Shihan John Smith 9th Dan.

John Smith was the founder (Shihan) of Bujinkai Karate. He was one of the pioneers of British Karate under the first wave of Japanese instructors in the early 1960s.

Shihan Smith made a close study of karate and associated arts. He was a National champion in both Kumite (fighting) and Kata (Form). He successfully represented Great Britain on many occasions and captained the team twice at the European Championships. Shihan Smith passed away in 2017 but left the magnificent legacy of a practical and progressive karate style with top class instructors to continue his teaching. He was well respected by other senior members in the Karate world as an innovator, sportsman, coach and teacher.

A brief summary of his Karate career.

1965 - Started Wado Ryu Karate in London
1967 - First International fight experience in Paris. Stood in for injured team members after the firs round. Won both fights. Stayed on the British Team until 1973.
1968 - Started Streatham Karate Club (London) 1968 - Southern Area Team Champions.
1969 - National Kata Runner up 1970 - British Team and Individual Champion. National Kata Champion. Captain of the National Team. Second in European Championships (Belgium)
1970–71 - National Team Champions 1972 - Started Mayflower Karate Club (Plymouth)
1973 - Founded Bujinkai Karate in association with Sensei Danny Connor.
Mid 1970s - Hosted the first ‘Kick Boxing’ and Full Contact Karate event in Britain.
1979 - Opened the South West’s First Martial Arts Centre ‘Fighting Fit’ Gymnasium (Plymouth)
1970–79 - Chairman British Karate Association Technical Committee.