styles

Initially recognized by Soke Albert C. Church as "Nippon Shiho Karano Ryu Kenpo-Jitsu", Nippon Shiho Karano Ryu, (sometimes referred to simply as "Shiho Karano" or abbreviated "SKR"), has since evolved into four distinct (4) divisions or Ryu-Wa. Each of the four Ryu-Wa (listed below) constitute a vital part of the Art and each are needed to make the Style complete in its scope and teaching. Although each Ryu-Wa may be studied individually all Ryu-Wa consistently exemplify the philosophical and technical views of its founder. Individual Ryu-Wa are open for study by Yudansha outside of Shiho Karano Ryu with Dan ranking available in each Ryu-wa.

For bio and lineage information about Soke Riedner and Nippon Shiho Karano Ryu, click HERE.

The 4 Ryu-Wa of Shiho Karano are:

K
A
R
A
T
E

D
O

J
U

J
I
T
S
U

K
E
N
P
O

J
I
T
S
U

K
O
B
U
D
O

KARATE-DO RYU-WA: Is based primarily on the Motobu-Ha Shito Ryu style of Karate-do learned by Soke Clement Riedner while stationed in Japan between 1962-1965. All technique have been kept as close as possible to that learned by Soke, with some forms and additional material gleaned from Soke's training in other Karate styles. Nippon Shiho Karano Ryu Karate-do particularly reflects the strong kata lineage and unique (Ippon Kumite) One-Step method taught in Motobu-Ha Shito Ryu. Principles of rooting and breathing have been gleaned from Kaminshin Ryu in addition to blocking and other basic technique taken from Goju-Ryu and Isshin Ryu.

JU-JITSU RYU-WA: Is based primarily on Soke's training in Okayama-Ha Hakko Ryu Ju-Jitsu in the late 1960's and early 1970's. As the first Ryu-Wa to be developed, the Shiho Karano name actually reflects the philosophy and method of the Ju-Jitsu system. All technique in the Ju-Jitsu Ryu-Wa are organized around the 4 points of the compass, as follows:

KITE (North): Basic technique

MINAMI (South): Throwing principles and technique

HIGASHI (East): Wrist bends and joint locks

NISHI (West): Advanced Dan level technique and principles

The instructional methodology of Hakko Ryu's principle + attack= variation of technique is also the foundational method of learning and training in Nippon Shiho Karano Ryu Ju-Jitsu. Emphasis is placed upon the development of technique through the application of the scientific principles of Physics and Anatomy/kinesiology.

KENPO-JITSU RYU-WA: The Kenpo-Jitsu Ryu-Wa was developed as a means of introducing and teaching (Soft Fist) Ju-Jitsu technique to (Hard Fist) Karate stylists with the bridge being the use of the Ippon Kumite (One-Step) method learned by Soke while studying Motobu-Ha Shito Ryu. Although there is an overlap in technique taught in both Kenpo-Jitsu and Ju-Jitsu, the main differences from the Ju-Jitsu Ryu-Wa have more to do with the application of angular technique along an X-pattern as opposed to the circular foot movements of Ju-Jitsu. Also, in Kenpo Jitsu all technique are organized in categories designed to fit the use of Karate stances.

KOBUDO RYU-WA: During his training in Japan Soke Kuniba gave Dr. Riedner a set of Sai and Tonfa starting his training in classical Kobudo. To this day the two primary Sai forms used in Nippon Shiho Karano Ryu Kobudo are those taught by Soke Kuniba. The Kobudo Ryu-Wa has since evolved into a basic 'stick' system with the main goal being to train a student to Shodan level with the ability to effectively manipulate any length of stick in combat. Kobudo study specifically involves training in the use of the Bo, Jo, Arnis, and Yuwara sticks. The kata taught at the Shodan level are designed to teach the basic manipulations of each particular length stick. Once a student has reached the rank of Shodan they may choose to continue training in classical Kobudo focusing on the traditional weapons of Sai, Tonfa, Nun-Chucku or Kama, or they may choose to branch out into the study of Arnis.

The Kobudo Ryu-Wa also contains an Iaido sub-division that is open to study by Yudansha in fellowship with CBBA or Shiho Karano Ryu. Please contact us for more details.

Below are pictures of Soke Riedner teaching Nippon Shiho Karano Ryu throughout the years.

Soke Clement G. Riedner teaching a Nippon Shiho Karano Ryu seminar
at Maranatha Baptist Bible College in the early 1970's

Soke Riedner teaching a seminar on Nippon Shiho Karano Ryu
for the Christian Tae Kwon Do Association in 1986

Soke Riedner at a Nippon Shiho Karano Ryu seminar
at Shalom Tae Kwon Do in the early 1990's

Soke Riedner demonstrating technique on Shihan Ron Hagelganz during
a Nippon Shiho Karano Ryu seminar at Whole Armor Martial Arts in 1997

Soke Riedner teaching a seminar on Nippon Shiho Karano Ryu
at Koinonia 2003