Bujinkai Karate is a fusion of traditional Japanese disciplines with elements of Chinese martial arts. It was founded in 1972 by Shihan John Smith, 9th Dan.

Shihan John Smith passed away in 2017 and Bujinkai continues to flourish under the guidance of its senior members, including Sensei Niki Stewart 7th Dan (South West).

In Japanese the word “Bujin” means warrior or fighter and” Kai” means school. Therefore, loosely translated, Bujinkai means “Warrior School”.

Bujinkai Karate Association is symbolised by the ram’s head above a clenched fist. The ram’s head (known in Chinese as Ming Ch’uan) is the Chinese martial sign for the “oncoming fist”. Reinforced by the Japanese symbol of the clenched fist underneath this indicates that the school is open to both Japanese and Chinese systems of martial arts.

The benefits of karate training are endless. It can instil self-discipline, develop confidence and positive self esteem, increase fitness, build mental and physical strength, encourage better balance and flexibility and teach self defence techniques - all while acquiring new skills and progressing through the ‘belts’. Bujinkai Karate is a member of the governing body, the English Karate Federation (EKF). The association has clubs all over England, with a large number of members in the North West, Midlands, South West and also in Canada.