryu Jujutsu about forming a Judo club for the benefit of the young people of the community. Mr. Nii and a partner had given a demonstration of Kito Ryu Jujutsu at the Lewis & Clark Exhibition of 1905. The dojo was then known as The Portland Judo club. The club continued training through the 1930’s and hosted two visits by Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo in 1932 and 1938. On his second visit, upon the request of the dojo, Kano shihan devised a Japanese name for the club. He chose the characters “O” to represent Oregon (this is a phonetic reading the literal meaning is “central”), “bu” which means martial arts or training, and “kan” which means training hall. Kano shihan then presented the dojo with his calligraphy of the name and Portland Judo Club became Obukan. With the tragic internment of Japanese-Americans during the second world war, Judo training at Obukan stopped. Then in the early 1950’s, Judo again started being practiced in Portland. There were clubs at the YMCA and Reed College. Members of these clubs joined together with former Obukan members and the Japanese-American community to revive Obukan Judo dojo. Judo training at Obukan has continued uninterrupted from 1953 to this day.
A brief chronology of Obukan’s History:
1905: Mr. Nii and a partner had given a demonstration of Kito Ryu Jujutsu at the Lewis & Clark Exhibition of 1905. The dojo was then known as The Portland Judo club.
1926: Portland Judo Club is formed. Nii Sensei is hired as head instructor.
1932: First visit of Jigoro Kano, founder of judo.
1936: Nii Sensei returns to Japan, Goro Mochizuki Sensei, a sandan, becomes new head instructor
1938: Second visit of Jigoro Kano, Club is visited by Professor Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo. Kano officiallyrenames the club to Obukan.
1942: World War II forces Obukan to close it’s doors.
1953: Planning to reopen the Obukan dojo begin
1954: First official post war dojo meeting. Ryusho Honma sensei becomes first full time instructor.
1955: Obukan’s first post war tournament. Jim Onchi sensei becomes Obukan’s head sensei.
1957: Onchi sensei is injured. Mr Tsuyoshi Miyazaki from the Kodokan arrives to work with the club for 2 years
1957: Professor Ichinoe sensei’s first annual visit to Obukan
1965: Joe Shiraishi and Dorthy Lee become Obukan head instructors
1969: Professor Ichinoe’s son, Sensei Toshio Ichinoe, arrives from Japan to assist Obukan’s head instructor, Jim Onchi
Obukan Board of Directors
Toshio Ichinoe
Rod Conduragis
Mark Hirota
Dick Middlebrooks
Jeena Huneidi
Aya Romero
Sarah Makar
Obukan Officers
President: Rod Conduragis
Vice-President: Mark Hirota
Treasurer: Jeff Luther
Secretary: Jeffrey Rooney
Obukan Judo Dojo Inc. Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Letter granting 501(c)3 status.
