In 1982, Art Bourgeau, who began his Judo career with Ishikawa Sensei, was passed the torch of the Philadelphia Judo Club, which was the first martial arts club in Philadelphia, established in 1949.  Coach Bourgeau's over 40 years in Judo have earned him the rank of Godan (5th degree black belt). He is also a Certified Coach with the United States Judo Association (USJA) and was a regional rank examiner for many years. He is now also recognized as a national rank examiner.  Art has also produced several Judokas that have competed all over the world and have won numerous local, regional and national titles. Coach Bourgeau also studied Ki-Aikido with Shuji Maruyama for several years.

In 1962 Sensei Takahiko Ishikawa moved from Japan to be the head instructor. Ishikawa was the youngest person to ever be awarded the rank of 9th degree black belt. He taught in Philadelphia for 13 years before moving out of the area and handing Art the reins of the club.  Since becoming head instructor, he has kept the spirit of the Philadelphia Judo Club and that of his teacher, Takahiko Ishikawa, alive.
 
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