About Bujinkai

Bujinkai was formed in 1972 by Shihan Smith.  Bujinkai members were originally a group of Wado Karate students.

Bujinkai is a mixture of many styles of Karate (Shihan has studied many styles and assembled the best into Bujinkai) and Kung Fu.

The idea of adaptability was one of the main founding ideas of Bujinkai which is the reason why Bujinkai is always changing.  The aim of Bujinkai is to have the power of Japanese karate with the agility of the Chinese Kung Fu.

Bujinkai's first Kata, Bujinsho (Warrior Number One) is strongly inspired by Kung Fu, with the straight leg kicks and the flow of the Kata.  Those who know the Kata, I'm sure have practiced it as one flowing movement to get the feel of it - to do the kata non-stop and without any power (If not, why not?!).  Bujinsho is a very athletic Kata.  The strikes in this Kata are all "atemi" strikes (where the strikes are directed at critical areas, whereas "ate" strikes are smashing and will do damage wherever they hit).

Shihan Smith

Shihan Smith is one of the pioneers of British Karate.  He is an 8th dan red belt with many years karate experience; he has been practicing martial arts since the early 60s, when martial arts first arrived in Britain.  Shihan started training during 1964 in London with native japanese instructors..

He is a formal national champion - attained in both Kata and Kumite, he has represented Great Britain on numerous occasions and has twice captained Great Britain in European Championships, and lead them once to victory.  He has also coached the winning team at the World Championships in 1986.

As a pioneer of British Karate, he was once widely in demand.  Therefore he has taught throughout the country and also travelled to America to teach, and in the '70s he introduced full-contact karate, a.k.a. kickboxing to Britain from America.  Because Shihan has taught throughout the country, it explains why there are wide leaps between areas which teach Bujinkai, from the North-West to the South-West.

Shihan is a member of the Open Karate Federation.

 

Sensei Sheils

Sensei Sheils is a 6th dan red-and-white belt and is the chief instructor of Bujinkai karate. He runs the Fighting Fit dojo in Banbury.

Sensei Stewart

Sensei Niki Stewart was awarded her Rokudan (6th Dan) during the Gasshku 2006.  She is the daughter of Shihan Smith, the founder of Bujinkai.  Niki has been involved in Karate for more than 30 years and is a former national champion and international competitor.  She is an experienced teacher of children and adults alike and is also a qualified fitness instructor and sports therapist.  Niki is also CRB/Police checked, has current insurance and is first aid trained.