Members

The Zen Nippon Budo Renmei (All Japan Martial Arts Federation) – Seibukan dojo is a respected, international martial arts organisation, founded in Japan’s rich martial traditions but with a thoroughly modern outlook. The organisation started life in 1955 when its founder, Suzuki Masafumi set up the Seibukan dojo in Kyoto in order to teach goju ryu karate and the various other arts he had mastered. The official title of the dojo was and still is the Sogo Budo Nippon Seibukan (Japan’s hall of righteous martial teachings in comprehensive martial arts) which reflects its emphasis on inter-style links and holistic martial practice. At one point the Zen Nippon Budo Renmei - Seibukan dojo was the largest martial arts organisation in the world, with affiliated dojos in 32 countries.

The Seibukan’s founder, Suzuki Masafumi, was a great man and an incredibly dedicated martial artist and he achieved master grades in karate, kobudo, judo, iaido and aikido among others. He contributed to the martial arts community both in Japan and abroad, including setting up and officiating for key organisations and even starring in several martial arts films in the 1970’s and refereeing for the legendary match between Mohammed Ali and Antonio Inoki. After Mr. Suzuki passed away in 1991, leadership passed on to his direct student and the current director, Mr. Kawano Yasuo, who continues to build on the good works of the past and make the organisation of utmost benefit to the modern martial artist..

The modern incarnation of the Zen Nippon Budo Renmei - Seibukan dojo offers the passionate martial artist the opportunity to experience and benefit from the full range of Japan’s martial arts and ways and broaden their understanding by sharing knowledge and experience with like minded individuals across the boundaries of style and grade. As this is a worldwide organisation, members can benefit from a network of master instructors and international training events including the highlight of our calendar, the budosai (martial arts festival) at the famous Seibukan honbu dojo in Kyoto Japan.

The U.K. branch of the Zen Nippon Budo Renmei welcomes all serious martial artists with a desire to learn and train. We positively encourage members of other arts and organisations to join as either full or associate members and to join in with our regular training seminars. Full grading and certification from our headquarters in Japan is available for those who desire it but there is absolutely no obligation, no exclusivity required and we will respect the skills and achievements of all genuine practitioners.