Review of the Year

PUBLISHED 22 DEC 2025

2025: A Year of Loss, Legacy, and Living Tradition

As 2025 draws to a close, it stands out as a year of profound reflection and renewed energy across the worlds of ninjutsu, Japanese martial arts, and the wider culture that surrounds them. From the passing of legendary teachers to vibrant community gatherings, from shifting laws to striking new portrayals of Japan’s warrior past, the year reminded us that these traditions are not frozen in time—they are lived, challenged, and continually reinterpreted.

March: Farewell to a Guardian of Tradition

The year began on a somber note with the passing of Ishizuka Tetsuji Sensei on March 15. Head of Gyokko Ryū and one of the most influential figures in the global spread of the Bujinkan, Ishizuka Sensei’s death marked the end of an era. A direct student of Hatsumi Masaaki for nearly six decades, he embodied disciplined study, quiet authority, and tireless service—both as a martial artist and as a senior firefighter in Japan.

His role in introducing authentic ninjutsu to the world cannot be overstated. Fluent in English and deeply generous with his knowledge, Ishizuka Sensei shaped generations of practitioners who travelled to Japan in search of something real. Tributes poured in from across the globe, each echoing the same sentiment: a master has gone, but his teachings endure.

Image: William Ustav / Bujinkan Hirameki Dōjō

May: Europe Welcomes a Master

In May, attention turned back to living transmission as Noguchi Sensei appeared in Barcelona for a three-day seminar from May 23–25. Against the backdrop of one of Europe’s great cultural capitals, practitioners gathered for high-level instruction rooted firmly in the principles passed down from Hatsumi Sensei.

Events like this continue to reinforce Europe’s role as a vital hub for Bujinkan training outside Japan.

June: Legends Remembered and Celebrated

June carried both sorrow and celebration. The Bujinkan community mourned the loss of Norman Smithers, affectionately known as the “Wrinkly Ninja” or Oni Jiji. A lifelong martial artist, former French Foreign Legionnaire, and uncompromising teacher, Smithers was revered for his blunt honesty and battlefield realism. His annual “Norm’s Birthday Bash” seminar had become a beloved fixture in the UK calendar—its cancellation this year only deepened the sense of loss felt across the community.

Later in the month, a very different but equally nostalgic moment unfolded in Tokyo. Michael Dudikoff, forever etched into martial arts cinema as American Ninja, visited the Samurai Ninja Museum. Watching the 70-year-old actor throw shuriken in black attire was a reminder of how deeply 1980s ninja cinema shaped global interest in ninjutsu—and how those cultural echoes still resonate today.

August: Change, Controversy, and Commitment

August was one of the year’s busiest and most challenging months. In the UK, the government moved to ban so-called “ninja swords” following the tragic murder of teenager Ronan Kanda. While the legislation aims to curb knife crime, it has had significant implications for martial artists, collectors, and historians. Many traditional practitioners are now adapting by turning to wooden replicas, balancing respect for the law with the preservation of training methods.

The same month also saw the closure of Enso Martial Arts in Bristol after 23 years of service. More than a shop, Enso had been a cultural meeting point—a place to talk, learn, and connect. Its loss raised uncomfortable questions about the future of specialist martial arts spaces in an age dominated by online retail.

On a lighter note, action star Scott Adkins unveiled his new “Boyka Gym,” a purpose-built training space designed to keep his martial arts skills razor sharp. Best remembered by ninjutsu fans for his role in Ninja (2009), Adkins’ dedication to daily training was a reminder that discipline and repetition remain at the heart of martial excellence, on screen or off.

September and October: Community in Motion

In September, the South West Martial Arts Show returned to Bristol, reaffirming its status as one of the UK’s premier martial gatherings. Among the standout sessions was a Bujinkan workshop hosted by Inyo Dojo and led by senior instructor Raj Bhakerd. Showcasing unarmed combat, sojutsu, and rope techniques, the class drew crowds and demonstrated the continued appeal—and relevance—of traditional ninjutsu within the wider martial arts world.

October looked ahead rather than back, as Bujinkan Leeds announced plans to celebrate its 20th anniversary with a special seminar on October 18. Founded by Peter Sabourn, the dojo’s longevity speaks to a formula that has quietly sustained many successful martial arts schools: strong fundamentals, openness, and a sense of shared journey.

November: Samurai on Screen and a Final Goodbye

November closed the year with powerful cultural and emotional moments. Netflix released Last Samurai Standing, a bold reimagining of the jidaigeki genre set in 1878. Blending historical weight with modern survival drama, the series explored what happens when a warrior class is discarded by society and forced to fight not for honour, but for existence. Producer and star Junichi Okada’s vision of a globally accessible, Japanese-made action drama struck a chord with audiences and critics alike.

The month also brought sad news from the world of martial arts cinema. Jonathan Pienaar, remembered by fans as Tommy Taylor in American Ninja 2, passed away at the age of 63. Though a supporting character, his role helped define the film’s dark tone and emotional stakes. Tributes highlighted not just his screen presence, but his generosity and creative spirit.

Looking Back, Looking Forward

2025 reminded us that the world of ninjutsu and Japanese martial arts exists at a crossroads of past and present. Great teachers were lost, but their legacies remain alive in dojos around the world. Communities gathered, adapted, and sometimes said goodbye to cherished institutions. On screen, the imagery of ninja and samurai continued to evolve, finding new audiences while drawing on old myths.

If there is a single thread running through the year, it is this: tradition survives not by standing still, but by being carried forward—through training, teaching, storytelling, and shared experience. As we step into a new year, that responsibility rests with all of us.