Bushin is a mixed martial art combining traditional style with modern concepts. It’s MMA in its purest form….not cage fighting but self defence. Based on scientific principles, physiology and technique rather than strength, it is a highly effective means to defend yourself on the streets. Meaning “Martial Spirit”, Bushin is a way to develop the mind, body and spirit, bridging the gap between martial philosophy and street fighting. Whether it’s practising self defence techniques, sparring, hitting pads or meditating, Bushin is a great workout for the body and the soul.
Bushin is an all round martial art that is principally focussed on self defence, not cage fighting or spending hours doing traditional forms, but learning how to defend yourself on the streets. According to the British Crime Survey, 20% of all crime in the UK is classed as violent, half of which involve an injury to the victim and a fifth with a weapon. The risk of becoming a victim of a crime is about 1 in 4 people. A lot of people are concerned about personal safety but don’t do anything about it. It is not always about being able to bring your attacker down with a flick of the wrist like Bruce Lee, but having the awareness and preparation to know what to do when put into a situation of potential violence. Would you fight or take flight?
Bushin was officially launched in 2009 by Shihan Cailey Barker, following a culmination of nearly three decades of martial arts experience. While every martial art has its merit, he felt that most styles failed to bridge the gap between traditional culture and modern day reality. His belief was that many traditional styles have great discipline and structure but lacked practical street application and flexibility to adapt. Conversely many modern styles teach good fighting skills but don’t retain the philosophy, culture and attributes of a true martial art.
Bushin encapsulates it all: the traditions of Shorinji Kempo, the effectiveness of Thai boxing, the flexibility of Jeet Kune Do, the speed of Wing Chun and the subtlety of Tai Chi. Not to mention the grappling of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and the weapons work of Kali. You need to know it all…and you need to test it all in sparring to see if it works. You need padwork to release stress, exercise to sweat and music to inspire. Bushin does it all…every lesson….If you want to learn practical self defence, sweat, laugh and cry, then Bushin is for you!
Martial Spirit
Bushin is literally translated from Japanese as “martial spirit”. Its meaning implies we should always approach our training and life with the spirit, energy and enthusiasm of a martial warrior. Nana korobi ya oki as the Japanese say…”if you fall down seven times, get up eight”! Bushin comprises two Japanese characters (kanji):
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Bu. The Japanese character “bu” is more commonly used in the word “budo” which means “martial way or art”. Bu comprises 3 characters, which literally translates as “to stop two spears”, which gives the notion that true martial arts should only be used to prevent conflict and as a means of self defence.
- Shin. The character “shin” means “spirit” or “mind/heart” in Japanese.
Enso (Zen Circle)
The Bushin logo is encapsulated by the “enso”, or Zen circle. Similar to the Chinese ying-yang symbol or the Japanese manji, the enso symbolises enlightenment, strength, elegance, the universe and the void. It is the circle of life and shows all things are inter-connected.
In Zen Buddhist painting, the enso symbolises an expression of the moment when the mind is free to simply let the body and spirit create. The brushed ink of the circle is done in one movement with no possibility of modification: it shows the expressive movement of the spirit at that time. The broken circle expresses that imperfection is an essential and inherent aspect of existence. The Bushin enso was drawn by Shihan Cailey Barker when founding this unique martial art. To him it expressed the end is merely the beginning.
