Sayaji Syed Rifat Abbas Bukhari

My martial arts journey starts in 1984 with Shotokan ryu under the instructions of person named Nelson who was an incredible athlete at that time. Learnt a lot as basics and even earned a silver cup just in couple of months’ training in a championship arranged by him.

I was looking for something more practical as I never intended to just learn and compete in the ring. So kept looking and found an opportunity to register in a martial art program in Quran Academy where I was doing my graduation in Islamic studies. It was in 1989, when I trained my first session under Sir Farhat Abbas Shah. Because I had some information about basics of it, so picked up the learning pace and earned my Brown belt in 1992.

In September 1993 I flew to UAE for a venture to explore much better opportunities of life. I worked for one and half year as executive secretary to the General Manager in a company in Abu Dhabi, and the owner of the same company discovered the hidden talent in me and offered to establish a training school in Abu Dhabi. It was the turning point of my life that I started as an instructor in 1995 in Abu Dhabi.

In 1999 I came across with an American Muslim named Tahir Khalid who was direct student of Dr. Muang Gyi, {founder of American Bando Association} and my journey with ABA initiated from that point. I met one more American Muslim Askari Amin in 2005 who introduced me to Dr. Duvon G. Winborne who was ex- president of ABA, master of scorpion system and director of Monk system.

Dr. Duvon G. Winborne visited my training school in 2008 for the first time and then we agreed upon that he must visit us twice a year. He brought the change I was looking for theatrically and practically towards self- development and self-improvement.

Due to our consistency in learning Hanthawaddy Bando, Sayaji recommended me for the gradation according to the criteria of American Bando Association, so, Mahasayaji Dr. Muang Gyi awarded me 3rd level Black belt in 2009. So I became official member of ABA. I found Emirates Bando Association in Abu Dhabi and a charter was signed by few officials from UAE and above all by Mahasayaji Dr. Muang Gyi by himself to support EBA.

In the meantime I came across with Japanese who was instructor from Jinenkan ninjutsu. Started training with him for few times and covered some basics of ninjutsu.

I got connected with one traditional ninjutsu organization from Serbia, Bujinkan Tori in January 2016. I invited the founder of the particular organization Shihan Nedeljko Asanin to Abu Dhabi for the 1st seminar of ninjutsu ever in April 2016. I became official member of Bujnkan Tori and their representative in Abu Dhabi.

I have served UAE for 20 plus years as a physical fitness and self-defense instructor by conducting course (free of charge) with armed forces, police and women organization.

I shifted to Pakistan in November 2016. I started spreading both the systems of Bando and ninjutsu in Pakistan. Conducted many classes and seminars in Lahore and Gujrat. Many reputed Masters of their systems acknowledged the strength and fullness of what I have as a martial artist.

I, as usual, got approval for Pakistani Bando Federation from Mahasayaji Dr. Muang Gyi and from Sayaji Dr. Duvon G. Winborne. They reconfirmed their constant support and promoted me to 6th Level Black Belt.

When I shifted to Pakistan, I requested Shihan Nedeljko Asanin of Bujinkan Tori to change my representation from Abu Dhabi to Pakistan, so I became first Pakistani in the history to be member of any authenticated Ninjutsu organization. I was given the logo of Bujinkan Tori Lahore as per the rules of the organization.

I am trying to help many individuals who pursue their dreams to be either ring fighter or just to be confident enough to defend themselves in any circumstances of their lives.

About the Author

When I shifted to Pakistan the first person who personally called me and asked for my credentials was the author himself. I was surprised at that time when I realized that he was such an incredible athlete even in his late sixties, and having such vast knowledge of martial arts.

I cannot describe his personality in words because it would not be enough no matter whatever I say in regard to his enthusiasm of martial arts.

This book is going to the first book ever published by a Pakistani with such deep knowledge about martial artists and martial arts. I am utterly honored to be part of this book. In short GREAT EFFORT by A GREAT HEARTED PERSON, Sir Mukhtar Ahmed Khan, founder and grand master of Lethwei Bando International Pakistan.