About the UGA Budokai

The Budokai is a dojo training in Ogasawara-Ha Shorinji Ryu, a traditional style of Japanese karatedo. Shorinji Ryu teaches methods of personal protection through striking, grappling, and throwing, as well as the use of kobudo weapons such as the bo, sai, and tonfa. The dojo operates as a University of Georgia Recreational Sports club and its scheduling, budget, and other activities are coordinated by student officers.

The club was established in 1982 by Wayne Van Horne, who trained in Shorinji Ryu Karatedo with Thomas Cauley in Orlando, Florida. Dr. Van Horne, now a rokudan (6th degree black belt), is a professor at Kennesaw State University, where he leads the Yamakan dojo.

The head instructor of Ogasawara-Ha Shorinji Ryu in the United States and other countries outside Japan is Thomas Cauley, hachidan (8th degree), based in Selmer, Tennessee. Cauley Kyoshi has trained in karatedo since 1957, including four Air Force tours served in Japan. In addition to his extensive studies of karatedo, Cauley Sensei became a priest of the Konkyo-ko (Kongo) Zen sect in 1967 at Rokunohe monastery in Aomori-ken, Japan. Through Cauley Sensei, the rankings of Budokai members are recognized by the Zen Tohoku Karatedo Kempo Kumiai (All Northern Japan Karatedo and Kempo Union), a kaiha of the Japan Karatedo Federation. UGA Budokai members participate several times each year in advanced training under Cauley Sensei.

The dojo's name, Budokai, describes its purpose. "Budo" may be translated roughly as "martial arts," "kai" as "club" or "association." The term "budo" is used to described modern art forms based on traditional military techniques ("bujutsu"). "Do" signifies a "way" or "path," with the connotation of personal development. The purpose of the Budokai is to train in karatedo as "a method of perfecting the character of its participants via mental and physical discipline" (Thomas Cauley).

No fees are charged for instruction in Shorinji Ryu Karatedo, but training requires a significant commitment of time and effort. Nominal fees are charged for testing.

The branch instructor (Shibu Cho) for the UGA Budokai is Brad Cahoon, rokudan (6th degree black belt) and Southern U.S. Regional Director for Ogasawara-Ha. Dr. Cahoon began his martial arts training in 1975. The Budokai's faculty advisor is Lynne Seymour.

The Budokai is a Recreational Sports club of the University of Georgia. Content contained on this web site may not reflect the views or opinions of the University of Georgia or the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. Contents copyright © 2010 by Brad Cahoon. All rights reserved.