Inyo Dojo Leads the Charge at the South West Martial Arts Show 2025

PUBLISHED 15 SEPT 2025

Two Days of Action with 26 Experts on the Mat

The South West Martial Arts Show is back—and this year it’s bigger than ever. Returning to Thornbury Leisure Centre in Bristol on Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st September 2025, the region’s premier martial arts gathering is expanding to two full days of workshops, demonstrations, competitions, and trade stalls. 

Inyo Dojo Back on Centre Stage

For followers of ninjutsu, the headline news is that Bujinkan Inyo Dojo are back, following their showstopping performance last year that brought swords, spears, and unarmed combat into sharp focus. Their workshop in 2024 reached full capacity, leaving attendees buzzing with inspiration.

This year, they return to deliver another hands-on class that gives a glimpse into the legacy of Hatsumi Masaaki, with senior instructor Raj Bhakerd once again leading from the front. Known for his ability to blend deep tradition with accessible, modern teaching, Raj earned glowing praise last year.

Louise, a Bristol-based karate black belt who attended his workshop in 2024, shared:

“He made everyone feel at ease. A couple of things he brought up were new to me, especially the bokken work. I liked how he incorporated that into the groundwork and throws. Some of the modifications he made… to adapt to people’s injuries… that was useful. I can definitely take away some of the learning from it.”

Expect another packed mat when Inyo Dojo step forward this weekend.

📷 Joe Knows Photo UK

A Line-Up of World-Class Talent

Of course, Inyo Dojo are only part of a stacked programme featuring 26 experts from across the martial arts spectrum:

• Pioneer Grandmaster Sken – one of the first masters to bring Muay Thai to the West over 32 years ago. His presence alone is a rare opportunity to connect with living history.

• Daniel Russell – a leading figure in Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA), Daniel teaches longsword and messer techniques straight from medieval fighting manuals at the Academy of Steel Young Wolves. Expect steel-clashing authenticity.

• Bethany Marsh – a prodigy turned champion, Bethany has been winning titles since childhood. Now a four-time WKU World Champion and founder of KmaX Martial Arts, she’ll be hosting a high-energy forms and kicking workshop alongside a demonstration with her team.

And that’s only a sample. From film stunt work and self-defence to Tai Chi, Kenpo, Silat, Karate, and of course ninjutsu, there’s something for every style and every age group.

Two Days, Twice the Action

This year’s expansion means there’s even more to experience:

Saturday 20th September – the spotlight is on demonstrations, workshops, and interviews, with back-to-back opportunities to train, watch, and learn.

Sunday 21st September – the energy shifts into competitive mode with a full day of tournaments and contests.

Between sessions, attendees can browse a vibrant marketplace of martial arts gear, training weapons, clothing, and specialist equipment.

Don’t Miss It

The South West Martial Arts Show isn’t just an event—it’s a celebration of the spirit, discipline, and creativity of martial arts. For ninjutsu practitioners, the return of Inyo Dojo makes this year’s gathering especially exciting. Their demonstration last year was unforgettable, and all signs suggest 2025 will raise the bar even higher.

📅 When: Sat 20th & Sun 21st September 2025
📍 Where: Thornbury Leisure Centre, Bristol
🎟️ Tickets & info: southwestmartialartsshow.co.uk

⚠️ Online sales close Thursday 18th September