WELSH BUSHI-KAI
In 1980, Shihan Ritchie Noblett 8th Dan founded the Welsh Bushi-Kai (School of Warriors) Karate Association. The founding of the association was a pivotal point in the development of Karate in Wales. The Welsh Bushi-Kai quickly became known throughout the UK as a force to be reckoned with on the tournament circuit, due to the quality and discipline of its’ fighters, and for the high standards of karate within the association.
The Welsh Bushi-Kai continues to hold its reputation for producing top-class Karate competitors. Our Karate students have won Championships in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Poland and the USA – not to mention a host of Welsh National and British Championships.
We are a very modern association, and place a great emphasis on tournament/sport karate. But, despite this “competitive edge”, we insist on instructing our students on all aspects of traditional Wado-Ryu Karate. We are well aware that not all of our students wish to compete. Students have the opportunity to become proficient at self-defence through learning the application (bunkai) of techniques. Karate training is also an excellent method of developing physical fitness through aerobic and anaerobic exercise.
The Welsh Bushi-Kai is an Independent Karate Association that puts the needs of its’ students first, and we are fully committed to developing Karate from Grass Roots Level right the way through to International Competitive Standard. Through our Karate heritage (friendships built up over many years) we have access to Local, National and International Competition as well as the opportunities to attend seminars and courses without restrictions.
Our Founder, Shihan Ritchie Noblett, sadly passed away in November 2009 but has left an incredible legacy. Everyone at the Welsh Bushi-Kai is dedicated to continuing his work in providing first class tuition in Karate in a relaxed, safe, friendly environment and to promoting the art of Karate in Wales.
CWMAFAN BUSHI-KAI
Cwmafan Bushi-Kai Karate Club opened its doors in 1994, headed up by Nigel Taylor. The CBK Club is well respected and renowned for producing champions within the sport aspect of Karate. Nigel himself, and numerous of his students have competed in Kumite (Fighting) across the world; winning local, national and international titles. CBK is well established on the competition circuit and well respected across the UK.
Nigel began his Karate journey in 1979 at the Afan Lido Karate Club, instructed by Ritchie Noblett. Nigel's great passion is the Kumite aspect of karate, and would train session after session, just to get the chance to fight at the lateral stage of each session. He taught karate with a keen eye for the finer details, while emphasising strong application and technique. A few famous quotes have been developed by Nigel in the dojo, some will remain between us, but one consistent quote is core within training - 'minimum effort, maximum efficiency'. These words speak volumes to our students, ensuring that each trains hard, drilled respectively on their technique and application to maximise their quality of karate. In 20 Nigel was awarded his 6th Dan alongside Paul Bridge and Owen Cranfield for their dedication and commitment to the WBK for over 35+ years with the certificates being certified by WBK Chief Instructor Percy Brown 7th Dan and Robert Copeland 6th Dan, Karate Wales President.
Nigel during his fighting career won numerous titles and represented Wales as an international fighter on many occasions. Nigel continued to compete on the competition circuit up to 2010, where he won a Bronze medal at the USA Open Championships in Casers Palace, Las Vegas. When finished competing, Nigel focused on coaching his Kumite Squads over the decades, producing numerous international fighters for Wales, across three Welsh National Bodies. During 2011, Nigel produced 4 x BKF British Champions in one tournament through his Junior Kumite Squad. The following year, he was nominated and won the Swansea Evening Post Coaching Award at Grass Roots Level - a great achievement recognising his coaching abilities and dedication to his students, club and the WBK.
After 41 years of dedication to the Welsh Bushi-Kai and 27 years as Cwmafan Bushi-Kai Club Instructor, Nigel Taylor 6th Dan retired from Karate. Nigel took on many roles during his time within karate - 6th Dan Senior Instructor, WBK Kumite Coach, WBK Chairman, WBK Executive Committee Member, Former Welsh Karate National Coach, Welsh Karate International & Champion. Nigel handed over the CBK Club to Jordan Hopkins 4th Dan in 2020. With the heaviest of burdens, Jordan has the job to continue Nigel's legacy and continue the standards and reputation of CBK across the globe.
Margam Bushi-Kai Karate Club opened its doors in January 2019 at Ysgol Cwm Brombil. Although the club hasn’t been open very long, it has grown very quickly and is consistently growing, with students ranging from 6 years old to adults. The Club is headed up by Jordan Hopkins 4th Dan, alongside Morgan Phillips 3rd Dan and Ruby Davies 2nd Dan. We are dedicated to passing on our knowledge of karate set by the highest standard of Sensei Nigel Taylor 6th Dan and Shihan Ritchie Noblett 8th Dan.
Sensei Jordan Hopkins 4th Dan started karate in October 1996 at Cwmafan Bushi-Kai Karate Club under the instruction of Nigel Taylor 6th Dan. Jordan continues to train and teach at his childhood dojo. Jordan has gained unmeasurable experience, numerous titles and vast knowledge over his 25 years of participating in karate. From training with legendary instructors within the WBK, Ritchie Noblett and Nigel Taylor to karate royalty Junior Lefevre and Wayne Otto both numerous times World Karate Champions. Jordan is not quite ready to retire and continues to compete on the competition circuit, where he has won numerous accolades over the years and across the world. He has a real passion for coaching and developing WBK students to compete in both Kata and Kumite at the highest level. Jordan was awarded his 4th Dan at his childhood dojo (a rare occasion) in September 2018 and was appointed as WBK Chairman in January 2019, taking over from Nigel’s successive time in the role.
Morgan Phillips and Ruby Davies both have followed in Jordan’s footsteps, starting their karate journeys at Cwmafan Bushi-Kai Karate Club under the instruction of Nigel. Morgan and Ruby have developed into exceptional karate-ka in the dojo and on the competition circuit. Both are hugely talented fighters and have won numerous titles across the UK and abroad. Morgan gained his 3rd Dan in April 2022, becoming a Sensei within the association and being the first karate-ka to complete our new 3rd Dan Syllabus. Morgan displayed exemplary karate and has set the highest of standards for all future 3rd Dan Gradings. Ruby successfully gained her 2nd Dan in April 2022, along with her team mate, Robyn Davies. Both demonstrated an excellent standard of karate, discipline and respect. Morgan and Ruby have become excellent instructors supporting Jordan at both, Cwmafan Bushi-Kai and Margam Bushi-Kai, and are highly respected and admired by all students within the clubs.
MARGAM BUSHI-KAI
