About Us

Founded in 1984 by Soke Tanemura, Genbukan Ninpo Bugei preserves traditional Japanese martial arts through authentic etiquette, discipline, and lineage. Guided by a structured 10-Kyu and 10-Dan progression, students master ancient Ryu-Ha systems, unarmed combat, and classic weaponry, including Bojutsu and Kenjutsu.

Soke Shoto Tanemura (Grandmaster)

Soke Tanemura began his martial arts journey at age nine, training intensively under his father and uncle in traditional Ninjutsu, Jujutsu, and Kenjutsu. By his early twenties, his dedication had already established him as an exceptionally accomplished practitioner of classical Budo.

While studying law at Hosei University, Soke Tanemura deepened his training under Dr. Sato Kinbei Sensei, studying lineages including Takagi Yoshin Ryu, Gikan Ryu, and Hontai Kukishin Ryu. In 1999, he was formally named Grandmaster (Soke) of these traditional schools.

Driven by a lifelong pursuit of authentic Budo, Soke Tanemura trained with many renowned masters, including direct students of Toshitsugu Takamatsu Sensei. Today, he holds Menkyo Kaiden (mastership) in over 20 traditional ryuha, preserving and passing on these ancient arts through the Genbukan and his own Tanemura-ha lineages.

Two martial artists in black uniforms demonstrating a defensive technique, with one blocking the other's punch.

Instructor Kevin Chapman

Dojo-Cho, Genbukan Kenshu Dojo UK

With nearly four decades of dedication to traditional Japanese martial arts, Instructor Kevin Chapman brings a wealth of international experience and authentic lineage to the dojo.

  • Lineage & Experience: Having joined the Genbukan in 1988, Kevin has travelled extensively throughout the UK, Europe, and Japan to train directly under Genbukan Grandmaster Soke Shoto Tanemura and his senior instructors.

  • Teaching History: In 1998, he received official authorization to open the Kettering branch of the Genbukan Kenshu Dojo UK, and today he proudly leads classes in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire and Kettering, Northamptonshire.

  • Immersion in Japan: In 2003, Kevin relocated to Japan to train as a Jiki Deshi (direct student) at the Honbu Dojo (Genbukan Headquarters).

This immersive period provided him with a profound understanding of Japanese culture and its foundational influence on traditional budo. Through years of dedicated practice, he experienced firsthand the importance of trust and loyalty between student and teacher—principles essential for the authentic transmission of both martial (Bumon) and spiritual (Shumon) knowledge.

Colorful martial arts compass emblem with Japanese characters, eight yellow spokes, red background, and blue center.

Martial Arts Qualifications

  • Genbukan Dojo-Cho

  • Renshi

  • 5th Dan Ninpo Taijutsu

  • 4th Dan Kokusai Jujutsu

  • 2nd Kyu Bikenjutsu

  • Chu Kyu Bojutsu

  • 3rd Kyu Hakkesho

  • Shoden Menkyo Naginata Jutsu

  • Shoden Menkyo Asa Yama Ichiden Ryu

  • Shoden Menkyo Shinden Fudo Ryu

  • Shoden Menkyo Kukishin Ryu

  • Shoden Menkyo Togakure Ryu

  • Shoden Menkyo Kijin Chosui Ryu

  • Shoden Menkyo Takagi Yoshin Ryu

  • Shoden Menkyo Gikan Ryu

  • Shoden Menkyo Daito Ryu

  • Shoden Menkyo Araki Shin Ryu

  • Chuden Menkyo Mugen Shinto Ryu

  • Shoden Menkyo Aizuhan Den Onno Ha Itto Ryu

Black-and-white side-profile portrait of a martial artist holding a katana sword.