Shinbukan
Traditional Japanese Cultural & Martial Arts Academy in Lane Cove est. 1978
Karate and Ninjutsu taught with structure, control and calm awareness. ​​
Kazuo Saito learned karate as both practical self-defence and lifelong discipline. Raised in post-war Japan, his training was shaped by traditional dojos and decades of consistent practice.
Kazuo's Foundation (1940s - 1960s)
Born in Asakusa during WW2's final days, Saito learned survival fast, martial arts second. His training under masters Gogen Yamaguchi "The Cat" and Shuuji Tasaki wasn't sport. Rather it was preparation for life's harsh realities.
​
Firing Competition (1970s - 1970s)
20 years of training (4 hour x 5 days a week) culminated in national championship victories such as the Taito-Ku Japan Championship (1972), Tokyo Metropolitan Championship (1973) and Kanto Goju-Kai Group Championship (1974). Every Sunday, it was the norm for karate-ka such as Saito to compete. Kazuo also fought in the rings in Thailand during this time.
​
The Cultural Bridge (1978)
Sponsored by Tino Ceberano, Kazuo brought Japanese martial culture to Australia. He wished to teach what and how he was taught, preserving the original intensity and depth.
​
The hidden arts (1980s - 1990s)
Under 15th Soke and author, Heishichiro Okuse, Saito inherited the traditions of Iga Ryu Ninjutsu. In 1992, he became the 16th Soke.
The Spiritual Pursuit (2000s - Present)
Kazuo recognised that true mastery required more than physical technique. Kazuo became an ordained Abbott of Shingon Buddhism at Mount Koyasan in Wakayama, Japan.
​
Interviewing 80 year old Kazuo Saito on why he began martial arts.
Kazuo's approach to teaching mirrors traditional Japanese pedagogy - students discover truth through experience, not explanation. His 'challenger' mindset pushes students beyond comfort zones.
Harrison Saito, Kazuo's son, helps re-contextualise his father's message.
About Harrison Saito and his vision for Shinbukan
Shinbukan was built on decades of disciplined training and a strong Japanese lineage. Under Kazuo Saito's guidance, the dojo became known for commitment, toughness and traditional practice: people learned to endure, sharpen their spirit and take martial arts very seriously.
​
Harrison Saito aims to continue that lineage with respect and with a clear responsibility: to ensure that Shinbukan remains a place where people can train for years, not just for seasons.
​
Harrison saw how easily "pushing beyond limits" can turn into pushing past wisdom, injuries, unnecessary strain and an ego-driven mindset that confuses desperation with strength. He wishes to restore what makes training sustainable: structure, control and clarity while maintaining some intensity and tradition.
​
He aims to hold a calm standard. Training should be grounded in awareness so students can build skill, cultivating composure under pressure and not theatrics.
​​
 |  |  |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |