What is Shikon-Ryu?

The word Shikon-Ryu literally means Shihan's bo way. Grand Master Mark Sheeley is the founder of Kensho-Ryu Kenpo Karate.Grand Master Sheeley's former title was Shihan,which is where the "Shi" in Shikon-Ryu comes from. Kon means bo in Japanese. Ryu means school or "way " in Japanese. Shikon-Ryu is the name of a weapon kata designed by Grand Master Mark Sheeley.

After meeting Professor Nick Cerio in 1987, Shihan Sheeley decided to train for competition with him. Over the years, with the guidance of Professor Cerio, Shihan Sheeley developed his own personal style of weapon kata. Many of the kata in competion were merely tricks and spins; Shihan Sheeley wanted to create a form that was not only dynamic, but also comprised entirely of practical applications.

What is even more unique about Shikon-Ryu is the fact that it is a kata that may be interpreted by the individuals who perform it. Because of this, it is becoming one of the more popular bo kata in the competition world. In years to come, Shikon-ryu will be accepted as a traditional form.

The Sensei and Shihan in the Cumberland dojo have had the opportunity to learn Shikon-Ryu first hand. All of the Sensei and many of the students have learned the form from the creator himself. Shikon-Ryu is the "masterpiece" of master martial artist Grand Master Mark Sheeley; and through his students, it will be part of his martial arts contribution for many years to come.