Iizasa Chōisai Ienao, founder of the Tenshinsho-den Katori Shinto Ryu
The Tenshinsho-den Katori Shinto Ryu is one of the most distinguished of all martial traditions and the oldest documented lineage of combatives still extant in that country. Over the nearly 600-year history of this ryu, its members have given rise to many other classical Japanese martial traditions. A full range of medieval Japanese weapons are studied in the Shinto Ryu, starting with the sword, staff, and halberd. Mr. Bieri conducts training in Ithaca with approval of the current shihan (master teacher) in Japan, Otake Risuke Sensei. All teaching and direct supervision is the responsibility of Mr. Phil Relnick Sensei of Seattle, Washington, who is the only authorized instructor in the western hemisphere.
