About

The Dōjō

The dōjō trains students within the martial arts system of the Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu created by Hatsumi Masaaki Sōke (b. 1931 – ) from nine Ryūha (Japanese schools of martial arts) passed down to him from Takamatsu Toshitsugu Sōke (b. 1889 – d. 1972).

Commonly known as ninjutsu, the Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu organisation has spread throughout the world teaching the skills and lessons of Hatsumi Sōke to thousands of learners since its creation and introduction to the world stage.

It is often said that the aim of the ninja (one who practices ninjutsu) is to perservere through all challenges that life throws at them, Hatsumi Sōke has said that this is the main aim of the Bujinkan – for practitioners to use the lessons to develop into a “person who perserveres” (a translation of the kanji that makes up the word ninja/shinobi in Japanese).

Our Story So Far

The Bujinkan Budō Taijustsu Kaeru Dōjō has been training the Bujinkan system of martial arts within Torquay, Devon, UK, since May 2024 after Fred Sensei (currently Sandan – 3rd degree black belt) took over from the previous training instructor, Rob Sensei, who had previously run a dōjō in Torquay for 18 years.

After training under Rob Sensei in Torquay for some years and achieving Shodan (1st degree black belt) in August 2021, Fred Sensei took over as Dōjō-Cho in May 2024. Since then Fred Sensei has sought to solidify his own learning and develop a syllabus for the dōjō to encourage growth and personal development for all who interact with the dōjō.

In August 2024, Fred Sensei put himself (and therefore the dōjō) under Merlyn Sensei (currently Jūdan – 10th degree black belt) of the Mahoutsukai Dōjō located in Neath. Since then Fred Sensei was graded to Nidan (2nd degree black belt) in September 2024, then Sandan (3rd degree black belt) in May 2025.

Alongside Fred Sensei is Ben Sensei (currently Nanadan – 7th degree black belt), who acts as a Senpai to Fred Sensei, helping to instruct the dōjō in the skills and lessons of the Bujinkan organisation, in the tradition of the Mahoutsukai Dōjō under Merlyn Sensei himself.

Fred Sensei intitially chose the name Kaeru Dōjō as a bit of an injoke with Ben Sensei (as a Freddo is frog shaped chocolate bar in the UK). But after researching into the Japanese word for frog (kaeru) and learning of the alternative meanings, Fred Sensei felt that the name was very fitting for the dōjō and what he aimed to guide it towards in the future.

Weapon Skills – Bukijutsu

Within the densho (written records) of the nine schools of the Bujinkan there are many skills that are concerned with the use and implementation of many different weapons.

There are many weapons that are mentioned and trained within the Bujinkan. Some examples which are trained in the Kaeru Dōjō, are:

Rokushakubō – Six foot staff.
Hanbō – Three foot staff.
Ken – Sword.

Hand-to-hand – Taijutsu

The basis for all of the martial arts of the Bujinkan organisation is the skills of the Taijutsu. Learning to move the body effeciently as well as how to impact the body of an opponent.

All of these skills teach you how to use the body, and effect the body of others in ways that have been used to learn how to protect yourself and others.

Philosopy – Tetsugaku

Behind the physical skills of the Bujinkan (and aall martial arts) is the philosphy of survival, growth, and personal development.

Through discussion and example in training, the philosophy of the Bujinkan is shared with all members of the dōjō.

Mahoutsukai Dōjō

Training in Neath, are a group studying traditional Japanese martial arts based in South Wales, United Kingdom.

Togakure Ryu Ninpo Tai Jutsu 戸隠流忍法體術
Gyokko Ryu Kosshi Jutsu 玉虎流骨指術
Koto Ryu Koppo Jutsu 虎倒流骨法術
Kukishinden Ryu Happo Hiken Jutsu 九鬼神流八法秘剣術
Takagi Yoshin Ryu Ju Tai Jutsu 高木揚心流柔体術
Shinden Fudo Ryu Daken Tai Jutsu 神傳不動流打拳体術

More information on the Mahoutsukai Dōjō website HERE

For more information about the Bujinkan organisation visit the Hombu homepage HERE