Doug Knispel has been involved in the martial arts since boyhood.  What originally started as a means to escape incessant bullying at school eventually turned into a lifelong passion.  With over 30 years of experience, Doug continues his training under his sensei.

As a practitioner, although Doug moved up the ranks slowly, he eventually earned the distinction of being the youngest person to ever be awarded the Shodan in Kitsune Ryu Jiu-Jitsu, at just 15 years old.  This officially began his teaching career.

Shortly after receiving his black belt, Doug became O-Sensei Reynolds (our Founder) primary assistant/uke and has regularly assisted him in teaching seminars and clinics across Ontario.  In 1993, Doug was named as the inheritor to the Kitsune Ryu Jiu-Jitsu lineage and began a rigorous training program in preparation.  In 2002, Doug was named as the Chief Instructor of the Kitsune Ryu Jiu-Jitsu Kai.

In 2000, Asian Self Defence was merged with the Richmond Hill Karate Dojo, (under Hugh Smith) to become the Richmond Hill Budokan.  At this time, Doug also began studying Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate-do.  In 2001, Doug was awarded a 1^st Dan in Okinawa Goju Ryu. (Jundokan)

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In 2000, Doug decided to involve himself with the politics of Jiu-Jitsu and was elected to the Board of Directors of the Canadian Jiu-Jitsu Association (now the Ontario Jiu-Jitsu Association), the provincial (and at one time national) governing body for Jiu-Jitsu.  The OJA is the only jiu-jitsu organization recognized as such.  Doug has been involved in the administration of the Association over 3 terms and currently serves as Vice-President, Technical, Chairman of the black belt grading board and member of the technical committee. He is ranked 6^th Dan Shihan in this Association.

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Currently, Doug focuses his efforts on his students and his dojo.  He is in regular demand for seminars and clinics on Jiu Jitsu and serves as a technical advisor to several martial arts clubs and organizations.  He continues his training with his Sensei and regularly participates in multi-style clinics to further his knowledge. Over the years, he has found time to dabble in aikido, aiki-jujutsu, kobudo, taekwondo, Philipino martial arts, boxing/kickboxing, non-traditional weapons as well as several styles of karate/kempo and kung fu.  He is also actively involved in research of the history, traditions and philosophy of the martial arts. 

 

Teaching Philosophy

Doug is a big believer in the preservation of the old ways.  He focuses on strong basics, with lots of repetition to ensure that lessons are learned.  To him, there is no such thing as the quick fix - Only consistent, dedicated training can produce results.  Quantity can never supplant quality – Doug focuses his efforts on producing quality students and more importantly, educating the whole – not just the physical skills.  To him, the martial arts are about building better people and he takes this responsibility extremely seriously.  He works hard to impart the Kitsune Ryu motto:  “Honour Above All” to his students.  Doug is committed to sharing his passion for the martial arts with all serious students.

“The ultimate aim of Budo lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants.” (Funakoshi Gichin)