06. The International Kyokushin Budokai

 

In 1980, Jon Bluming was saddened by the politics and policies of the so-called 'budoka' of the Kyokushinkai Kan that had not, and likely would not, achieve anything. Further to an invitation from the Dutch Navy and their coach, Shihan Jan de Bruin (7th Dan), Jon Bluming broke away from the Honbu in Japan and founded the Kyokushin Budokai. With the addition of the first Budokai Dojo, operated by two of his pupils, Shihan Tom Eikmans (7th Dan) and Shihan Frans van Wijngaarden (7th Dan), the Kyokushin Budokai was truly born.

 

The Budokai has been busy for more than 20 years and has developed into a solid group.  Each associated dojo "is it's own boss" and makes only a small single payment for a lifetime membership plus a small annual contribution. Whilst the Budokai is not a federation with a union, everyone has the ability to raise issue with the IBK. The process is simple: Bluming is the Kancho and he determines what will happen. However, he works in co-operation with a committee that grades 1st – 4th Dan. Individuals can be nominated for higher grades but Kancho makes the decision. In difficult cases he consults Kenji Kurosaki, 10th Dan and Honorary President (Kurosaki is Kancho's former teacher and fellow student under Mas Oyama).

 

In co-operation with Shihandai Dave Jonkers (8th Dan), the Kyokushin Budokai later developed into the International Kyokushin Budokai Kan. The Budokai style is highly effective and realistic. It is 'street-real' for use in both competition and self-defence situations and should be considered a 'no-nonsense style'.

 

In January 1989, Bluming received a promotion from Japan. He was promoted to 9th Dan.

 

In November 1993, Akira Maedo (8th Dan Budokai) came to Kancho's hometown, De Bilt in the Netherlands, and informed him that Mas Oyama had sent him (due to his intended collaboration with the Rings Freefight Organisation). Mas Oyama wanted Jon Bluming back.  Bluming was offered the presidency of the World Kyokushinkaikan, he was assured that he would manage a training program for all that were willing to start 'all round fighting' (many were keen to do so).  Bluming accepted the offer on the condition that Loek Hollander be expelled from the organization (Bluming believes that Hollander had only a 'financial interest' in Karate); the expulsion of Hollander was a problem. That these events took place is without question. Akira Maeda is still alive today.

 

In April 1994, Bluming receive a message from Maeda. Mas Oyama had suddenly died. Bluming was so saddened that he travelled to Japan to bid farewell to his former teacher in the Honbu.

 

On September 4th, 1994 – Jon Bluming experienced the most emotional day of his life. He received a fax from Kenji Kurosaki in Japan. The decision had been made to award Bluming the Dan-grade of his deceased teacher Mas Oyama. Jon Bluming was now allowed the grade of 10th Dan.

 

Kenji Kurosaki and four other prominent Honbus had unanimously agreed that Bluming deserved the honour.  As a result of this decision:  Bluming was now the first foreigner in the Kyokushinkai Honbu to receive the 6th Dan (in 1965) and the 10th  Dan (in 1994).  His grades were awarded and recognised by the greatest Honbus of Japan. Additionally, he was awarded 9th Dan in Judo (in 1988) and he is the only person in the world, including Asia, to receive two such grades from Japan.

 

There are now many Dojos around the world working together under the International Kyokushin Budokai. Wherever possible, Bluming continues to travel the globe; educating others with his ideas about fighting, competitions and self- defence.

 

It is an important fact to note: Jon Bluming is one of the most complete fighting machines to walk this earth. He is recognised as such by the most respected Honbu's throughout Japan and the world. His is one of the  few Grandmasters to prove his ability not only through martial arts ‘practise’ but also in all manner and aspects of competition and in the 'real world'.

 

In 1963, by way of self-defence, Jon Bluming hospitalised five attackers in the The Hague. One of the five was at deaths door from 10 o'clock in the morning until 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Fortunately, he later recovered. Bluming was later cleared of any charges since he had not started the conflict and had finished it alone. Back at the Dojo – we got 80 new members in the old Budokai within days....