Bernard J Mulligan, III

I remember the first time I came to the Dojo in 1975. I was a troubled child, Master Mulligan and his followers changed my life path. I have a hard time remembering the many names of fellow students and teachers (John Miles, Tony) at the time etc. We started in Salem next to the Surf Cinema ('75-'80) the gang of us younger ones (Mark and Darrell Morrill, Eric Marbleblatt) would get Steak Subs net door. Went to many Demonstrations and Tournaments. Best times of my life. May he truly rest...

I was part of the not-quite-so-old guard, George, Louie, and Tony were some of my teachers, along with Sensei Mulligan. A great teacher of judo, a great teacher of life lessons, and a real mensch. Not without a sense of humor, I recall Sensei Mulligan arriving at a judo camp in Virginia Beach with the entire stereo system from the office in the dead of night (we were all asleep). He assembled it in the bunkhouse and we were awakened at 0600 for a 2-mile run on the beach to the sounds of...

I was a part of the “Old Guard” in the late sixties at the Shodokan Dojo in Swampscott, MA, when Judo was at it’s peak.
George Banos, John Miles, Don Morano, Louie Goldman, Tony Vegelante,
Myself, and others were part of that crew.
I was curious about the state of the school due to the pandemic when I decided to search out it’s status and discovered Shihan Mulligan had passed.
I am so shocked to hear my teacher and good friend is gone, and regret not discovering this...

EXCERPTS FROM A STUDENTS LETTER
I am so sorry to hear about Sensei Mulligans passing.
those words seem inadequate. You all have been on my mind a lot lately, and I wanted to reach out to you to express not only my condolences, but also my gratitude, for Mr. Mulligan and everyone and everything that Shodokan is.
I have talked at great length recently about the influence that Shodokan and all you crazy people had on us as kids.
The Dojo was a home away from home for us, a...

It was a pleasure knowing you Mr Mulligan. Rest in Peace.

Me. Mulligan was a great man! I met him when I joined Shodokan at the age of 13. I am now 68. Me Mulligan was more of a father figure to me than my own dad. From the age of 13-24 I worked out at Shodokan, first in Swampscott and then Salem. Through his teaching of judo and conversations after class he taught me the real lessons of life. After I moved away I kept in touch yearly and he never ceased teaching me lifes lessons. I will miss him very much, but know J will see him again. Goodbye for...

I only knew Mr. Mulligan for a year forever ago when I studied at the dojo, but my father knew him well for decades. This man was absolutely legendary in his physical accomplishments, and a pillar of virtue for the community. Everyone who ever knew him will remember him as being the most remarkably wise, yet gentle man they've ever met. I only wish I got to know him more.