Shidoshi Steve J. Morgan
About us
The Bujinkan (Divine Warrior) Southwest Dojo in Exeter City, UK, is lead by qualified blackbelt instructors, registered at our headquarters in Japan and personally licensed by Grandmaster Hatsumi. Members of our training group travel to attend relevant martial arts and spiritual/philosophical courses and seminars worldwide to further their studies. All Southwest Dojo ranks are invited to attend these events to train with Hatsumi Soke’s senior teachers around the world.
Training with Southwest Dojo involves all 18 warrior arts as required by the Bujinkan Hombu Dojo for proper progression in the ways of the ninja. The Bujinkan is formed of 9 very different martial traditions of which all are practiced and explored. The style of technique, methods and strategies found within each school vary greatly, from powerful methods of unarmed self-protection and traditional weapons systems like the Japanese sword, knife, staff, stick and chain, through to more contemporary applications with respect to today's world.
Taijutsu (unarmed body skills) training begins with body conditioning and safe methods of breakfalling. Next, the student learns how to safely evade attacks and position him/herself for any chosen response. Following these ‘receiving’ methods the student focuses on the principles of grappling and targeted striking skills through to powerful joint locks, chokes and throwing techniques and the use of traditional weapons. All the time, focus is given to the totally natural, vibrant body in motion to generate power in technique - and NOT limited muscle strength.
The fighting method of the Ninja emphasizes the natural and relaxed body in movement to generate power. Taijutsu uses the entire body in a natural way to harmonize and amplify simple movements, rather than relying on comparatively limited muscle-power or speed. The subtle destruction of the attacker's balance and rhythm, and proper control of distance and timing are the primary interest of all Bujinkan Taijutsu methods. These principles allow even smaller students to effectively defeat larger and more imposing opponents. The fighting skills of the Bujinkan Dojo were tested exhaustively in mortal combat by the legendary Ninja and Samurai of medieval Japan, most notably during the Sengoku Jidai, the Warring States Period of Japanese history (mid 1400’s - early 1600’s).
All our sessions are taught in a relaxed and friendly manner where each individual is encouraged to develop to the very best of their personal potential. We run a non-profit / non-political group and request that all who choose to undertake martial training approach the program enthusiastically and with an open mind.
Enjoy the Website!
Steve J. Morgan
Bujinkan Shidoshi, 11th Dan
Ninpo Ikkan
(Bujinkan Guidlines for participation)
