Kitsune Ryu Jiu-Jitsu is a modern (gendai) Jiu-Jitsu system that is based on several older forms of Jiu-Jitsu.  It is a strong reflection of the eclectic background of its founder, Steve Reynolds (referred to as O-Sensei out of respect). 

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Chief among it's influences are Danzan Ryu (Kodenkan) Jiu-Jitsu, Daito Ryu Jiu-Jitsu, Kawaishi Ryu Jiu-Jitsu, Kodokan Judo, Aikido, several Kung Fu Systems, several Karate systems as well as Military Hand to Hand Combat.

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Literally translated, Kitsune Ryu is the School or Style of the Fox. 

This is a play on the founder's last name, Reynolds. 

Therefore, we take it to mean the Reynolds Style of Jiu-Jitsu.

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Kitsune Ryu Jiu-Jitsu was founded in 1973, with the opening of the Richmond Hill Jiu-Jitsu Kai (currently, Richmond Hill Budokan), though the name Kitsune Ryu was not adopted until much later. 

 The foundation of what was to be Kitsune Ryu was laid out at this time. 

Curriculum

Students of Kitsune Ryu Jiu-Jitsu study from an organized and extremely robust curriculum that addresses all ranges of combat/self defense. 

• For striking and long range combat, we use karate-style striking and footwork.  
• For trapping-range combat, we use ideas from both traditional jiu-jitsu as well as concepts from several kung fu and Karate systems. 
• For the grappling range, we rely on traditional jiu-jitsu as well as Kodokan Judo. 

Traditional techniques have been modified and updated to

reflect the current realities of self defence. 

Children are also taught techniques that are appropriate for their needs

on both the schoolyard and the street. 

A style that does not adapt to the changing realities of the modern world will eventually fizzle out and die.  This is why Kitsune Ryu attempts to stay on

the cutting edge.....evolving as the need dictates.

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Unique to Kitsune Ryu Jiu-Jitsu are several original kata (one-man combat sequences), developed by the founder to better illustrate his style.  Many of these kata have been adopted by other styles as their principles are universal.  (the most famous of these kata is probably, the style's signature kata, Kitsune) 

Proper footwork, timing, breathing and flow are developed through the study of the kata.  In addition, the bunkai (applications) of the kata help to build a solid foundation of Kitsune Ryu technique. 

Weapons are also studied in detail to allow us to defend blades, clubs, etc.  

We also practice several forms of free-sparring (jiyu-kumite) to

further round out our technique.

Students are encouraged to cross train as much as possible, while not neglecting their own study of Kitsune Ryu.

Competition

While competition is not stressed in Kitsune Ryu, we are active on several competition circuits for both Karate (traditional and open-style) and Jiu-Jitsu.

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Our style has produced several World Championship caliber athletes.  In fact, at the last three World Jiu-Jitsu Championships, Kitsune Ryu fighters took 3 gold, 1 silver and 4 bronze medals.

Recently, three of our atheletes competed in the WKC Canadian Competition, we came home with two golds, a silver and all three competitors will go to Spain in the of 2011 to compete in the World Competition.

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Competition training is available to Kitsune Ryu students, drawing on the extensive competition experience of the instructors.

Where to find Kitsune Ryu

The style of Kitsune Ryu is governed by the Kitsune Ryu Jiu-Jitsu Kai, which is directly administered by the head of the system who is ably assisted by the founder and his senior students. 

Kitsune Ryu training is available in Vaughan (at Michiko Martial Arts), Richmond Hill (at the Richmond Hill Budokan - Kitsune Ryu Jiu-Jitsu Hombu Dojo), Cannington (at Cannington Jiu-Jitsu/Seishinkan) and Barrie. (at Classic Martial Arts) 

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For those not able to travel to any of these locations or for clubs that are interested in Kitsune Ryu Jiu-Jitsu, seminars are available on a multitude of topics pertaining to Kitsune Ryu. 

The Future of Kitsune Ryu

Kitsune Ryu had its beginnings over 35 years ago with the beginnings of the teaching career of Mr. Reynolds.  He has promoted several people to Yudansha levels, who in turn have gone on to teach the style, thus guaranteeing its future. 

In addition, a number of his students have founded their own styles, all incorporating a good deal of the original curriculum in their course of study.

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In 1994, to ensure that his teachings were continued in the manner he wanted, Mr. Reynolds formally appointed Doug Knispel Jr. as the heir apparent to Kitsune Ryu Jiu-Jitsu.  Doug has been a long time, loyal student of Kitsune Ryu and Mr. Reynolds and is committed to the future of the system.  In 2002, Doug was appointed as Chief Instructor of the system.  Doug continues his training with Mr. Reynolds on a regular basis.

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The senior students of the Kitsune Ryu are all doing their part in ensuring that Kitsune Ryu survives well into the 21st Century.