why choose bushinkai
- Bushinkai teaches two great systems - Karate/Jujutsu and Yang style Tai Chi. So the choice is yours
- Our classes teach practical self defense, and may also improve your fitness, confidence and relaxation
- Bushinkai classes are intelligently taught and focused on martial arts. We do not pad out classes with games and hours of pressups. Yes, we do spirited warm-ups but the focus is on the martial arts
- Our classes are taught in a real martial arts Dojo not a labour club or church hall. Karate and Jujutsu are taught in a fully matted Dojo on the top floor and Tai Chi is in a traditional Hong Kong style 'Kwoon'. Our centre also has a shop for all your kit and safety equipment.
- Bushinkai classes are for adults. We are not a babysitting service so you don't have to worry about being in a class full of kids.
- The Bushinkai Method is an effective self defence approach that deals with the realities of violence. The Bushinkai Method is the Science of Violence, the Science of Technique and the Science of Learning
- We are not a pyramid scheme, McDojo or "belt factory" - we pride ourselves on tradition and quality
- At the heart of our styles is "bunkai" meaning studying the traditional forms to apply their applications. Hidden within the old forms are a wealth of self defence principles
- Bushinkai Instructors go through a coaching program after years of training - not every good blackbelt instantly makes a good teacher, so our seniors are not only taught the techniques but also taught to teach
- Insurance is through a reputable insurer and your safety is paramount. Our Dojo is also fully kitted out with mats, bags and pads
- Bushinkai headteacher Simon Keegan has decades of experience in the martial arts, his grades were awarded by Japan's oldest governing bodies, he has trained with some of the world's senior masters and he holds blackbelts in several martial arts
- Simon is backed by several other experienced club instructors who also have a wealth of knowledge and teaching ability
- We have regular visits from several senior instructors at no extra cost
- Bushinkai is a member of the United Kingdom Budo Federation meaning our students have an opportunity to cross-train in a variety of martial arts. We have affiliates in 10 different countries.
- Bushinkai does not follow the latest fads and we don't teach classes in 20 different arts. We simply teach three systems - a Karate system, a Jujutsu system and a Tai Chi system
- Classes and gradings are reasonably priced. There are no silly contracts or mandatory block payments
- Our Karate style has a strong lineage in legitimate Okinawan and Japanese Karate styles, such as Shoto Ryu, Shotokan, Goju Ryu - and also in authentic Japanese Jujutsu. We are not a "made up" style. All our history and lineage can be documented
- For example Bushinkai headteacher Simon Keegan in Shoto Ryu was graded by Reiner Parsons (7th Dan Kyoshi) who was graded by Ikuo Higuchi (9th Dan Hanshi). Master Higuchi is the senior student/successor of Makoto Gima (Shoto Ryu founder) who was a student of Itosu and Yabu and the first man graded 1st Dan by Gichin Funakoshi, as well as the first Shoto 10th Dan (awarded by Kanken Toyama). Therefore we have a direct Shoto Ryu line.
- Our other Shotokan lineage is from Simon's teacher (for 10 years) Kyoshi Robert Carruthers (7th Dan Kyoshi Shotokan), who trained with masters such as Enoeda and Suzuki and his primary teacher was Simon's good friend Shihan Phillip Handyside (8th Dan Shotokan). Mr Handyside was a student of Kanazawa (Shotokan) and Chew Choo Soot (Budokan). When Simon joined Japan's oldest martial arts fraternity the Kokusai Budoin his grade (2nd Dan at the time) was recognised in the Karate division headed by Kanazawa Sensei. Simon was awarded 5th Dan by Shihan Handyside after grading on the mat
- Our Tai Chi style is currently focused on the internationally standardised Beijing 24 form, but we also look at the combat origins of the Yang style and our approach to Tai Chi is pragmatic and realistic. Our Tai Chi instructors were traditionally taught and have also trained with some of the world's leading masters.
- Our training is great for fitness giving a whole body workout and good flexibility and cardio. But we also ensure our exercises and stretches are not damaging to your joints
- Not only are we committed to teaching realistic self defence and improving your health we are also dedicated to preserving and developing the arts through research groups and academic discussion
- We are focused on your learning and development at your own pace. We are not there to wins medals or trophies - we are there to help you
- Information is there at your fingertips. As well as this website we also have a more detailed resource at www.bushinkai.org.uk, a lively Facebook group and several other online information sites including a Youtube channel. So you can be a part of Bushinkai even when you're not in classes.
- Bushinkai Karate classes are carefully structured with a detailed syllabus and curriculum so your learning and development is easily monitored.
- When you join Bushinkai you receive a smart license book and receive your grading certificates from our association headquarters.
- As well as its main style Shoto Ryu, our Karate classes also include elements of old Okinawan styles and skills like Toshu Jutsu, Tegumi, Uchinadi and Karate Jutsu. Our Karate is a glimpse into Karate's ancient past before it became a sport.
- Our Tai Chi classes perfectly complement the Karate classes. As well as being good for health our Tai Chi is also practical, teaching a range of strikes, blocks, locks and throws.
- As well as many of our students being complete beginners, we also teach many advanced students who have been blackbelts in other styles. There is something for everyone in Bushinkai.
- The skills we learn in Bushinkai can be practiced at home (for example Kata) so you can easily maintain your training without expensive equipment.
- As well as self defence, we also study a range of weapons from classical Japanese, Chinese and Okinawan methods such as Sai, Bo, Katana, Jian, Dipdao, Tonfa, Nunchaku and Tanto.
bushinkai: how to join
If you would like to join Bushinkai or try our classes, just turn up on a Thursday night (Karate from 8:00) and our coaches will welcome you to the centre.
You are welcome to join in with any class and you are welcome to try a few classes before commiting to join the club.
If you have any questions you can email us on [email protected] or you can go to the Official Bushinkai Website which has over 100 pages packed with history, blogs, photos, videos and more.
You are welcome to join in with any class and you are welcome to try a few classes before commiting to join the club.
If you have any questions you can email us on [email protected] or you can go to the Official Bushinkai Website which has over 100 pages packed with history, blogs, photos, videos and more.
ABOUT BUSHINKAI
Bushinkai was founded in 2000 and consists of two academies, the White Lion Academy in Manchester (the subject of this website) and the Metal Tiger Academy in Wigan.
The Manchester branch of Bushinkai is run by Kaicho Simon Keegan and the Metal Tiger Academy is run by his father Sifu David Keegan (pictured).
For details of Wigan classes follow the Metal Tiger Academy website.
The Manchester branch of Bushinkai is run by Kaicho Simon Keegan and the Metal Tiger Academy is run by his father Sifu David Keegan (pictured).
For details of Wigan classes follow the Metal Tiger Academy website.
WHAT IS bushinkai LIKE?
Bushinkai has a strong lineage and tradition in the arts of Japan, China and Okinawa. We are recognised by prestigious federations and governing bodies and a grade within Bushinkai is well respected.
Bushinkai students are fully insured by a top sports insurer with a multi-million pound policy, but luckily we have an excellent record and our club has never had an injury claim in 14 years (*touch wood).
As well as the headteachers we have a team of professional, well trained coaches who are always patient and helpful with beginners.
We teach in a traditional way, paying homage to the masters that have gone before us, but we also want our classes to be thoughtful and mature and to nurture friendships.
For more information email Simon on: [email protected]
Bushinkai students are fully insured by a top sports insurer with a multi-million pound policy, but luckily we have an excellent record and our club has never had an injury claim in 14 years (*touch wood).
As well as the headteachers we have a team of professional, well trained coaches who are always patient and helpful with beginners.
We teach in a traditional way, paying homage to the masters that have gone before us, but we also want our classes to be thoughtful and mature and to nurture friendships.
For more information email Simon on: [email protected]
THE EXTENDED BUSHINKAI FAMILY by simon keegan
The Bushinkai Organisation
Bushinkai (White Lion Academy) is a small friendly Karate and Tai Chi club headquartered in Manchester, but it is also more than this. Here are some of the friends, affiliates and associates of Bushinkai: Our official Bushinkai website has more information.
The Metal Tiger Academy
Bushinkai Metal Tiger Academy is our sister school based in the Wigan area which teaches traditional Tai Chi, Chi Kung and Shaolin Nei Gung for health. This school is run by my dad Sifu David Keegan. His Bushinkai Tai Chi website has lots more information.
The Sakugawa Ryu Ryu-ha Keizu
At the root of the Bushinkai Academy is my family tradition in the Japanese and Okinawan martial arts. My mother is a Nilsson, a Swedish family from the province of Kalmar with a unique relationship with Tokugawa period Japan. In 1609 Nilsson Laso left Sweden and arrived in Okinawa, in around 1750, Carl Linnaeus Nilsson began to document Okinawa, China and Japan and 20 years later his student Carl Thunberg arrived in Dejima. In 1785, the first of the Nilsson family were born in Okinawa, with Ingeborg and Johann Nilsson and in around 1794 their father moved back to Kalmar Sweden where he continued to raise a family.In his grandson's generation was my great great grandfather August Nilsson, a Swedish Royal Navy sailor and formidable boxer. August taught his son (my great grandad) and grandsons (my great uncle and grandad) to box when they were younger and after they fought in the war, my great uncle commenced study of Jujutsu in 1945. This is the start of my family Bushido tradition. Read more about it on the Sakugawa Ryu website.
TEMAA and the United Kingdom Budo Federation
Bushinkai is part of a martial arts association called The Empire Martial Arts Association (TEMAA) which was established over 18 years ago and is headquartered in Scarborough North Yorkshire. We are also part of a governing body called the United Kingdom Budo Federation (UKBF) which was formerly known as IMAF GB and was the official British representative of Japan's oldest martial arts fraternity the Kokusai Budoin. It was founded by myself and Sensei Colin Hutchinson when we were training under Japanese masters such as Tadanori Nobetsu, Mitsuhiro Kondo and Shizuya Sato. The official United Kingdom Budo Federation website has more information plus information about our international affiliates including our branches in Australia (Darren) and Indonesia (Ben).
Toshu Jutsu Research Society
The International Toshu Jutsu Federation is a kenyukai (research society) structured to research and develop the original Okinawan methods of Karate (Toshu Jutsu) that were developed between 1500 and 1900. The ITJF Website has lots more information and features written by the likes of Sensei Alan Platt, a prominant Karate Jutsu instructor.
Van Dang Martial Arts and the Northwest College of Martial Arts
Van Dang has been the North's premier martial arts centre for over 20 years. It has always had the very best Jeet Kune Do, Muay Thai and Kung Fu teachers and has been our home for around six years. Although we have had other centres such as Prestwich and Salford, Van Dang has long been at the heart of Bushinkai. Visit the official Van Dang website here. The original Northwest College of Martial Arts was established in Wigan in around 1999 by Renshi Hall and it had links to Salford University. I took my instructors qualifications with this group and now I am proud to be the vice principal and offer academic training courses (from Van Dangs) to those who want to teach.
Bushinkai (White Lion Academy) is a small friendly Karate and Tai Chi club headquartered in Manchester, but it is also more than this. Here are some of the friends, affiliates and associates of Bushinkai: Our official Bushinkai website has more information.
The Metal Tiger Academy
Bushinkai Metal Tiger Academy is our sister school based in the Wigan area which teaches traditional Tai Chi, Chi Kung and Shaolin Nei Gung for health. This school is run by my dad Sifu David Keegan. His Bushinkai Tai Chi website has lots more information.
The Sakugawa Ryu Ryu-ha Keizu
At the root of the Bushinkai Academy is my family tradition in the Japanese and Okinawan martial arts. My mother is a Nilsson, a Swedish family from the province of Kalmar with a unique relationship with Tokugawa period Japan. In 1609 Nilsson Laso left Sweden and arrived in Okinawa, in around 1750, Carl Linnaeus Nilsson began to document Okinawa, China and Japan and 20 years later his student Carl Thunberg arrived in Dejima. In 1785, the first of the Nilsson family were born in Okinawa, with Ingeborg and Johann Nilsson and in around 1794 their father moved back to Kalmar Sweden where he continued to raise a family.In his grandson's generation was my great great grandfather August Nilsson, a Swedish Royal Navy sailor and formidable boxer. August taught his son (my great grandad) and grandsons (my great uncle and grandad) to box when they were younger and after they fought in the war, my great uncle commenced study of Jujutsu in 1945. This is the start of my family Bushido tradition. Read more about it on the Sakugawa Ryu website.
TEMAA and the United Kingdom Budo Federation
Bushinkai is part of a martial arts association called The Empire Martial Arts Association (TEMAA) which was established over 18 years ago and is headquartered in Scarborough North Yorkshire. We are also part of a governing body called the United Kingdom Budo Federation (UKBF) which was formerly known as IMAF GB and was the official British representative of Japan's oldest martial arts fraternity the Kokusai Budoin. It was founded by myself and Sensei Colin Hutchinson when we were training under Japanese masters such as Tadanori Nobetsu, Mitsuhiro Kondo and Shizuya Sato. The official United Kingdom Budo Federation website has more information plus information about our international affiliates including our branches in Australia (Darren) and Indonesia (Ben).
Toshu Jutsu Research Society
The International Toshu Jutsu Federation is a kenyukai (research society) structured to research and develop the original Okinawan methods of Karate (Toshu Jutsu) that were developed between 1500 and 1900. The ITJF Website has lots more information and features written by the likes of Sensei Alan Platt, a prominant Karate Jutsu instructor.
Van Dang Martial Arts and the Northwest College of Martial Arts
Van Dang has been the North's premier martial arts centre for over 20 years. It has always had the very best Jeet Kune Do, Muay Thai and Kung Fu teachers and has been our home for around six years. Although we have had other centres such as Prestwich and Salford, Van Dang has long been at the heart of Bushinkai. Visit the official Van Dang website here. The original Northwest College of Martial Arts was established in Wigan in around 1999 by Renshi Hall and it had links to Salford University. I took my instructors qualifications with this group and now I am proud to be the vice principal and offer academic training courses (from Van Dangs) to those who want to teach.