Traditional Training
Principles and methods passed down through Japanese martial traditions, taught with context and care.
Training in South Elgin, Illinois
Fox Valley Budō Kai
Traditional Japanese Martial Arts
Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu · Teen & Adult Training, Ages 15+ · Opening Planned for Early 2027
A practice with depth
Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu is the heart of our training
Students study adaptable whole-body movement through striking, grappling, joint controls, throws, posture, footwork, distance, timing, ukemi, and traditional Japanese weapons.
Technical Skill
Striking, grappling, joint controls, throws, ukemi, distance, and timing developed through attentive practice.
Classical Weapons
Sword, staff, and other traditional weapons that clarify distance, posture, and intent.
Individual Instruction
Demonstration, direct correction, and a thoughtful pace that respects your experience, body, and goals.
Rooted here, connected to tradition
A serious place to begin—and to keep going
Fox Valley Budō Kai is preparing to offer small-group Bujinkan training for teenagers and adults ages 15 and older in South Elgin.
The instructor demonstrates material, works directly with students, and offers individual technical correction during partner practice. Kata, fundamental movement, controlled drilling, questions, and personal practice outside class all contribute to long-term development.
About the dojo and instructorWays to train
One primary program, with room for deeper study
Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu is the initial regular offering, supported by integrated weapons and grappling study, teen participation, and specialized instruction by arrangement.
Primary program · Ages 15+
Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu
Build adaptable whole-body movement through fundamentals, kata, partner practice, drilling, and direct technical correction.
Explore this programSpecialized study · Availability by request
Japanese Jūjutsu
Explore traditional grappling principles through focused study integrated into Bujinkan training or arranged privately.
Explore this programIntegrated & specialized weapons study
Kenjutsu & Traditional Weapons
Weapons are part of the wider Bujinkan curriculum, with additional specialized study offered only when appropriate and available.
Explore this programTeenagers join the primary program
Teen Training (Ages 15+)
Teen students train alongside adults through progressive instruction, careful partner matching, and clear safety expectations.
Explore this programBy arrangement · Availability to be confirmed
Private Training
Ask about focused instruction for fundamentals or specialized study; availability and rates are not yet confirmed.
Explore this programYour instructor
More than three decades of continuing study
Robert J. Hartung III began Bujinkan training in 1993 and later spent several years living and training in Japan.
His background includes frequent training with Hatsumi Masaaki, Noguchi Yukio, Oguri Kōichi, and other Japanese teachers, followed by continued practice and instruction after returning to the United States in 2010.
Meet the Instructor
“Tradition is not preserved by standing still. It lives when principles are practiced, questioned, and understood.”
Our approach to traditional budō
More than technique
Context gives the practice meaning
Japanese martial traditions carry distinct approaches to kata, etiquette, weapons, strategy, and relationship. We study that inheritance without turning it into a museum piece—or stripping it of its history.
Explore traditional BudōNew to martial arts?
You do not need to arrive prepared
Initial enrollment is planned for teens and adults ages 15+, and no previous martial arts experience is necessary.
- Start with safe, foundational movement and ukemi
- Work with attentive partners at a controlled pace
- Receive individual correction and ask questions
- Build coordination and conditioning through consistent training
From the dojo
Articles on training and tradition
New Students ·
What to Expect in Your First Traditional Martial Arts Class
A calm, practical guide to visiting a traditional Japanese martial arts dojo for the first time.
Read article
Training Principles ·
Why We Practice Kata
Kata are more than fixed choreography. They are structured problems that teach timing, relationship, and martial judgment.
Read article
Weapons ·
What Weapons Training Teaches About Distance
Sword and staff practice make range, timing, and commitment easier to see—and improve unarmed movement as well.
Read articleYour first step
Join the founding student list
Tell us about your interest in training, and we will share introductory class opportunities and confirmed opening details as they become available.