In pictures: International Bujutsu University celebrates 30th anniversary

The International Bujutsu University (IBU) marked its 30th anniversary with a special martial arts celebration at the start of the month, bringing together instructors and practitioners to recognise three decades of international training, friendship and cultural exchange.

The event was hosted by Phil Blackburn, 7th Dan Ju Jitsu and founder of Kuroyaki Ryu, alongside Soke Yamaue, 10th Dan, who founded Yamaue Ryu Aiki Jutsu and Nord Shaolin Kung Fu.

The organisation’s origins can be traced back to a lunch in South Queensferry, where Soke Yamaue and Blackburn discussed creating a platform to promote martial arts education, preserve traditional knowledge and encourage practitioners from different countries to learn from one another.

Registered in Copenhagen, Denmark, the IBU has spent 30 years connecting martial artists across borders, with an emphasis on traditional techniques, cultural understanding and mutual respect.

The anniversary event reflected those founding principles, featuring guest instructors from Sweden and the UK. Rickard Berlin and Håken Ekenberg represented Sweden, while John Monaghan, 7th Dan, and Joe Bracone, 6th Dan, brought their expertise in Aiki Jujitsu and Karate respectively.

Blackburn’s role as host was particularly significant, with Kuroyaki Ryu Ju Jitsu a founding member of the IBU. The system’s name was bestowed by Soke Yamaue and the Daishoji Imperial Temple of Japan, recognising Blackburn’s work in developing the style.

The celebration looked both back at the organisation’s history and towards its future, highlighting the importance of sharing knowledge and building relationships between martial arts styles, clubs and countries.

Blackburn said: “What an absolutely amazing weekend had by everybody from the outstart of the weekend. The theme was intense but with some of the most advanced instructors within the IBU.

“Everybody attended should be really proud of themselves. The Energy was extremely high productive and enjoyable.

“I would like to thank the key instructors for the weekend for bringing their Energy and skills to all the students that attended from white belts to black belts to adults to children fantastic well done.”

Alongside its international work, local classes are available in Bonnybridge and Bo’ness. Sessions in Bonnybridge include female self-defence on Mondays and junior Ju Jitsu on Tuesdays.

In Bo’ness, kickboxing takes place on Thursdays, with junior and senior Ju Jitsu sessions on Fridays.