About Shorinji Ryu Jujitsu

Shorinji Ryu Jujitsu by Ken Penland refers to a specific branch or interpretation of Shorinji Ryu Jujitsu, developed and taught by Ken Penland, a prominent martial artist. Ken Penland was known for his extensive knowledge of various martial arts, including Jujitsu, Judo, Karate, and Kobudo (traditional weapons). He was also deeply influenced by the philosophical and ethical principles of martial arts, which he incorporated into his teachings.

Ken Penland’s Shorinji Ryu Jujitsu combines traditional Japanese Jujitsu techniques with modern self-defense strategies and a strong focus on practicality and effectiveness. His system emphasizes not only physical techniques like throws, joint locks, and strikes, but also mental discipline, awareness, and respect for others.

Some key aspects of Ken Penland's Shorinji Ryu Jujitsu include:

  • Self-Defense Focus: The techniques are practical and designed to defend against real-world situations, not just sport-based competition.

  • Fluidity in Movement: Penland's system emphasizes the seamless transition between techniques, encouraging practitioners to remain adaptable in both standing and ground combat.

  • Joint Locks and Throws: Like other styles of Jujitsu, this system focuses heavily on controlling opponents through joint manipulation and throws.

  • Combination of Striking and Grappling: The system blends effective striking techniques with grappling, allowing practitioners to defend themselves from a variety of ranges.

  • Philosophical and Ethical Training: Penland emphasized the importance of humility, respect, and self-discipline as core values within his martial art.

About Grand Master Ken Penland, 10th Dan

Ken Penland, Hanshi 10th Dan, was a Grandmaster and an avid martial arts practitioner and enthusiast. He was the chairman and founder of the International Shorinji Ryu Jujitsu Federation. He began studying martial arts as a boy in the 1950s. His first instructor was his father, who was a member of the U.S. Army and a black belt in both Karate and Judo. In 1962, Sensei Penland met Ed Parker and started training in Kenpo Karate. Around the same time, he developed a friendship with Harley S. Reagan and began training under his direction in Judo and Jujitsu.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as an Airborne Ranger in Vietnam in 1967 and 1968. Later, in the mid-1970s, Sensei Penland trained under Grand Master Fusei Kise in Kenshinkan Shorin Ryu Karate and Kobudo, eventually serving as a regional director for this organization. He also became affiliated with Grandmaster Yuichi Kuda of the Shorin Ryu Matsumura Kempo Karate Association, serving as a director there as well. Additionally, he advised many other martial arts organizations.

He was the Chairman of the International Shorinji Ryu Jujitsu Federation and the Director of the International Shorin Ryu Karate Kobudo Federation. He was featured in a series of videotapes on Shorinji Ryu Jujitsu. Through his dedication in his martial arts career, he attained the rank of Hanshi 10th Dan, the highest rank in Jujitsu, as well as 8th Dan in Shorin Ryu Karate and Kobudo, 5th Dan in Kendo, and 6th Dan in Judo. He served as the Chief Martial Arts Instructor for the Los Angeles Police Department’s Aiki Jujitsu dojo until his passing in October 2006

Notable Shorinji Ryu Practitioners

George Alexander

Steven Crawford

David Tice

Usera Mutch

Tim Mai

Martial Arts

Testing the Art.

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