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| Kitsune Ryu Founder, O-Sensei Steve Reynolds |
Martial Arts Biography:
For well over 45 years, O-Sensei Steve Reynolds
has been a respected practitioner/instructor of the martial arts. He started his lifelong journey in the martial arts as a
boy in Newfoundland, studying Kung Fu. He continued his martial arts journey in the Canadian
military, where he was exposed to several martial art styles and had the opportunity to learn from the British SAS. O-Sensei
had the opportunity to test his martial skill on several occasions while serving with NATO forces in (then) West Germany. Upon his return to Canada, he continued his study with the fledgling Canadian Jiu-Jitsu Association (CJA), under
Prof. Ronald W. Forrester, where he had the opportunity to network with high ranking martial artists, such as Prof. Wally
Jay (Kodenkan Jiu-Jitsu, Small Circle Jiu-Jitsu), Hanshi Richard Kim (Daito Ryu Aiki-jujutsu) as well as countless high-ranking
Canadian Martial Artists. In October of 1973, O-Sensei opened his own dojo, originally called
the Richmond Hill Jiu-Jitsu Academy, later the Richmond Hill Jiu-Jitsu Kai. In 1977, O-Sensei made the decision to leave the CJA and he has remained independent
ever since. As a result of his independence, he founded the Kitsune Ryu Jiu-Jitsu style – recognized worldwide for its unique one-man kata (formal exerice) sequences. This
innovation brought about a unique training method for jiu-jitsu. (this is of course, in addition to an effective, well-rounded self defense system) ........ Over the
years, O-Sensei has continued his own training and teaching, networking with many great martial artists to further his own knowledge of the
Arts and develop the Kitsune Ryu. His creative mind is still finding new ways to apply the techniques and
principles of jiu-jitsu and make them accessible to people of all ages and abilities. ........
Currently semi-retired,
O-Sensei still offers clinics and seminars to everyone interested. Teaching
Philosophy
O-Sensei has long been recognized as a masterful instructor. He
is known for his teaching style – one that inspires students to be their best. His classes are a
mix of discipline, tradition, creativity, humour and effective technique. ........
This unique
flair for teaching has paid off – he has produced students, who have gone on to win world championships, have become
senior instructors in their own right and have run successful dojo. Over the course
of his teaching career, he hasn’t produced many black belts – but all of them are elite, quality practitioners. ........ To
earn a black belt in Kitsune Ryu Jiu-Jitsu requires a great deal of resolve and a high level of technique. In
his mind, a Kitsune Ryu black belt should not only be able to defend themselves but also be able to walk into any martial
arts dojo and handle themselves well. ........ He has always encouraged his students to study the whole
spectrum of the martial arts and not limit themselves to just physical technique. He also encourages students
to learn from everyone – important learning is done outside of the dojo – at seminars, clinics and tournaments.
This way the student develops their own “style” of jiu-jitsu – they find what works best for them
and adds to their individuality. ........ O-Sensei is not interested in carbon copies
of himself. One only needs to look at his direct students to see this in action – each are very good,
different from each other and different from O-Sensei – the mark of a great instructor.
“Honour Above All” (Kitsune Ryu Jiu-Jitsu Motto)
Ranks/Titles: Recognized Founder (Ryuso),
Kitsune Ryu Jiu-Jitsu
Senior Black Belt/Instructor Ranks in:
Canadian Jiu-Jitsu Several systems of Kung Fu Wado Kai Karate Do Ike Shin Do Karate Do Kempo Karate Canadian Goju Ryu Karate
Experience in:
Kodokan Judo Aikido Aiki-jujitsu Traditional/Non-traditional
Weapons Boxing/Kickboxing Military Combatives
Inducted into several Martial Arts Halls of Fame for excellence in the Martial Arts.
Awarded the NATO Special Service Medal, in recognition of his military service.
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