The International Budo Federation (UK) Limited welcomes new members from across the martial arts community.
As a not-for-profit, multi-style martial arts organisation, the IBF is dedicated to supporting and promoting martial arts while bringing together practitioners from different styles, systems and backgrounds.
Whether you are an experienced martial artist, a junior beginning your journey, an instructor or a coach, becoming an IBF member gives you the opportunity to become part of a wider martial arts community built around tradition, friendship, respect and development.
Joining the International Budo Federation does not mean changing your style, club or the traditions that make your martial art what it is.
We believe that the diversity of martial arts is something to be celebrated.
You don't have to change what makes your martial art yours to become part of something bigger.
The IBF provides a place where different martial arts and practitioners can come together, share knowledge, develop and support one another while retaining their own identity and traditions.
Membership of the International Budo Federation (UK) is available for:
Membership also includes an IBF Budo Pass, providing members with a record of their involvement and progression within the Federation.
Martial artists joining the IBF who already hold a legitimate martial arts grade may apply to have their existing grade formally recognised by the International Budo Federation.
This means experienced martial artists do not necessarily have to start again simply because they are new to the IBF.
From individual martial artists and juniors to experienced instructors and coaches, we welcome enquiries from those interested in becoming part of the International Budo Federation.
Our principles remain at the heart of what we do:
Tradition • Friendship • Respect • Development
For membership enquiries or further information, please contact:
Sensei Tom Starling Telephone: 07979 461771 Email: tom@ibfgb.com
Join the International Budo Federation (UK) Limited and become part of a growing martial arts community that respects where you have come from while helping you continue your development.
The International Budo Federation Great Britain is proud to celebrate two exceptional honours awarded to Sensei Tom Starling at the IBF European Championships in Halle, Belgium.
During the championships, Sensei Tom Starling was officially appointed Vice President of the International Budo Federation (IBF International) and was also awarded the prestigious grade of 9th Dan in Jiu-Jitsu.
Sensei Tom Starling's appointment as Vice President of IBF International was made by F. G. Niering, President of IBF International, with the support of the IBF International Committee.
This important international appointment recognises Tom's continued dedication and contribution to the International Budo Federation and its work across the international martial arts community.
Taking on the role of Vice President represents a significant responsibility within the Federation and reflects the respect Tom has earned through his many years of commitment to Budo and the IBF.
The European Championships also marked another exceptional milestone for Sensei Tom Starling as he was awarded his 9th Dan in Jiu-Jitsu.
The prestigious grade was awarded in Halle, Belgium, by F. G. Niering, 10th Dan, President of IBF International, together with the International Budo Federation Committee.
Achieving 9th Dan represents an extraordinary level of experience, knowledge and dedication to Jiu-Jitsu, making this a particularly significant moment in Tom's martial arts journey.
To receive both honours at the IBF European Championships makes the occasion especially memorable and is a tremendous achievement for Sensei Tom Starling and a proud moment for IBF Great Britain.
Everyone at IBF Great Britain would like to congratulate Sensei Tom Starling, 9th Dan, on his appointment as Vice President of IBF International and on achieving his new grade.
We wish him every success in his new international role and look forward to his continued contribution to the International Budo Federation for many years to come.
Congratulations, Sensei Tom Starling — Vice President of IBF International and 9th Dan Jiu-Jitsu.
Sensei Tom Starling, 9th Dan and President of the International Budo Federation, is now available for Kano Jiu-Jitsu teaching, including private lessons, club training and martial arts seminars.
Private tuition is available for individuals looking for focused Kano Jiu-Jitsu instruction, while martial arts clubs can also arrange specialist teaching and seminars with Sensei Tom Starling.
Clubs from all martial arts styles are welcome to enquire. Whether you are looking to develop existing Jiu-Jitsu knowledge, introduce your students to Kano Jiu-Jitsu or arrange a dedicated martial arts seminar, training can be tailored to suit individuals and clubs.
As President of the International Budo Federation and an 9th Dan, Sensei Tom Starling has extensive experience within the martial arts and continues to teach and promote Kano Jiu-Jitsu through the International Budo Federation.
For further information about private Kano Jiu-Jitsu lessons, club visits, teaching or arranging a martial arts seminar with Sensei Tom Starling, please get in touch.
Telephone: 07979 461771
Email: info@ibfgb.com
International Budo Federation – Building a Better Martial Arts Community.
The International Budo Federation GB is pleased to announce new martial arts classes in Ipswich, offering training in Jiu-Jitsu, Kobudo and Kenjutsu.
The classes will be held at Castle Hill Community Centre, Highfield Road, Ipswich, IP1 6DG, with IBF Vice President Sensei Hayden Michaels.
Whether you already have martial arts experience or are interested in expanding your knowledge into different Budo disciplines, these classes provide an opportunity to train within the International Budo Federation community and develop skills across both unarmed and traditional weapons-based martial arts.
Training will include:
Jiu-Jitsu – developing practical techniques, movement, control and traditional martial arts skills.
Kobudo – the study and practice of traditional martial arts weapons and associated techniques.
Kenjutsu – traditional Japanese swordsmanship, focusing on technique, movement and discipline.
The International Budo Federation GB welcomes martial artists from different backgrounds, styles and organisations and continues to support the development and sharing of traditional Budo throughout the UK.
Location: Castle Hill Community Centre, Highfield Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 6DG
Instructor: IBF Vice President Sensei Hayden Michaels
Telephone: 07918 713108
The International Budo Federation GB presents the Springbreak Martial Arts Seminar on Saturday 15 May 2027 at Mountfitchet Romeera Leisure Centre in Stansted, Essex.
This major multi-discipline martial arts event will feature guest international masters teaching and sharing their knowledge across a wide range of martial arts and Budo disciplines.
Training will include Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, Judo, Balintawak Eskrima, Krav Maga, Taekwondo, Kobudo, Kendo and Kenjutsu.
The Springbreak Martial Arts Seminar is open to all styles and organisations. Individual martial artists and complete clubs are welcome to attend, providing an opportunity to train with new instructors, experience other disciplines and meet martial artists from the wider Budo community.
Date: Saturday 15 May 2027 Time: 10:00–16:00 Venue: Mountfitchet Romeera Leisure Centre, Stansted, Essex
Adults: £25.00 Under 16s: £10.00
The International Budo Federation (UK) Limited – Building a Better Martial Arts Community.
For further information, telephone 07979 461771 or email info@ibfgb.com.
Join the International Budo Federation (UK) Limited for a special day of Budo and martial arts training as part of the IBF Vice Presidents' 60th Anniversary Seminar.
Taking place on Saturday 7 November 2026 at Oxford Park Community Sports Centre in Ashton-under-Lyne, the event will feature training and instruction covering more than seven different Budo disciplines.
The seminar is designed to encourage martial artists to train outside their usual environment, meet practitioners from other styles and share martial arts knowledge and experience.
One of the strengths of the International Budo Federation is bringing together different martial arts while respecting the individual traditions, techniques and identity of each discipline.
Individuals, instructors and clubs are welcome to take part in this special anniversary event.
Date: Saturday 7 November 2026 Time: 11:00–16:00 Venue: Oxford Park Community Sports Centre Pottinger Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL7 0PW
For further information, contact Sensei Hayden Michaels on 07918 713108 or email info@ibfgb.com.
Experience more than seven different Budo disciplines at the International Budo Federation (UK) Limited Vice Presidents' 60th Anniversary Seminar on Saturday 7 November 2026.
This multi-discipline martial arts seminar provides an opportunity to train alongside martial artists and instructors from different backgrounds, experience different approaches to Budo and learn techniques outside your usual style.
The International Budo Federation brings together martial artists from different disciplines, clubs and organisations, encouraging the exchange of knowledge and helping to build a stronger and more connected martial arts community.
The seminar will take place from 11:00 to 16:00 at Oxford Park Community Sports Centre, Pottinger Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL7 0PW.
Whether you are an experienced martial artist, instructor or developing student, the seminar is an opportunity to broaden your martial arts experience and train with members of the wider IBF community.
Date: Saturday 7 November 2026 Time: 11:00–16:00 Venue: Oxford Park Community Sports Centre, Ashton-under-Lyne
The International Budo Federation (UK) Limited is proud to present the Vice Presidents' 60th Anniversary Martial Arts Seminar on Saturday 7 November 2026.
Taking place from 11:00 to 16:00 at Oxford Park Community Sports Centre in Ashton-under-Lyne, this special anniversary seminar will bring together leading Jiu-Jitsu, Kobudo and Karate instructors from across the UK.
The seminar is an opportunity for martial artists to train together, exchange knowledge, experience different techniques and celebrate 60 years of the International Budo Federation.
Martial artists from different clubs, styles and organisations are welcome to join us and take part in a day dedicated to Budo, training and friendship within the martial arts community.
For further information, please contact the International Budo Federation (UK) Limited at info@ibfgb.com.
Sensei Tom Starling, 8th Dan and President of the International Budo Federation (UK) Limited, is available for private Kano Jiu-Jitsu tuition, club teaching and martial arts seminars.
With decades of martial arts knowledge and experience, Sensei Tom Starling offers instruction to individuals wishing to develop their Kano Jiu-Jitsu as well as clubs looking for experienced tuition, seminars and specialist training.
Clubs from all martial arts styles are welcome to enquire about arranging a visit or seminar. Private lessons are also available for individuals looking for more focused, one-to-one instruction.
The International Budo Federation (UK) Limited is committed to sharing martial arts knowledge, supporting instructors and students, and bringing together practitioners from different styles and organisations.
For further information or to enquire about private lessons, club teaching or seminars with Sensei Tom Starling, please contact the International Budo Federation (UK) Limited.
Telephone: 07979 461771 Email: info@ibfgb.com
Adults B&C Collection Adult Sweatshirt mixed colours/sizes £31.00 inc VAT
Kids Fruit of the Loom SS8B Sweatshirt mixed colours/sizes £28.00
B&C Adults Polo Shirts £27.00 inc VAT
SS11B Kids Polo Shirt £25.00
As we welcome 2026, we proudly mark the 60th anniversary of the International Budo Federation. For six decades, the IBF has been dedicated to preserving the spirit of martial arts, promoting martial arts excellence, and connecting practitioners across the world through honor, discipline, and mutual respect.
This milestone is a testament to the passion and commitment of every member, instructor, and supporter who has contributed to the IBF's enduring legacy. Together, we celebrate our past achievements and look forward to the future with renewed strength and unity.
Here's to 60 years of tradition, growth, and the true spirit of martial arts — and to many more ahead!
Saturday 10th May 2025 10:30-15:30. Adults £20.00 Children £10.00. Half price for IBF Members
Mountfitchet Romeera Leisure Centre, Stansted Mountfitchet, Forest Hall Road. CM24 8TZ. (Free Car Park)
For Further Information Call: 07918713108 Email: hayden@ibfgb.com Website: www.ibfgb.com
So proud to announce British Ju-Jitsu Royalty at the 'Spring Break' May Seminar 10th May 2025 at the Stansted Mountfitchet Leisure Centre.Pictured is my father with his Sensei Soke James Blundell 'Father of Ju-Jitsu in Great Britain'.We have his Son and Grandson teaching at our seminar Soke Kenny Blundell and Sensei Wayne Blundell going to be a day to remember 🙏🏻
➤ Our main objective with the IBF in the UK 2025/26 is to increase membership especially with other representatives in Martial arts and styles in the UK.
➤ UKMAS Trade Stand and Demonstraions 3rd and 4th May 2025
➤ IBF GB Spring Break Stansted 10th May 2025
➤ International Summer IBF Seminar Denmark 21st June 2025
➤ Vice Presidents IBF Seminar Doncaster 25th October 2025 ➤ International Winter Seminar/Gradings Denmark 28th/29th November 2025
UKMAS Doncaster 3rd and 4th May
Spring break 10th May Mountfitchet/Stansted leisure centre Meal that evening lots coming over Germany, Denmark, Holland and Belgium
Summer Seminar Uldum Denmark 21st June
29th November Winter Seminar (North England)
Sensei Tom Starling President of the IBF Great Britain in collaboration with friends and Masters from all over the world will release in 2025 the new 2nd,3rd,4th,5th and 6th Dan manual of Jiu-Jitsu endorsed by the International Budo Federation.
Sensei Hayden Michaels Vice President and Secretary IBF Great Britain is now redesigning the complete Kobudo system and grading syllabus for the IBF.
I would like to be the first to offer my best wishes to Sensei Hayden Michaels who is now officially Vice President and General Secretary to the IBF Great Britain
- Sensei Tom Starling 8th Dan president IBF Great Britain
Tom Starling started learning judo in 1969, as a little boy in Lowestoft.
His father, also named Tom, was himself a martial arts teacher, who introduced many in Suffolk and our neighbouring counties to the sports.
"We were studying in the IBF (International Budo Federation) and learning judo way back in the '60s," explained Mr Starling.
"My dad started to get into jiu-jitsu around 1971. He opened a club a Somerleyton. It built up from there – Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex.
"At one point, he had about 12 clubs in East Anglia in the '70s and '80s."
He credits his father, now aged 91, with bringing jiu-jitsu to East Anglia, at a time when few were practising the martial art in England during that time.
"I've stuck with it ever since – even when I was in the army, I carried on training."
Jiu-jitsu is a martial art which originated in Japan. The practice is used as self-defence, coming from the Japanese word jū, which means gentle.
In 1979, 17-year-old Tom began teaching jiu-jitsu himself.
Mr Starling joined the Grenadier Guards at 16, where he served for six years.
He then joined the prison service where he remained for 18 years, working as a control and restraint instructor, delivering riot and physical intervention training to staff.
Mr Starling's jiu-jitsu skills were highly useful, and he was able to teach the martial art to staff, showing them how to safely deescalate potentially risky situations.
He now works for the NHS in mental health services, teaching similar skills to nurses and other staff members.
Mr Starling is now President of the IBF, and has reached the rank of eighth dan.
His rank and skills are recognised internationally. In August, Mr Starling travelled to Australia, delivering seminars all over Queensland.
Another seminar he delivered in Ipswich attracted people from countries as far as Germany, Holland and Denmark.
However, Mr Starling has always been clear that he does not want to make a living from teaching martial arts.
He prefers to share his skills with the community.
"I was lucky as a kid growing up, doing judo, Aikido and jiu-jitsu," he said. "It all used to cost a few pennies – it was 10 pence for a lesson, which wasn't even much then!
"I've tried to bring it back to its roots, which is what my dad started up all those years ago."
Mr Starling delivers classes in Castle Hill Community Centre.
"After Covid, I decided I wanted to start another club," he explained.
"I like to see children developing their confidence. We teach a lot of kids with special needs, including some who are non-verbal.
"They've come on in leaps and bounds."
Adults, too, have been intrigued to learn jiu-jitsu. The martial art has appealed particularly to women, who are conscious of the need to learn self-defence.
Mr Starling is determined to keep the cost of lessons as low as possible, so that nobody is excluded who wishes to learn.
The clubs are run as a non-profit organisation, with fees covering of insurance. The first two lessons are free of charge.
"You don't need to be a member, you don't need to buy the suit," said Mr Starling.
"People thrive on something like this."