History and Current Purpose

Suzuki Masafumi, Hanshi, founded the Nippon Seibukan Sogo Budojo in 1952 (Showa 27) on the grounds of the
Kennen-Ji temple in Kyoto, Japan. In 1969 (Showa 44), Suzuki sensei subsequently established the Zen Nihon
Budo Renmei (ZNBR), or All Japan Budo Federation as an extension of the Nippon Seibukan Dojo.

Suzuki sensei held the ranks of 5th-dan in Judo, 8th-dan in both Kendo and Iaido, 9th-dan in Jujutsu and 10th-dan in Goju Ryu Karate. Under Suzuki Sensei’s leadership the organization grew to include members in thirty-two different countries.

At the time of its founding it was one of the world’s largest budo academies. It held Classes in Karatedo (Okinawan Goju Ryu), Judo, Kendo, Iaido (Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu), Aikido, Jujutsu, Kobudo (Ryukyu), Naginatado (halberd), Jukendo (bayonet) and even amateur wrestling (Fila).

Current Leadership & Vision:

The current president of the Zen Nihon Budo Renmei / Nippon Seibukan Dojo (ZNBR/NSD) is Kawano Yasuo sensei. Kawano sensei began his study of Goju Ryu Karate directly under Suzuki sensei in 1958 at the Nippon Seibukan Dojo when it was located on the grounds of the Shimogamo Shrine.

After Suzuki Sensei passed away in 1991, leadership was passed to Kawano Yasuo, Suzuki sensei's designated successor. During this transition period, the Seibukan Hombu Dojo went back to the Shimogamo Shrine and the organization became dormant in the majority of the countries outside Japan. However, the organization’s name continued to be used by many previous members, and some non-members in several countries. Often the Seibukan’s name was used either in whole or in part, without the permission or knowledge of the Seibukan’s current leadership in Kyoto, Japan.

The organization is now seeking to re-establish itself in other parts of the world. In order to do this properly the Seibukan leadership feels it must begin anew with a clean slate, thus, while all menjo awarded directly by Suzuki Hanshi are still valid and recognized, any previous memberships or affiliation agreements (either written or verbal) are no longer considered so. Only those memberships and/or affiliations specifically approved by Kawano Hanshi are now considered valid. Anyone interested in re-joining or joining the ZNBR/NSD must do so by first contacting their country representative who will inform them of the required process and procedures.

The modern Nippon Seibukan Hombu under Kawano Hanshi is headquartered at the Zuirin-ji Temple in Kyoto, Japan, and regularly utilizes the Butokuden for special training, as well as attending special events and demonstrations there. The Hombu may be contacted directly through the liaison officer, the Baron Yoshihiko Okabe

We incorporate the following arts :

• Karate: Empty-hand Arts of Okinawa & Japan (including Okinawan Kobudo)
• Jujutsu: Self-protection arts of traditional Japanese lineage
• Goshinjutsu: Modern self-defence arts of Japanese derivation
• Judo: Traditional Kodokan Judo as founded by Jigoro Kano
• Aikido: Traditional Aikido styles descended from Morihei Ueshiba
• Kendo: Kendo as defined by the All Japan Kendo Federation
• Iaido: Traditional sword arts focusing on drawing techniques
• Kobudo: Classical Japanese arts (Kenjutsu, Naginatajutsu, etc)

Our mission is to preserve and teach the traditional martial arts of Japan and Okinawa. We strive to accomplish this in an environment free of intimidation, politics, and other distractions. We further seek to foster a spirit of fellowship and understanding, welcoming all like-minded individuals, regardless of race, gender, ethnic background, religion, national origin, or physical handicap.