Renshinkan

The Renshinkan is a Japanese martial arts dojo in Tempe, AZ. We study Jiyushin-ryu Aikibudo and Shinto Muso-ryu Jodo. E.

We teach Japanese martial arts—Jiyushin-ryu Aikibudo and Shinto Muso-ryu Jodo—using modern educational methods. Jiyushin-ryu Aikibudo comprises bio-mechanically efficient techniques that work by undermining an opponent’s posture and redirecting the momentum of attacks. Since many of the techniques result in a throw, the first thing students learn is how to safely fall or roll. Training consists of

solitary and paired exercises, weapons, and multiple-attacker scenarios for more advanced students. While striking is necessary for training purposes, Jiyushin-ryu Aikibudo is not specifically a pugilistic art like Karate, Taekwondo, or Boxing. What we do isn’t quite Judo, nor is it quite Aikido, but it shares elements of both along with other influences. Rather than attempt to explain what we do in depth here, we recommend you visit the dojo, watch several classes, ask questions of our senior dojo members, and experience what we do for yourself.

“If a technique will not work for the smallest person against the largest person with minimum force and speed, it is not being practiced properly or it is not a viable technique. Large, fast, and strong people should not rely on these assets because there is always someone bigger, faster, and stronger. We know that we all are less capable of strong athletic skills as we grow older. We must practice principles that do not require great strength and acrobatic skills while young in order to attain the skill necessary to overcome hardness with softness when we are older.”

— C. Clark, Jiyushinkai Founder and Chief Instructor

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Shinto Muso-ryu Jodo is a 400 year old civilian/police martial art and is said to be the oldest style for using a stick (jo) in combat in Japan. Founded in the early 17th century by Muso Gonnosuke Katsuyoshi, an exponent of Tenshinsho-den Katori Shinto-ryu, the jo is a staff-like weapon which is thinner and shorter than a bo (50 1/4″ x 7/8″) which allows for more rapid manipulation and incorporates elements of the bo, ken, and yari (staff, sword and spear). Training is systematic and develops the exponent’s technical skills and psychological abilities, from body movement and weapons handling to the proper use of timing, targeting, and distancing to avoid harm and strike your opponent. Students at the Renshinkan study Shinto Muso-ryu Jodo under the direct transmission of Phil Relnick sensei, Menkyo Kaiden.