International Budo Renmei
A Modern Martial Art Rooted in Tradition and Knowledge
Welcome To Our
Japanese Martial Arts School
We are honored that you are interested in joining our organization, which is dedicated to preserving, practicing, and promoting traditional Budo. The International Budo Renmei in Richmond, MI is more than just an association teaching Karate, Aikido and Iaido—it is a community of dedicated martial artists who uphold the values of discipline, respect, honor, and lifelong learning.
Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or new to the Budo path, you will find a place among those in our dojo who share your passion for martial arts, personal growth, and the true spirit of Bushido. Our mission is to foster excellence in training while preserving Budo’s rich history and traditions for future generations.
By joining our martial arts school, you become part of a global family committed to technical mastery and the deeper philosophical and ethical principles that define the martial way. We invite you to train, learn, and grow as we continue this journey together.
Become a Member!
Join our community dedicated to preserving and advancing traditional Budo. Whether you’re a student, instructor, or dojo leader, International Budo Renmei offers the resources, training, and support to help you grow. Start your journey today at our dojo in Richmond!
About This School
Teaching a Blend of Karate, Aikido & Iaido
Bodai Shindo Ryū is a modern martial art that blends the striking of Karate, the flow of Aikido, and the discipline of Iaido into a knowledge-based system focused on concepts, strategy, and real-world application. More than just techniques, training builds critical thinking, confidence, and resilience—guiding students on a path of personal growth, practical skill, and lifelong martial understanding.
The International Budo Renmei (IBR) began in 1977 with Sensei Dennis Fritchie’s first dojo and has since grown into a worldwide community of more than 2,500 students. Rooted in training under Katsumi Niikura Sensei of Ryokukai, Fritchie achieved senior ranks in Karate, Aikido, Iaido, and Chambara before founding the IBR in 1996 to carry forward the dream of a complete budo system. The organization’s evolution reached a milestone in 2008 with the unveiling of Bodai Shindo Ryū, “The Way of the Inherently Enlightened Heart, Mind, and Spirit.” Today, IBR thrives through its dedicated instructors, annual Budofest gatherings, and a living tradition that blends martial skill, philosophy, and community.
Why Choose Bodai Shindo Ryū
Discover a martial art that blends tradition, knowledge, and community. From concept-driven training to a worldwide support network, Bodai Shindo Ryū offers a path of growth for both mind and body.
Bodai Shindo Ryū teaches the why behind each movement, building adaptability, critical thinking, and real-world application.
Through the International Budo Renmei, students and dojos are part of a worldwide family dedicated to preserving tradition while supporting modern martial practice.
Rooted in Karate, Aikido, and Iaido, Bodai Shindo Ryū blends classical martial arts with strategic study, ensuring a path of growth in both skill and spirit.
What’s Going on at
International Budo Renmei
A Community That Speaks for Itself
“This is one of the greatest organizations I’ve ever been with. The in-depth knowledge, technique, and philosophy are second to none. If you want your child or yourself to get physically active or learn life lessons to build you character, then I would highly recommend trying a class.”
Have Questions?
Whether you’re new to Bodai Shindo Ryū or exploring the International Budo Renmei (IBR), this FAQ section will help you understand the art, its community, and how you can get involved.
Bodai Shindo Ryū is not just another martial art. It is a modern, knowledge-based martial system that sets itself apart by blending the principles of karate, aikido, and iaido with critical thinking and strategic study. Unlike purely memory-based training, Bodai Shindo Ryū emphasizes understanding concepts, principles, and applications that can be adapted to real-life encounters.
Many schools teach through memorization of techniques. Bodai Shindo Ryū focuses instead on knowledge; students learn why movements work, not just how to perform them. Training integrates:
- Core kata and their hidden principles (bunkai and oyo)
- Critical thinking and threat assessment
- Aikido principles of musubi (connection) and kuzushi (balance breaking)
- Sword (iaido) training rooted in Toyama Ryū lineage
- Philosophical studies in Heiho (strategy), Kokyu Roku (breath power), and martial ethics
The IBR is not just a governing organization; it is a supportive community that nurtures and guides Bodai Shindo Ryū and affiliated dojos. Founded in the late 1970s, the IBR has grown into a worldwide family with thousands of registered students. Its mission is to preserve martial traditions while adapting them to the needs of modern practitioners.
As a member, you gain access to:
- Certified instructors and dojos are inspected for quality annually
- Seminars, instructor clinics, and advanced training opportunities
- Newsletters and media coverage of events and achievements
- A U.S. Hombu Dojo that serves as the central office for student records, communication, and support
Bodai Shindo Ryū is the martial system, and IBR is the organizational body that oversees its development, standards, and international community. Think of Bodai Shindo Ryū as the art and IBR as the family that supports and protects it.
Bodai Shindo Ryū was founded and continues to be developed by Shihan Dennis Fritchie, who holds senior recognition from multiple martial lineages, including Toyama Ryū and Ryokukai. The IBR is guided by a council of senior instructors (Dojo-Chō and yudansha) who help ensure the art continues to grow for future generations.
Budofest is the annual gathering of all IBR dojos. Students and instructors come together for several days of intensive training under senior leadership. It is both a technical training camp and a celebration of community.
The IBR is not just a static organization; it is a dynamic community that has grown to over 2,500 registered students worldwide, with new dojos and instructors joining each year. The future is bright for Bodai Shindo Ryū and the IBR.
Starting in 2026, all dojos will shift to a new knowledge-based curriculum that has been in development for six years. This transition is designed to enhance the learning experience, with a focus on critical thinking, stress-induced training, a new curriculum, and expanded instructor support programs.
Students advance through traditional colored belt ranks, with yudansha (black belt ranks) taking on deeper responsibilities in teaching and leadership. Each promotion is not just about memorizing techniques; it reflects understanding, application, and the ability to teach others.
Students can join by training at an affiliated dojo or becoming a member through the IBR online community. To become a member, you can sign up on our website and gain access to training materials, online videos, event updates, and the support of the wider Bodai Shindo Ryū/IBR family.
Dojos interested in becoming part of the IBR can apply for membership through the organization. Each dojo is inspected, and instructors are certified to ensure quality and alignment with Bodai Shindo Ryū principles. Once accepted, dojos gain access to training resources, organizational support, events like Budofest, and recognition as part of an international martial arts family.
View Our Schedule
Stay on track with your training by checking our class schedule. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced martial artist, find the perfect time to train and grow. View our school hours and session details!