Genbukan-ninjutsu is a martial arts club located in Mansfield, offering traditional Japanese martial arts training. The club provides instruction in Genbukan Ninjutsu (Ninpo), Kokusai Jujutsu, Bojutsu (6ft and 3ft stick), Kenjutsu (Samurai sword), and Goshinjutsu (self-defence). Training at Genbukan-ninjutsu is conducted in a non-competitive and friendly environment, focusing on the development of the mind, body, and spirit.
The club has its roots in the Genbukan Ninpo Bugei, which was established in 1984 with the aim of teaching the ancient ninja martial arts in a traditional Japanese manner. Soke Tanemura, the Grandmaster, wanted to replicate the etiquette and discipline instilled in him by his own teachers. Today, the Genbukan Ninpo Bugei and its associated organisations span the world, and the club continues to grow.
The syllabus taught at Genbukan-ninjutsu has evolved from the many traditional schools (Ryu-Ha) that Soke Tanemura has mastered. It incorporates 10 Kyu levels (below black belt) and 10 Dan levels (black belt). Members have the opportunity to test in traditional schools (Ryu-Ha) and weapons such as Bojutsu and Kenjutsu after achieving a certain competency.
Soke Tanemura, the Grandmaster, began his martial arts training at the age of nine, taught by his highly regarded uncle and father in the arts of Ninjutsu, Jujutsu, and Kenjutsu. His training was intense, and he achieved mastery (Menkyo Kaiden) of Shinden Fudo Ryu and Kukishin Ryu by the age of twenty. Soke Tanemura went on to study Takagi Yoshin Ryu, Gikan Ryu, and Hontai Kukishin Ryu under the direction of Dr. Sato Sensei, while being a law student at Hosei University.
In 1989, he was named as the next generation Grandmaster (Soke) of these Ryu.
Instructor Kevin Chapman serves as the Dojo-Cho (instructor) at Genbukan Kenshu Dojo UK. He joined the Genbukan in 1988 and has trained with Grandmaster Soke Tanemura and his senior instructors in the UK, Europe, and Japan. Kevin was given permission to open the Kettering branch of the Genbukan Kenshu Dojo UK in 1998 and now runs classes in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. In 2003, Kevin became a Jiki Deshi (direct student) at the Honbu Dojo (Genbukan Head Quarters) in Japan, gaining a deep understanding of Japanese culture and its influence on traditional martial arts training.
Kevin recognises the importance of trust and loyalty in the student-teacher relationship, allowing for the transmission of both martial and spiritual knowledge. He holds several martial arts qualifications, including 4th Dan in Ninpo Taijutsu and Kokusai Jujutsu, 2nd Kyu in Biken Jutsu, and 3rd Kyu in Bojutsu. He also holds Shoden Menkyo in various Ryu, including Shinden Fudo Ryu, Kukishin Ryu, Togakure Ryu, Kijin Chosui Ryu, Takagi Yoshin Ryu, Gikan Ryu, Daito Ryu, and Mugen Shinto Ryu.
Training at the Genbukan Kenshu Dojo UK follows a syllabus developed by Grandmaster Tanemura Soke. It focuses on the four main pillars of Ninjutsu (Ninpo Taijutsu), Jujutsu, Bikenjutsu, and Bojutsu. The club emphasises the development of physical fitness, mental discipline, and self-defence skills while providing a supportive and friendly training environment.