Modern Ju-Jitsu
by Russ St. Hilaire
During the early 1800's there arose in Japan an idealogy that rallied around deposing the Tokugawa Shogunate
and replacing the Emperor to the throne. Clans were the political parties of the time and the Aizu clan was in favor
of the Shogun. The Aizu leader Katamori Matsudaira had served the Shogunate for many years and thus the
loyalty of the Aizu lay with the Shogun. The Aizu fought many battles in an attempt to keep the Emperor and his
forces from the throne. They were pivotal in the Bakumatsu wars. Now, their political lifestyle was threatened by the
Choshu and Satsuma clans who were in support of the Emperor. As a result of their opposing idealogies, the Aizu
samurai under the leadership of Saigo Tanomo (1830 - 1905) clashed against the forces of Choshu and Satsuma
at Shirakawaguchi.
and replacing the Emperor to the throne. Clans were the political parties of the time and the Aizu clan was in favor
of the Shogun. The Aizu leader Katamori Matsudaira had served the Shogunate for many years and thus the
loyalty of the Aizu lay with the Shogun. The Aizu fought many battles in an attempt to keep the Emperor and his
forces from the throne. They were pivotal in the Bakumatsu wars. Now, their political lifestyle was threatened by the
Choshu and Satsuma clans who were in support of the Emperor. As a result of their opposing idealogies, the Aizu
samurai under the leadership of Saigo Tanomo (1830 - 1905) clashed against the forces of Choshu and Satsuma
at Shirakawaguchi.
Saigo Tanomo was an Aikijujutsu and Kenjutsu student under Takeda Soemon (1758 - 1853). Saigo had
studied for years with the Takeda schools and was a famous warrior even though he was defeated by the
Choshu and Satsuma clans. Because of this loss, however, the family of Saigo Tanomo, 21 in all, committed
suicide thinking that Tanomo had been killed. Unknown to his family, Saigo Tanomo survived the battle of
Shirakawaguchi! Now that his family was gone, Tanomo returned to Aizu and became a teacher of Mizoguchi
Ha Itto-Ryu and Koshu-Ryu Gungaku kenjutsu.
studied for years with the Takeda schools and was a famous warrior even though he was defeated by the
Choshu and Satsuma clans. Because of this loss, however, the family of Saigo Tanomo, 21 in all, committed
suicide thinking that Tanomo had been killed. Unknown to his family, Saigo Tanomo survived the battle of
Shirakawaguchi! Now that his family was gone, Tanomo returned to Aizu and became a teacher of Mizoguchi
Ha Itto-Ryu and Koshu-Ryu Gungaku kenjutsu.
In 1876 Tanomo received a new student into his tradition named Takeda Sokaku (1860 - 1943). Sokaku, the
grandson of Takeda Soemon was born in Aizu on 10 October 1860. He studied Aikijujutsu from his grandfather
and other arts from his father. By the time he was 16 he had studied Jikishinkage-Ryu kenjutsu from Sakakibara
Kenkichi and received his Menkyo Kaiden in Ono Ha Itto-Ryu from Toma Shibuya of Tokyo. Tanomo
remembered Sokaku's grandfather well, as he had also been taught by him. For 3 years Sokaku studied
Daito-Ryu with Saigo and mastered many arts such as Aikijujutsu, Battojutsu, Yarijutsu and Kenjutsu. Finally in
1880 at the Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Tanomo passed on all his knowledge including the secret teachings to
Sokaku. From that day forward, Takeda Sokaku would be headmaster of Daito-Ryu.
grandson of Takeda Soemon was born in Aizu on 10 October 1860. He studied Aikijujutsu from his grandfather
and other arts from his father. By the time he was 16 he had studied Jikishinkage-Ryu kenjutsu from Sakakibara
Kenkichi and received his Menkyo Kaiden in Ono Ha Itto-Ryu from Toma Shibuya of Tokyo. Tanomo
remembered Sokaku's grandfather well, as he had also been taught by him. For 3 years Sokaku studied
Daito-Ryu with Saigo and mastered many arts such as Aikijujutsu, Battojutsu, Yarijutsu and Kenjutsu. Finally in
1880 at the Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Tanomo passed on all his knowledge including the secret teachings to
Sokaku. From that day forward, Takeda Sokaku would be headmaster of Daito-Ryu.
For almost 20 years Takeda Sokaku wandered from dojo to dojo, challenging every known martial arts master, and he was never
defeated. He took time in his travels to instruct others, often staying with the student for a period of time before moving on. He intelligently
concentrated on government officials and military leaders as well as local police departments for his student body. In this manner his
reputation spread quickly.
defeated. He took time in his travels to instruct others, often staying with the student for a period of time before moving on. He intelligently
concentrated on government officials and military leaders as well as local police departments for his student body. In this manner his
reputation spread quickly.
After the dissolution of the samurai in the late 1800's contact with the Americans became more frequent for the Japanese. Not only was this
the American's first contact with the Japanese culture, but also with the Japanese martial arts. Sokaku, in one single event sparked wonder in
the minds of Americans about the martial arts of Japan. In 1904 a fateful meeting between American teacher Charles Parry and Takeda
Sokaku occurred on a train in Japan. An argument ensued between the two about seating in the first class section of the train, and inevitably
Sokaku found it necessary to restrain the large foreigner. Amazed at how helpless he was against a 4'11" man, Parry reported to his superiors
in the U.S. of the great power of Aikijujutsu. President Roosevelt sent for an Aikijujutsu instructor to come to the U.S. and put on a formal
demonstration of the art. Takeda sent Police Officer Shinzo Harade between 1904 and 1910, who immediately gained great renown and many
students including Charles Parry. He involved himself in the instruction of Police forces and in exhibitions for dignitaries and public officials.
the American's first contact with the Japanese culture, but also with the Japanese martial arts. Sokaku, in one single event sparked wonder in
the minds of Americans about the martial arts of Japan. In 1904 a fateful meeting between American teacher Charles Parry and Takeda
Sokaku occurred on a train in Japan. An argument ensued between the two about seating in the first class section of the train, and inevitably
Sokaku found it necessary to restrain the large foreigner. Amazed at how helpless he was against a 4'11" man, Parry reported to his superiors
in the U.S. of the great power of Aikijujutsu. President Roosevelt sent for an Aikijujutsu instructor to come to the U.S. and put on a formal
demonstration of the art. Takeda sent Police Officer Shinzo Harade between 1904 and 1910, who immediately gained great renown and many
students including Charles Parry. He involved himself in the instruction of Police forces and in exhibitions for dignitaries and public officials.
Takeda Sokaku died on 25 April 1943 at Amori Station in Honshu, leaving behind his great tradition to his son Takeda Tokimune and his senior
students Hisa Takuma, Sagawa Yukiyoshi, Yamada Taisaburo, Matsuda Toyosaku, Yamamoto Kakuyoshi and Ueshiba Morihei. Takeda
Tokimune currently teaches in Abaragi prefecture, Hokkaido, Japan. From Daito-Ryu came Hakko-Ryu, Yamate-Ryu and Iwama-Ryu, a.k.a. Aikido.
students Hisa Takuma, Sagawa Yukiyoshi, Yamada Taisaburo, Matsuda Toyosaku, Yamamoto Kakuyoshi and Ueshiba Morihei. Takeda
Tokimune currently teaches in Abaragi prefecture, Hokkaido, Japan. From Daito-Ryu came Hakko-Ryu, Yamate-Ryu and Iwama-Ryu, a.k.a. Aikido.
JUJUTSU AND JUDO
At the end of the 1800's the Samurai were politically disbanded and many Jujutsu/Kenjutsu schools died out. A few survived, however. Jujutsu
schools came in from the countryside to the city, and by doing so were exposed to other ryu. There were many contests between Jujutsu schools
at the time, each trying to prove they were the best. Many Jujutsu styles were defeated and discredited, some unjustly. Nevertheless, they were
forced out of existence, or the practitioners simply joined other ryu. It was also a time of bullying on the part of the Jujutsuka. Many of the younger
students found enjoyment in trying the techniques out on unsuspecting city folk. Also, many bar brawls were started in order to practice their
techniques. Jujutsu itself fell into ill repute and many of it's practitioners were seen as trouble makers. Because of this view the practice of Jujutsu
was restricted to a very few traditional schools.
schools came in from the countryside to the city, and by doing so were exposed to other ryu. There were many contests between Jujutsu schools
at the time, each trying to prove they were the best. Many Jujutsu styles were defeated and discredited, some unjustly. Nevertheless, they were
forced out of existence, or the practitioners simply joined other ryu. It was also a time of bullying on the part of the Jujutsuka. Many of the younger
students found enjoyment in trying the techniques out on unsuspecting city folk. Also, many bar brawls were started in order to practice their
techniques. Jujutsu itself fell into ill repute and many of it's practitioners were seen as trouble makers. Because of this view the practice of Jujutsu
was restricted to a very few traditional schools.
It was in 1882 that things began to change. It was in that year that Kano Jigoro founded a new type of Jujutsu that he called Judo. Kano was a
Jujutsu master who had studied under senseis Teinosuke Yagi and Hachinosuke Fukada of the Tenshin Shin'Yo-Ryu. Later he also studied
under the tutelage of Tsunetoshi Iikubu of the Kito-Ryu. He also studied a while with the Sekiguchi-Ryu.
Jujutsu master who had studied under senseis Teinosuke Yagi and Hachinosuke Fukada of the Tenshin Shin'Yo-Ryu. Later he also studied
under the tutelage of Tsunetoshi Iikubu of the Kito-Ryu. He also studied a while with the Sekiguchi-Ryu.
Kano was born in a small costal town outside of Kobe, Japan in 1860. His main martial theories were developed by his study of the "secret"
books HONTAI and SEIKO which discuss the fundamentals of Nage (throwing) through the principle of KI-TO (to raise up - to strike down).
This, combined with his grappling knowledge from the Tenshin Shin'Yo-Ryu led Kano to retire to the solitude of the Eishoji temple and develop
his Judo.
books HONTAI and SEIKO which discuss the fundamentals of Nage (throwing) through the principle of KI-TO (to raise up - to strike down).
This, combined with his grappling knowledge from the Tenshin Shin'Yo-Ryu led Kano to retire to the solitude of the Eishoji temple and develop
his Judo.
What made Kano's Jujutsu different was his approach to training. Because he sought to preserve the Jujutsu techniques, but realized that
Jujutsu had a bad reputation, he changed the entire philosophy surrounding his art. Kano emphasized the physical fitness aspects of the art
and altered the techniques to make them appealing to the general public. The sporting aspect of the art was also suggested. Kano arranged
KATA, (prearranged forms) for the self defense techniques in order to ensure safety and enjoyment in learning, but retained SHIAI (contest) to
test timing and technique in s semi-combat situation. Kano also invented the ranking system that consisted of KYU ranks (trainees) and DAN
ranks (graded). Before Kano the ranking system was non-existent. Kano also targeted government and military officials as his primary student
population. By doing this the popularity of his Judo spread quickly.
Jujutsu had a bad reputation, he changed the entire philosophy surrounding his art. Kano emphasized the physical fitness aspects of the art
and altered the techniques to make them appealing to the general public. The sporting aspect of the art was also suggested. Kano arranged
KATA, (prearranged forms) for the self defense techniques in order to ensure safety and enjoyment in learning, but retained SHIAI (contest) to
test timing and technique in s semi-combat situation. Kano also invented the ranking system that consisted of KYU ranks (trainees) and DAN
ranks (graded). Before Kano the ranking system was non-existent. Kano also targeted government and military officials as his primary student
population. By doing this the popularity of his Judo spread quickly.
Of course, it must be realized that Kano's Judo achieved it's notoriety because of Aikijujutsu. It seems that Kano was an excellent Jujutsuka
himself, but felt that in order to prove that his new for was "undefeatable" he would need to employ an "undefeatable" representative of his
new art form. This man was Saigo Shida who changed his name to Saigo Shiro (1867 - 1922).
himself, but felt that in order to prove that his new for was "undefeatable" he would need to employ an "undefeatable" representative of his
new art form. This man was Saigo Shida who changed his name to Saigo Shiro (1867 - 1922).
Shiro was the adopted son of Aikijujutsu master Saigo Tanomo. Shiro was a master of Daito-Ryu at a young
age and was trained for the headmastership of the Takeda tradition, but was recruited by Kano to be his
"showman" for the Kodokan system. This is basically why Takeda Sokaku became Daito-Ryu's headmaster.
Shiro was known for his great ability and strength at a young age. In fact, he was a Godan (5th degree) by the
age of 21. In the contests set up between the Kodokan and the area Jujutsu schools, Saigo easily defeated
all opponents, mostly with his favorite technique YAMA ARASHI. Kodokan was "proving" its worth by using
Aikijujutsu, although most of the techniques Saigo used were never taught by Kano. As a matter of fact,
whereas Aikijujutsu had over a thousand techniques, the Kodokan system boasted about 150. After many
years Saigo Shiro left the Kodokan and became a reporter and master of Kyudo (archery). Only when Saigo
left the Kodokan did the style move into the realm of martial sport. Saigo Shiro, perhaps one of the world's
greatest Jujutsuka died on 23 December 1922 at the age of 57.
age and was trained for the headmastership of the Takeda tradition, but was recruited by Kano to be his
"showman" for the Kodokan system. This is basically why Takeda Sokaku became Daito-Ryu's headmaster.
Shiro was known for his great ability and strength at a young age. In fact, he was a Godan (5th degree) by the
age of 21. In the contests set up between the Kodokan and the area Jujutsu schools, Saigo easily defeated
all opponents, mostly with his favorite technique YAMA ARASHI. Kodokan was "proving" its worth by using
Aikijujutsu, although most of the techniques Saigo used were never taught by Kano. As a matter of fact,
whereas Aikijujutsu had over a thousand techniques, the Kodokan system boasted about 150. After many
years Saigo Shiro left the Kodokan and became a reporter and master of Kyudo (archery). Only when Saigo
left the Kodokan did the style move into the realm of martial sport. Saigo Shiro, perhaps one of the world's
greatest Jujutsuka died on 23 December 1922 at the age of 57.
By the time Judo moved into the 20th century, many of the KORYU or "ancient schools" were gone or
disappearing. Thus, it was the perfect time for Judo to come on strong. Kano made his Judo the
standard physical education for the Japanese Police Force and Army. Judo was also popularized in the
United States. In 1889, Kano had sent Yamashita Yoshiaki to the U.S. to live and instruct Judo at
Harvard University and at the Annapolis Academy. This had greatly enhanced the popularity of Judo
with the new American audience. Even though Kano had, in fact, used Aikijujutsu to make his art
famous, he did do Jujutsu a great service. If it were not for the renewed interest in the grappling arts
caused by Judo there is a distinct possibility that Jujutsu would have never survived as a martial art.
disappearing. Thus, it was the perfect time for Judo to come on strong. Kano made his Judo the
standard physical education for the Japanese Police Force and Army. Judo was also popularized in the
United States. In 1889, Kano had sent Yamashita Yoshiaki to the U.S. to live and instruct Judo at
Harvard University and at the Annapolis Academy. This had greatly enhanced the popularity of Judo
with the new American audience. Even though Kano had, in fact, used Aikijujutsu to make his art
famous, he did do Jujutsu a great service. If it were not for the renewed interest in the grappling arts
caused by Judo there is a distinct possibility that Jujutsu would have never survived as a martial art.
After an illustrious career, Kano died while travelling at sea in 1938. Today Judo is practiced all over
the world and is a sport in the Olympics.
the world and is a sport in the Olympics.
DAITO-RYU TO AIKIDO
Ueshiba Morihei, one of the senior students of Takeda Sokaku was born on 14 December 1883 in the Motomachi district of Tanabe City in Wakayama Prefecture. As a young
man he moved to Tokyo and there studied Kito-Ryu Jujutsu and Shinkage-Ryu kenjutsu. Around 1903 he joined the military and served in the Russo-Japanese war.
man he moved to Tokyo and there studied Kito-Ryu Jujutsu and Shinkage-Ryu kenjutsu. Around 1903 he joined the military and served in the Russo-Japanese war.
In 1912 he moved to the northern island of Hokkaido with a Japanese resettlement project and became one of the community heads. While he lived in Hokkaido he was
introduced to Takeda Sokaku by Yoshida Kotaro. For the next 7 years he studied Daito-Ryu Aikijujutsu with Takeda. In 1922 at the age of 39 he was granted, along with 20 other
students, the teaching license called KYOJU DAIRI. This meant he was considered to have mastered most of the Daito-Ryu techniques that numbered around 350. Two other
students of Takeda received higher degrees; Hisa Takuma received KAIDEN and Sagawa Yukiyoshi received SHODEN. The SHODEN meant he had learned the complete
catalog of arts numbering about 2800 techniques. Yukiyoshi became the 36th Soke (headmaster) of Daito-Ryu, but upon the death of Sokaku, relinquished the headmastership
to Tokimune, Sokaku's son.
introduced to Takeda Sokaku by Yoshida Kotaro. For the next 7 years he studied Daito-Ryu Aikijujutsu with Takeda. In 1922 at the age of 39 he was granted, along with 20 other
students, the teaching license called KYOJU DAIRI. This meant he was considered to have mastered most of the Daito-Ryu techniques that numbered around 350. Two other
students of Takeda received higher degrees; Hisa Takuma received KAIDEN and Sagawa Yukiyoshi received SHODEN. The SHODEN meant he had learned the complete
catalog of arts numbering about 2800 techniques. Yukiyoshi became the 36th Soke (headmaster) of Daito-Ryu, but upon the death of Sokaku, relinquished the headmastership
to Tokimune, Sokaku's son.
In 1936 Ueshiba opened his first school in Tokyo. Ueshiba called his art many names including:
Ueshiba Juku Aikijujutsu, Aikibujutsu, Kobukai Aikibudo, Tenshin Aikibodo, Takemusu Aiki and Aikido. He
finally chose to stick with the name Aikido in 1942. Prior to WWII his dojo was known as Jigoku dojo or
"hell" dojo. The students of this school were subjected to grueling workouts that lasted many hours and
in which several people could be injured in one day. These students, however, became the best of the
Aikido practitioners. Some were: Shioda Gozo, Hirai Minoru, Rinjiro Shirata, Saito Morihiro, Mochizuki
Minoru and Tomiki Kenji. Saito and Shioda seemed to have retained the closest style to that of the old
Daito-Ryu system.
Ueshiba Juku Aikijujutsu, Aikibujutsu, Kobukai Aikibudo, Tenshin Aikibodo, Takemusu Aiki and Aikido. He
finally chose to stick with the name Aikido in 1942. Prior to WWII his dojo was known as Jigoku dojo or
"hell" dojo. The students of this school were subjected to grueling workouts that lasted many hours and
in which several people could be injured in one day. These students, however, became the best of the
Aikido practitioners. Some were: Shioda Gozo, Hirai Minoru, Rinjiro Shirata, Saito Morihiro, Mochizuki
Minoru and Tomiki Kenji. Saito and Shioda seemed to have retained the closest style to that of the old
Daito-Ryu system.
In 1942 Ueshiba moved to Iwama in the Ibaragi Prefecture where he built a dojo (still run by Saito Sensei today), and became a farmer. One reason for this change in lifestyle
was his involvement in the Omoto Kyo Shinto sect led by Deguchi Onisaburo. After 1945 Ueshiba began to teach again in Tokyo. It was there that the first changes came to
Aikijujutsu. Older now, and under the mental and spiritual influences of Omoto Kyo, he began to change the emphasis of Aikido from martial arts training to perfection of the
spiritual self through discipline, breath power and harmonious movement with others. Aikido was the way. Now as Aikido moved away from the martial aspect, it was accepted
by the occupying U.S. forces as a "non-martial" form of physical education. Because of the need for peace, his school out-shone all others of Aikijujutsu in Japan. And, because
of his charisma he parlayed his art into a worldwide phenomenon. Ueshiba Morihei died 26 April 1969 leaving his son Kisshomaru in charge as the second headmaster of
Aikido.
was his involvement in the Omoto Kyo Shinto sect led by Deguchi Onisaburo. After 1945 Ueshiba began to teach again in Tokyo. It was there that the first changes came to
Aikijujutsu. Older now, and under the mental and spiritual influences of Omoto Kyo, he began to change the emphasis of Aikido from martial arts training to perfection of the
spiritual self through discipline, breath power and harmonious movement with others. Aikido was the way. Now as Aikido moved away from the martial aspect, it was accepted
by the occupying U.S. forces as a "non-martial" form of physical education. Because of the need for peace, his school out-shone all others of Aikijujutsu in Japan. And, because
of his charisma he parlayed his art into a worldwide phenomenon. Ueshiba Morihei died 26 April 1969 leaving his son Kisshomaru in charge as the second headmaster of
Aikido.
Several other forms of Aikido have developed today. Two are very influential. Those are the Tomiki school and the Yoshinkai. The Tomiki school was founded by one of the
top students of Ueshiba; Tomiki Kenji. The style was developed to firstly, remove the supernatural aspects from the art, and secondly to allow competition. The Yoshinkai
form was developed by Shioda Gozo, another of Ueshiba's top students. Shioda's form strives to retain the original Daito-Ryu Aikijujutsu methods. His U.S. representative is
Takashi Kushida.
top students of Ueshiba; Tomiki Kenji. The style was developed to firstly, remove the supernatural aspects from the art, and secondly to allow competition. The Yoshinkai
form was developed by Shioda Gozo, another of Ueshiba's top students. Shioda's form strives to retain the original Daito-Ryu Aikijujutsu methods. His U.S. representative is
Takashi Kushida.
From the Yoshinkan have stemmed many schools claiming direct lineage to true Aikijujutsu, especially Daito-Ryu. In a way, this is true, because from Takeda through
Ueshiba and Shioda, the "new" Aikijujutsu schools have come into existence. What must be realized is that there are still schools today that practice actual Daito-Ryu
Aikijujutsu directly from either the Japanese source or from the assigned U.S. representatives. This does not make the other schools invalid, however. One must just realize
their origins in the scope of Jujutsu history.
Ueshiba and Shioda, the "new" Aikijujutsu schools have come into existence. What must be realized is that there are still schools today that practice actual Daito-Ryu
Aikijujutsu directly from either the Japanese source or from the assigned U.S. representatives. This does not make the other schools invalid, however. One must just realize
their origins in the scope of Jujutsu history.
JUJUTSU COMES TO THE WEST
In the late 1800's a master of Yoshin-Ryu; one Tanaka Yoshimatsu opened a dojo in Hilo, Hawaii which he called
SHINYU-KAI. One of his students; Henry Sieshiro Okazaki became pivotal in the dissemination of Jujutsu in the
modern world.
SHINYU-KAI. One of his students; Henry Sieshiro Okazaki became pivotal in the dissemination of Jujutsu in the
modern world.
Henry Sieshiro Okazaki was born on January 28, 1890 in Fukushima Prefecture, Honshu, Japan. He moved to Hilo,
Hawaii in 1906. When he was young he found himself in ill health. It was the practice of Jujutsu, he felt, that
eventually cured him of his maladies. Eventually becoming a Jujutsu master himself, he decided to break from
tradition and to teach his art to non-Japanese. Okazaki was not regarded well by his peers for this decision, but he
felt that Jujutsu should be for all people. Okazaki began to teach U.S. military men stationed in Hawaii and received
attention from the public for this. In 1921 he accepted a challenge from heavyweight boxing champion K.O. Morris,
who claimed to have travelled throughout Japan defeating Judo and Jujutsu men with boxing. In a highly publicized
fight, Okazaki defeated Morris by breaking his arm, even though Okazaki did receive a broken nose in the effort. This
victory greatly improved the reputation of Jujutsu.
Hawaii in 1906. When he was young he found himself in ill health. It was the practice of Jujutsu, he felt, that
eventually cured him of his maladies. Eventually becoming a Jujutsu master himself, he decided to break from
tradition and to teach his art to non-Japanese. Okazaki was not regarded well by his peers for this decision, but he
felt that Jujutsu should be for all people. Okazaki began to teach U.S. military men stationed in Hawaii and received
attention from the public for this. In 1921 he accepted a challenge from heavyweight boxing champion K.O. Morris,
who claimed to have travelled throughout Japan defeating Judo and Jujutsu men with boxing. In a highly publicized
fight, Okazaki defeated Morris by breaking his arm, even though Okazaki did receive a broken nose in the effort. This
victory greatly improved the reputation of Jujutsu.
Okazaki sensei opened his first school in 1930 and finally established a permanent dojo, the HAWAIIAN JUJUTSU GUILD (later called
the AMERICAN JUDO AND JUJUTSU INSTITUTE OF HAWAII) in Honolulu in 1936. Okazaki also travelled to Japan and made some
extensive studies of other Jujutsu such as Yoshin-Ryu, Kosogabe-Ryu, Nambashoshin-Ryu and Shibukawa-Ryu. He also studied
Ryukyuan Karate, Hawaiian Lua, Kung Fu and Kodokan Judo, in which he also received a Black Belt. After making these studies
Okazaki began to form his own style of Jujutsu. He called the style Kodenkan/Danzan-Ryu. Kodenkan means "School of the Ancient
Tradition" and Danzan means "Cedar Mountains", the ancient Japanese name for the Hawaiian islands. From this system Jujutsu
spread first to the United States.
the AMERICAN JUDO AND JUJUTSU INSTITUTE OF HAWAII) in Honolulu in 1936. Okazaki also travelled to Japan and made some
extensive studies of other Jujutsu such as Yoshin-Ryu, Kosogabe-Ryu, Nambashoshin-Ryu and Shibukawa-Ryu. He also studied
Ryukyuan Karate, Hawaiian Lua, Kung Fu and Kodokan Judo, in which he also received a Black Belt. After making these studies
Okazaki began to form his own style of Jujutsu. He called the style Kodenkan/Danzan-Ryu. Kodenkan means "School of the Ancient
Tradition" and Danzan means "Cedar Mountains", the ancient Japanese name for the Hawaiian islands. From this system Jujutsu
spread first to the United States.
Henry Sieshiro Okazaki died in July 1951. His son Hachiro now runs the famous Nikko Restoration and Massage Sanitorium in Honolulu,
Hawaii. Ramon Ancho is the presiding elder of the system and has appeared in many movies. He was a high ranking military man and
now does private instruction to government agencies as well as performing types of bodyguard duties in foreign countries. Prof. and
Shihan Sig Kufferath was the Soke (headmaster) of Kodenkan/Danzan-Ryu and taught in the Los Angeles, CA area. He also gave private
seminars and personal instruction in a few other areas of the country. Sig died in 1999. Shihan Fransisco Limbago is the current
president of the AJI. Although there is no legally recognized Soke - many attribute this title to Sig's longest student and teaching partner,
Tony Janovich.
Hawaii. Ramon Ancho is the presiding elder of the system and has appeared in many movies. He was a high ranking military man and
now does private instruction to government agencies as well as performing types of bodyguard duties in foreign countries. Prof. and
Shihan Sig Kufferath was the Soke (headmaster) of Kodenkan/Danzan-Ryu and taught in the Los Angeles, CA area. He also gave private
seminars and personal instruction in a few other areas of the country. Sig died in 1999. Shihan Fransisco Limbago is the current
president of the AJI. Although there is no legally recognized Soke - many attribute this title to Sig's longest student and teaching partner,
Tony Janovich.
During the early part of this century Jujutsu made a big influx into the American martial arts scene by US
contact with the orient during the Second World War. Many soldiers returned with training, however slight, and
truly raised the popularity of the grappling arts. One Jujutsu style, Hakko-Ryu came on the western scene in
the 1940's. Founded 1 June 1941 by Okuyama Yoshiji (Yoshinobu) Ryuho, Hakko-Ryu picked up a small
following in the U.S. quickly. Okuyama was born February 21, 1901 in Yachi Cho, Japan. Yoshiji learned from
Daito-Ryu master Matsuda Toshimi (Hosaku). Okuyama made some small changes and developed several
theories of unarmed combat. Hakko-Ryu is designed to thwart attacks by applying pressure to the body's
kieraku (meridians) to cause intense but nondamaging pain and thus destroys the attackers will to continue.
Okuyama created the system based on the belief that the successful application of technique versus physical
strength could neutralize and control any attacker. Hakko-Ryu means "School of the Eighth Light". The
Hakko-Ryu Hombu is located in Satama Prefecture and their heir apparent is Okuyama Toshio. The US
representatives are Dennis Palumbo of Colorado and Brian Workman of Washington state.
contact with the orient during the Second World War. Many soldiers returned with training, however slight, and
truly raised the popularity of the grappling arts. One Jujutsu style, Hakko-Ryu came on the western scene in
the 1940's. Founded 1 June 1941 by Okuyama Yoshiji (Yoshinobu) Ryuho, Hakko-Ryu picked up a small
following in the U.S. quickly. Okuyama was born February 21, 1901 in Yachi Cho, Japan. Yoshiji learned from
Daito-Ryu master Matsuda Toshimi (Hosaku). Okuyama made some small changes and developed several
theories of unarmed combat. Hakko-Ryu is designed to thwart attacks by applying pressure to the body's
kieraku (meridians) to cause intense but nondamaging pain and thus destroys the attackers will to continue.
Okuyama created the system based on the belief that the successful application of technique versus physical
strength could neutralize and control any attacker. Hakko-Ryu means "School of the Eighth Light". The
Hakko-Ryu Hombu is located in Satama Prefecture and their heir apparent is Okuyama Toshio. The US
representatives are Dennis Palumbo of Colorado and Brian Workman of Washington state.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu was founded by Helio Gracie of Brazil. Carlos Gracie, his brother had met the leader of a Japanese resettlement colony
named Maeda Esai (a.k.a. Count Koma). Maeda taught Helio Gracie the art of Jujutsu and eventually taught four of the Gracie brothers.
In 1925 Carlos and his brothers opened the first Jujutsu dojo in Brazil. Helio stood out the most of the brothers and developed the
original techniques into what is now called Gracie Jujutsu. The Gracie family is the largest "sports" family in history with 40 active
members. The Gracie family is known for having an open challenge for anyone to fight against their Jujutsu; no holds barred style. The
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu style was taught to several families in Brazil and has now spread around the world as one of the fastest growing
martial arts ever. There are now representatives all over the world.
named Maeda Esai (a.k.a. Count Koma). Maeda taught Helio Gracie the art of Jujutsu and eventually taught four of the Gracie brothers.
In 1925 Carlos and his brothers opened the first Jujutsu dojo in Brazil. Helio stood out the most of the brothers and developed the
original techniques into what is now called Gracie Jujutsu. The Gracie family is the largest "sports" family in history with 40 active
members. The Gracie family is known for having an open challenge for anyone to fight against their Jujutsu; no holds barred style. The
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu style was taught to several families in Brazil and has now spread around the world as one of the fastest growing
martial arts ever. There are now representatives all over the world.
Goshin Jutsu was founded by Tanaka Tatsu around 1950. Tanaka had studied classical Jujutsu for years, and when he finally opened
his own dojo in Tokyo in 1952, he decided to eliminate the injurious techniques from his art. He removed kicking, striking and leg tripping.
Instead he concentrated on pressure point Atemi, Kansetsu and Nage techniques. There are 150 basic techniques in his form and
Tanaka states that his main purpose in the development of his art was to promote good health through exercise and proper knowledge of
self defense.
his own dojo in Tokyo in 1952, he decided to eliminate the injurious techniques from his art. He removed kicking, striking and leg tripping.
Instead he concentrated on pressure point Atemi, Kansetsu and Nage techniques. There are 150 basic techniques in his form and
Tanaka states that his main purpose in the development of his art was to promote good health through exercise and proper knowledge of
self defense.
Small Circle Jujutsu was founded by Wally Jay. Jay was born in Hawaii on 15 June 1917. Early in life he
studied boxing and in 1935 began Jujutsu under Paul Kaelemakule. In 1940 he started to study
Kodenkan/Danzan-Ryu Jujutsu under the top student of Henry S. Okazaki; Juan Gomez. He also studied
Judo under Ken Kawachi with whom he credits for the catalyst that started the small circle theory. He also
received his oriental therapeutic massage (Siefukujutsu) diploma from Henry S. Okazaki. In 1950 he moved
to California and began to teach Jujutsu. From the 1960's on he has toured extensively teaching his style
which is based on the theory that a small tight circular movement by the Jujutsuka's hands make the
techniques more painful and effective. He resides in Alameda, California.
studied boxing and in 1935 began Jujutsu under Paul Kaelemakule. In 1940 he started to study
Kodenkan/Danzan-Ryu Jujutsu under the top student of Henry S. Okazaki; Juan Gomez. He also studied
Judo under Ken Kawachi with whom he credits for the catalyst that started the small circle theory. He also
received his oriental therapeutic massage (Siefukujutsu) diploma from Henry S. Okazaki. In 1950 he moved
to California and began to teach Jujutsu. From the 1960's on he has toured extensively teaching his style
which is based on the theory that a small tight circular movement by the Jujutsuka's hands make the
techniques more painful and effective. He resides in Alameda, California.
The system that has come to be known as ZenBudo-Ryu stems from the genius of one man -
Hanshi Raymond "Duke" Moore. Duke Moore began his training with Ray Law - a student of
Seishiro Okazaki of the Danzan Ryu. Duke Moore began in the early 1940's and has studied
Kyokushin Karate from Mas Oyama, Judo from George Yoshida, Danzan-Ryu Jujutsu from Ray
Law, Shorinji Kempo and Daito-Ryu Aikijujutsu from Richard Kim, and Jujutsu from Kiyose
Nakae. He founded his system, a combination of the best of all of his knowledge in the early
60's. He opened the now famous Market Street Dojo in San Francisco, CA, and then oversaw
over 10 dojo in Northern California for many years. He was awarded, in the early 80's the title
of Hanshi and the rank of Judan, 10th degree blackbelt by a board of senior blackbelts from
many different martial arts. In the early 80's he also founded ATAMA, American Teachers
Association of the Martial Arts. Today this is a worldwide organization that credentials martial
arts instructors by a rigid set of standards. His school was named the Zen Budokai. At 80+
years of age, he is still a Jujutsu and Karate practitioner. He has assigned a successor to the
ZenBudo-Ryu - Tim Delgman - 8th Dan.
Hanshi Raymond "Duke" Moore. Duke Moore began his training with Ray Law - a student of
Seishiro Okazaki of the Danzan Ryu. Duke Moore began in the early 1940's and has studied
Kyokushin Karate from Mas Oyama, Judo from George Yoshida, Danzan-Ryu Jujutsu from Ray
Law, Shorinji Kempo and Daito-Ryu Aikijujutsu from Richard Kim, and Jujutsu from Kiyose
Nakae. He founded his system, a combination of the best of all of his knowledge in the early
60's. He opened the now famous Market Street Dojo in San Francisco, CA, and then oversaw
over 10 dojo in Northern California for many years. He was awarded, in the early 80's the title
of Hanshi and the rank of Judan, 10th degree blackbelt by a board of senior blackbelts from
many different martial arts. In the early 80's he also founded ATAMA, American Teachers
Association of the Martial Arts. Today this is a worldwide organization that credentials martial
arts instructors by a rigid set of standards. His school was named the Zen Budokai. At 80+
years of age, he is still a Jujutsu and Karate practitioner. He has assigned a successor to the
ZenBudo-Ryu - Tim Delgman - 8th Dan.
AIKIJUTSU
JU-JITSU TODAY
Ju-Jitsu is still evolving and spreading during the beginning of the 21st century. Although today it has many names, and many "styles", it
really remains as whole and concise as it ever was. What we have learned is that there are no secret techniques. There are only so many
ways one can manipulate a body. And knowledge flows freely through organizations, competitions, training centers, video tapes, and the
internet. It is the "golden" moment for Ju-Jitsu. During this early part of the 21st century, the techniques of Ju-Jitsu can be seen in the
following named grappling arts: Mixed Martial Arts, Jujutsu, Ju-Jitsu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Pancrase, No Holds Barred, Submission
fighting/wrestling, Shoot fighting, Shooto, Cage Fighting, Ultimate Fighting, etc. What we must ensure is that the traditional ways of Jujitsu
are not lost, and that the training methods are improved for future generations.
Ju-Jitsu is still evolving and spreading during the beginning of the 21st century. Although today it has many names, and many "styles", it
really remains as whole and concise as it ever was. What we have learned is that there are no secret techniques. There are only so many
ways one can manipulate a body. And knowledge flows freely through organizations, competitions, training centers, video tapes, and the
internet. It is the "golden" moment for Ju-Jitsu. During this early part of the 21st century, the techniques of Ju-Jitsu can be seen in the
following named grappling arts: Mixed Martial Arts, Jujutsu, Ju-Jitsu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Pancrase, No Holds Barred, Submission
fighting/wrestling, Shoot fighting, Shooto, Cage Fighting, Ultimate Fighting, etc. What we must ensure is that the traditional ways of Jujitsu
are not lost, and that the training methods are improved for future generations.
| Duke Moore |
| Wally Jay |
| Helio Gracie |
| Seishiro Okazaki |
| Morehei Ueshiba |
| Jigoro Kano |
| Shiro Saigo |
| Sokaku Takeda |
Tanomo Saigo