Master Ric Klemme is a co-founder of the Kenjutai Bujutsu System, established in 1995 under Shihan Phil Wright. He is a Navy Combat Veteran, business professional, husband, father, and lifelong student of martial arts.
Master Klemme began his martial arts journey in 1981, enrolling at an Okinawan Karate studio under police detective Tom Pisuit, a direct student of Grandmaster Robert Trias. His interest in self-defense stemmed from challenging childhood experiences that shaped his warrior mindset.
In 1985, he found instructors from military and metaphysical backgrounds who taught the arts that would become the foundation of his life path: Jujutsu, Ninjutsu, Judo, Karate, survival strategies, and Eastern Philosophy.
U.S. Navy Combat Service
Master Klemme served aboard the USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) during Operation Earnest Will in the Persian Gulf. His ship's actions earned them the Presidential Unit Citation from President Reagan.
During his naval service, he continued training in Jujitsu and Judo under HMC Eric Junger (Danzen Ryu), as well as boxing. His story is documented in "No Higher Honor" by Bradley Peniston.
Martial Arts Journey
After the Navy, Ric returned to Florida and continued training under previous instructors as well as new ones, including his lifelong friend Shihan Phil Wright. Key instructors such as Robert Broe, Phil Legare, Dick Severance, Rich Alford, Robert Ledke, and Steve Sweitzer all contributed to his martial growth.
These instructors carried rich lineages including the Pete Siringano family, JT Will, Ed Parker, Ed Maley, the Genbukan, and Old Bujinkan.
He later trained at the Chikara Jujitsu School with Ross Greenberg and with Soke Michael DePasquale Jr. of the Yoshitsune system in New York, cross-training with members of the IFOJJ, AFMA, and the Smithtown Judo Club.
Ranks & Credentials
Primary Rank
- • Jujitsu 5th Dan (2010)
- Awarded by Shihan Phil Wright
- Confirmed by GM Pete Siringano Jr.
- Confirmed by Soke Michael DePasquale Jr.
- • Master License (2014) - WWA Board
Additional Black Belts
- • Ninjutsu
- • Aiki-Jujutsu
- • Judo
- • Kenpo
- • Goju Ryu Karate
Education & Teaching
Academic
Associate's Degree in Law Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Political Science
Teaching Experience
ATA Tae Kwon Do Self-Defense Program
Sport Karate Centers of Central Florida
Current Training
Master Klemme continues to train under Shihan Phil Wright, Hanshi Jim Rivera, Dr. Juan Otero, and others who believe in constantly evolving to be the very best they can be.
Co-Founder of Kenjutai Bujutsu • Navy Combat Veteran • Presidential Unit Citation Recipient • Over 40 Years in Martial Arts