KODENKAN of Phoenix
DANZAN RYU Jujitsu was founded by the late Professor H. Seishiro Okazaki after extensively studying various Jujitsu styles in Japan. In 1906, he relocated to the territory of Hawaii. Professor Okazaki is credited for being one of the first Asian born instructors to break from tradition and teach Japanese martial arts to the non-Japanese. In fact, it is reported that in 1922, Professor Okazaki taught two non Japanese students, Dr. Baldwin of Hilo, and Chief Fatoio of Samoa. For this he was severely reprimanded by his instructors.
Prior to this, it was taught exclusively only to those of the Oriental race. Because of his dedication to making Jujitsu available to all persons, regardless of ethnic origin, handicap and/or gender. Professor Okazaki was looked down upon by some of his martial arts colleagues for this.
The origin of Jujitsu is shrouded in antiquity: historians have traced it back as far as 23 B.C., when Nomi no Sukune grappled with a man named Atema Kerihaya and defeated him. Generally speaking, however, it came into prominence around 700 A.D. It was only taught to the elite Samurai class, in the event they lost their weaponry in battle and had to engage an armed opponent.
The Takecuchi school of Jujitsu was founded in the first year of Tenmon, 1532 A.D. during the age of civil wars. During the Keicho period (three hundred forty years ago), Chinese kenpo was introduced to Japan by Chinese emigrants, followed by Cheng Yuan-Ping of Ming China who taught techniques of arresting fugitives during the Shoho period (three hundred years ago). These Chinese techniques were then combined with the traditional Jujitsu techniques of Japan.
The golden years for Jujitsu were from the late 17th century to the mid-19th century. There were over 700 Jujitsu systems in Japan between 1600 A.D. and 1650 A.D. The art of Jujitsu is battlefield-expedient and only the very best survived to teach, and pass down, their arts.
Literally, Jujitsu is the art (jitsu) of suppleness, flexibility and gentleness. The vital issue in battlefield Jujitsu was its combat effectiveness. Methods were tested in duels and public competitions among members of various schools. These encounters were frequently lethal. Such testing not only improved weapons and ways of employing them, but also established the reputation of the survivors.
Danzan Ryu Jujitsu is comprised of a well-rounded balance of techniques consisting of Ukemi (falls), Yawara (hand arts), Nage No Kata (throwing forms), Shime No Kata (mat arts), Oku No Kata (combination arts/deep arts), Kiai No Maki (scroll of the kiai), Fujin Goshin No Maki (women's self defense scrolls), Keisatsu (police arts), Shinnin No Maki (spirit man scroll), Shinyo No Maki (yang spirit scroll), Shingen No Maki (original spirit scroll), Kappo (resuscitation techniques) and Seifukujutsu (adjustment and restoration techniques).
Designed by MDA. Ltd., April 2002
