Tributes Paid To Simon Yeo

PUBLISHED 7 FEB 2026

Bujinkan Dai Shihan and Lifelong Martial Artist, Dies After Illness

The martial arts community is mourning the loss of respected Bujinkan instructor Simon Yeo, who has died following a battle with cancer. His passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from students, friends, and fellow practitioners across the world, many of whom remember him not only for his skill, but for his generosity and dedication to the arts he loved.

Childhood friend Simon Pickering shared the news publicly, writing:

“Simon was my friend since we were 8… It’s such a sad loss. I send my love to his family and Suzi, his sister, and all you folk that have attended his Bujinkan YEO Dojo. This is a very sad time for all… Cancer.”

A Life in Martial Arts

Simon Yeo’s journey in martial arts began in 1973, leading him through disciplines including Judo, Kyokushinkai Karate, Kung Fu, and Tae Kwon Do before he discovered the Bujinkan in 1988.

From that point on, his path became closely tied to the teachings of Grand Master Masaaki Hatsumi. Beginning in 1990, Yeo travelled extensively to Japan—often three or four times a year—to train at the Honbu Dōjō, immersing himself deeply in the traditions of Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu.

In 2009, Hatsumi awarded him the 15th-degree black belt and the rank of Dai Shihan, the highest grade within the Bujinkan system.

Yeo had already been teaching since 1993, guiding generations of students through the subtle principles of movement, balance, and awareness that define the art.

Beyond the dōjō floor, he contributed to martial arts literature, publishing articles in UK magazines such as Combat and authoring the bestselling Ninjutsu: The Secret Art of the Ninja (2007).

The book explored the deeper mechanics of ninjutsu—power through body movement, the breaking of balance, and the unification of mind, body, and technique—reflecting Yeo’s lifelong aim to cultivate harmony as well as effectiveness.

Expanding the Path

Yeo continually sought to broaden his understanding.

After attending a UK seminar by Royce Gracie in 2000, he recognised the importance of ground fighting and soon toured Japan with the UFC pioneer, later witnessing Royce compete in Pride.

He went on to train regularly under Roger Gracie, eventually earning his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt in 2010. In later years, he held the rank of four-stripe black belt, adding another dimension to an already rich martial career.

Even close to the present day, Yeo remained actively involved in the community, recently designing the T-shirts for the Bujinkan King Dōjō 40th Anniversary seminar in Sidcup.

Tributes from the Community

News of his death has drawn heartfelt messages from across the martial arts world.

Grant Wakeman wrote simply, “Very sad news….”

Lucas Waquan Ladouceur added, “Rest easy Simon… thank you for your knowledge and guidance.”

Ivan Brownstone remembered him as “a pioneer and legend in the Bujinkan community… I really valued your insight and friendship. Take care on your next journey.”

Others spoke of his character as much as his skill.

Paul Genge called him “the very definition of a martial artist—generous to a fault.”

Simon Hayes remembered “a gentleman and true martial artist,” while Andy Hallett, who trained with him for over 30 years, described “a very sad loss.”
David Heslington reflected that Yeo was “a lovely person… so glad to have seen him recently at seminar.”

An Enduring Legacy

Simon Yeo’s life was defined by constant study, open-minded exploration, and a willingness to share knowledge freely. From decades of training in Japan to teaching in the UK, from classical ninjutsu to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he embodied the idea that martial arts are a lifelong path rather than a destination.

For his students and friends, the loss is deeply personal. For the wider community, his influence endures—in memories, in movement, and in the quiet continuation of training he helped inspire.

He is survived by his family, including his sister Suzi, and by the many practitioners whose lives he shaped.