Budokon Academy Overview

What is the Budokon Academy?

The Budokon Academy is a unique yogic, martial & living arts organization founded upon higher learning. We teach a 6-pillar system that addresses each area that we express ourselves as humans and teach people to grow these areas synergistically. The program is for any person of any age interested in freedom from physical and emotional distress and peak performance training.

Download the Budokon Academy Student Brochure here:

Our Mission

Budokon is committed to the continuing evolution of global consciousness by teaching the physical, emotional and intellectual skills essential to enhance performance and bring balance into every field of human endeavor.

The Budokon Belt System

As a mixed yogic and martial arts Academy, we operate on a five-belt system: Red, Blue, Purple, Brown, and Black. Students start at the white belt level and continue through the ranks until black belt. Each belt rank takes approximately 6 months to 1 year to achieve. Each belt is measured by classroom & personal practice hours and curriculum-specific exams. Belt exams are held every three months, giving students the opportunity to test for their belt rank year-round.

Our students learn to master the 6 pillars of the Budokon system:

These are the six most important areas of our lives. Under each pillar, we cover a wide variety of topics including brain development, language, cognition, belief systems, communication, relationship patterns, physiology, biomechanics, nutritional health and dietary guidelines, environmental sustainability, meditation techniques, yogic asana, martial arts standing & ground fighting (including striking, throws, and submissions), the Budokon animal series, and much more. As you progress in belt rank you will build upon the base knowledge you have learned from the previous belt.

Joining the Budokon Academy

Join the Budokon Academy

There are two ways for students to participate in the Budokon Academy:

Academy Extended Program

In our local Academy Extended Program you will attend weekly classes and study directly under a Certified Budokon Leadership Sensei in your area. Your local teacher will guide you through our 6-pillar curriculum until it is determined that you are prepared to test and have accumulated the hours to qualify for your belt grading (approximately 6 months per belt). For more info or to register for this program, click here.

Academy Accelerated Program

For students who do not have access to a local teacher, you may join our Academy Accelerated Program, a 4-weekend intensive program taught directly by Kancho Cameron & Sensei Liz Shayne at the Budokon International Headquarters in Charlotte, NC. For more info or to register for this program click here.

How do I get started?

To get started, contact Liz Shayne at liz.shayne@budokon.com or (704) 332-6691. Liz will help guide you by connecting you with your nearest teacher or register you for the right Academy program for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Academy Program is Right For Me?

To determine which Academy Program is right for you, visit the Accelerated Program and Extended Program section of our website and download the new student brochures for each. You may also contact Liz Shane at liz.shayne@budokon.com or (704) 332-6691. Liz will help register you for the right program.

What Exactly Will I Be Studying?

You will be studying a 6-pillar curriculum consisting of physical and psychological technology that you steadily build upon as you advance toward your black belt.

Why Do We Study Psychology?

At Budokon International we believe that a good understanding of psychology is the foundation for true healing and wellness. In our program we uncover the mysteries of brain development in order to better understand why we do what we do. Once we understand our mental process only then can we move towards healing destructive patterns, old belief systems and reactive behavior.

What Does the Budokon Physical Practice Look Like?

Budokon draws inspiration from innovation. Influenced by many styles, but a slave to none, the Budokon physical practice is a mixed system that combines the explosiveness of Karate, the agility of Jiu-Jitsu and the playfulness of Capoeira, with the artistry and fluidity of Tai Chi, and the meditative and restorative quality of yoga into one seamless expression. It is a true evolution of movement that must be experienced to be understood. If you are interested in exploring the potential of your body and mind in new and inspired ways, the Budokon Academy is the place for you.

Do I need to Have Experience in Yoga or Martial Arts?

No. Our program welcomes anyone who loves to move, play and learn. Our program is not focused on developing professional fighters or contortionists; it is about becoming balanced in your life through your movement, your thoughts and your actions. Is Budokon a martial & yogic art? Yes. This means that you will learn the art of self-defense and personal healing, but with an emphasis on a modern world application of these skill sets.

Why Martial & Yogic Arts?

We feel that the physical characteristics found in the martial and yogic arts encourage the mental and emotional skill sets essential for leadership, concentration and self- transformation.

Where is the Budokon Academy Located?

Budokon Academy International Headquarters
Atherton Mill, 2102 South Boulevard, Suite 100
Charlotte, NC 28203

For a full list of Budokon Academy Training Locations, click here.