Our Shinto Muso Ryu Jo group practices under the auspices of the Pan-American Jodo Federation, led by Phil Relnick, menkyo kaiden. The Tenshinsho-den Katori Shinto Ryu group also practices under the guidance of Mr. Relnick. The local group leader is Larry E. Bieri, a senior member and practitioner of both ryu, who began his training in Japan at their respective headquarters.
Mr. Bieri's original teacher of Shinto Muso Ryu Jo was Shimizu Takaji Sensei, the 25th headmaster of the ryu.
Shimizu Takaji Sensei, 25th headmaster, Shinto Muso Ryu Jo
Some years after the death of Shimizu Sensei, he became affiliated with Nishioka Tsuneo Sensei through Phil Relnick Sensei. Nishioka Sensei is the oldest living student of Shimizu Sensei who is still actively training and is the primary technical source for the Pan-American Jodo Federation. Mr. Bieri currently holds the traditional go-mokuroku license in Shinto Muso Ryu Jo.
Nishioka Tsuneo Sensei, menkyo kaiden, Shinto Muso Ryu Jo
Mr. Bieri also began training in the Tenshinsho-den Katori Shinto Ryu in Japan where he studied directly under Otake Risuke Shihan. Otake Sensei heads the only dojo authorized by the lineal headmaster of the tradition. Currently, Mr. Bieri is the second most senior member of the Tenshinsho-den Katori Shinto Ryu training on the mainland United States.
Mr. Bieri also holds the rank of 6th dan in Aikido and is a Fully Licensed Instructor (shihan) affiliated with the United States Aikido Federation. He is the Chief Instructor of the Finger Lakes Aikido dojo and also teaches at the Cornell Aikido Club at Cornell University.