Bujinkai Karate Association was originaly formed in 1972, and is a development of traditional karate-do. However, Bujinkai is an open style and always seeks new and improving ideas.

In Japanese, the word "Bujin" means fighter, and "kai" means school.Therefore, loosely translated, Bujinkai means fighting school, (or warrior school).

Bujinkai Karate Association is symbolised by the rams head, above a clenched fist. The rams head (known in Chinese as Ming Ch'uan) is the Chinese martial sign, for "the oncoming fist", as represented by the Japanese symbol of the clenched fist underneath. This therefore indicates that the school is open to both Chinese and Japanese systems of martial arts.     

Bujinkai Karate has clubs all over England, with a large number of members in the North West, and also the Midlands, The South West and the South East.

Shihan John Smith (left) is the innovator of Bujinkai Karate, and one of the pioneers of British Karate. He has made a close study of Karate and associated arts since the early 1960's. He is a former national champion, in both kata and kumite, and has represented Great Britain on many occassions, having captained Great Britain twice at the European Championships. Shihan Smith is an 8th Dan Black Belt.

The chief instructor of Bujinkai Karate is Sensei John Shiels, 6th Dan (middle), who as well as being a member of the England Karate team for eight years, has held many National  Full Contact Championship titles, and is regularly seen in action on Channel 5's late night kickboxing programme.
Sensei Shiels also fought in the prestigious invitation only "10K" Karate tournament, 2003

The Northern area chief instructor is Sensei Mike Heapy, 5th Dan (right). Sensei Heapy has represented Bujinkai Karate in tournaments nationally and internationally on numerous occasions both in kumite (fighting) and kata. He has also been in the North West National England squad and the British Freestyle Team.