Bujinkan Dai Shihan and Lifelong Martial Artist, Dies After Illness
The martial arts community is deeply saddened by the death of respected Bujinkan instructor Simon Yeo, a 15th-degree black belt and Dai Shihan whose lifelong dedication to training, teaching, and sharing knowledge touched students around the world. After decades immersed in the traditions of Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu—alongside achievements in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and other disciplines—his passing following illness has prompted an outpouring of heartfelt tributes from friends, practitioners, and those who trained under his guidance.
From early journeys to Japan to study with Grand Master Masaaki Hatsumi, to authoring influential writings on ninjutsu and mentoring generations of students, Simon’s legacy reaches far beyond the dōjō. We remember not only a highly skilled martial artist, but a generous teacher, a gentleman, and a friend. Read the full tribute to explore his life, training, and the memories being shared in his honour.
FRESH READ
Enduring Fault Lines in the Martial Arts
The problems facing martial artists today feel uniquely modern—commercialised dojos, flashy but ineffective techniques, inflated ranks, and instructors more interested in profit than principle. Social media debates rage over what works, what doesn’t, and who’s legitimate. But what if these frustrations aren’t signs of decline at all? What if they’re simply the latest chapter in a much older story?
In this feature for Inside Ninjutsu, we dig into classical Japanese martial texts to uncover a surprising truth: the great warriors of the past were wrestling with the very same issues centuries ago. From Miyamoto Musashi’s sharp critique of commercialised sword schools to 18th-century warnings about rank, solo training, and empty showmanship, this article reveals how little has really changed—and what modern practitioners can still learn from voices echoing across 400 years of martial history.
NEW FEATURE
Bansenshūkai at 350: The Ninja Manual That Refused to Disappear
Written in 1676, at the very moment Japan’s age of war was fading, the Bansenshūkai stands as the most complete ninja manual ever compiled. Now 350 years old, this secretive text reveals how shinobi gathered intelligence, infiltrated castles, used specialised tools, and lived by a strict moral code — all while guarding its most dangerous knowledge behind oaths of secrecy. In this feature, Inside Ninjutsu explores the history, contents, controversies, and enduring legacy of the legendary book that preserved ninja knowledge when it was on the brink of disappearing.
OBITUARY
Quintin Chambers: Remembering A Quiet Pioneer of Western Budō
A pioneer of Western budō, Quintin Chambers Sensei was among the first foreigners to live and train in Japan during the 1960s, earning the trust of legendary instructors and helping preserve classical martial arts for future generations. From training with Hatsumi Sensei and Otake Risuke to co-authoring the seminal Stick Fighting book, this obituary reflects on the life, influence, and quiet legacy of a man whose work shaped countless practitioners around the world.
BLANK TRAINING NOTES WORKBOOK
80 page booklet to enhance your study
AVAILABLE NOW
✓ Record Techniques
✓ Describe Movements
✓ Track Armed & Unarmed Skills
✓ Document Tips & Insights
✓ Review & Reflect:
Kaizen: Continous Improvement (short)
Chasing Bujinkan mastery.
Issue #2 of Inside Ninjutsu
Available now for FREE
Prepare to delve deeper into the mysterious world of ninjutsu with the highly anticipated release of Inside Ninjutsu Issue #2. Building on the success of our debut, this edition promises an even richer tapestry of news, reviews, history, training ideas, and in-depth articles tailored for the dedicated practitioner and enthusiast of the shinobi arts.
✅ Club Profile: Nami Ryu Dojo
✅ Was Yasuke a samurai?
✅ Samurai Strongholds
✅ How to get more students
✅ The Art of Suijutsu
✅ New Koto Ryu Book
✅ Buyu Bulletin
✅ Develop ninja night vision
