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Danzan Medicine ancienttradition.com |  ryu t3 chathamanimal.com | Ryu cans1.org |
Danzan-Ryū (檀山流, "Sandalwood Mountain School" from a Chinese name for Hawaii) is a Ryū of jujutsu founded by Henry Seishiro Okazaki (1890–1951) in Hawaii. Danzan Ryū is ubiquitous in the United States, particularly on the west coast. For a Danzan Ryū syllabus, see Danzan Ryū Lists. [edit] History[edit] Seishiro Okazaki (Henry)Seishiro Okazaki was born in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan in 1890. (He later took the western name, "Henry".) In 1906, he immigrated to the Island of Hawaii. At that time, he was afflicted with a pulmonary condition which cannot be accurately identified but was believed to have been tuberculosis. It was during this time, however, that young Okazaki came under the wing of a Yoshin-Ryū jujutsu sensei by the name of Yoshimatsu Tanaka in Hilo. Okazaki began to study intensely under Tanaka sensei, and ultimately found that the lung condition went into remission. Okazaki felt that the study of martial arts had a large role in his physical recovery and, as a result, it is said that he decided to dedicate his life to the study and teaching of jujitsu and related disciplines. In 1924, Okazaki returned to Japan and underwent a study of the various schools, or "ryū-ha" of the most popular Jūjutsu styles of the times: Yōshin-ryū, Namba-Shoshin Ryū, Iwaga Ryū, Kosogabe Ryū, Kōdōkan Jūdō and several others. When he returned to the Islands later that year, he continued his study of Jūjutsu under the various masters who had come to Hawaii from Japan. Incorporating, not only traditional Jūjutsu but also Hawaiian Lua, Okinawan Karate, Filipino Eskrima, Chinese Kung Fu and American wrestling, he began to "evolve" the best and most effective aspects of the several systems into an eclectic system which he called Danzan Ryū. Okazaki used this name to honor his Chinese martial arts teacher, Wo Chong. The Chinese term for Hawai'i is T'an Shan (or in Japanese, Dan Zan) which translates as sandalwood mountain. Hence the term Danzan-Ryu means Hawaiian Style. [edit] First classesBy all accounts[citation needed] the original classes were grueling, and as below, Okazaki taught different courses to different individuals. One of the striking aspects of his philosophy was that he was willing to teach both people of non-Asian extraction and women the arts. This is said to have been frowned upon by the Asian community in Hawaii at that time. (Esmailzadeh 1) During the time of the original classes in Hawaii, it took around four years to get a Nidan and students trained 6–7 days a week. Sigfried Kufferath, later elected Professor by the AJI, received his Shodan in May 1941. Kodenkan and Kokua The Kodenkan was the name of Okazaki's school in Hawaii. The name Kodenkan may be translated as "The School of the Ancient Tradition" or as "The School in Which Senior Students Transmit the Tradition." Both translations are accurate. The method of instruction requires senior students to teach less advanced students in the spirit that Okazaki declared was inherent in the Hawaiian word kokua: to mutually help one another. This spirit of kokua is the foundational philosophy of the AJJF. [edit] SeifukujutsuThe seifukujutsu was Okazaki's gift to honor the traditions of martial arts, from which he derived benefit in his initial study of martial arts after arriving in his new home of Hawaii. Shortly after arriving he contracted tuberculosis, which in those days was almost always fatal. "Upon completing about a year of study," Okazaki wrote in his Esoteric Principles (contained in the Mokuroku scroll given to his pupils who mastered his system), "I acquired a body of iron" (paraphrased), so he dedicated his life to the study of martial arts and the healing techniques associated with each style he took up. Some of his students carried on his healing traditions; in 1984, third and fourth generation devotees standardized his style of massage (from notes by Okazaki's students) into the AJJF certification program in Okazaki Restorative Massage (recognized by the AOBTA as ORM, but also known as Okazaki Long Life, Nikko Restorative Massage). [edit] World War II and laterShortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, on December 7, 1941, Okazaki, along with many Japanese, was interned for six months. (Note: This is alleged, but not substantiated through FOIA requests to the U.S. Government. It is possible that he was only held under arrest and not placed in an interment camp.) He was released relatively quickly because of the intervention of parties unknown. He was also fortunate in that his dojo was unmolested, as his students protected it from looters who ransacked Japanese homes and businesses. Because of the preservation of his assets, he was able to lend aid to the Asian community who had formerly shunned him. In this way he became accepted by them. During wartime, Okazaki continued teaching and also assisted the US military in creating a hand-to-hand combat curriculum (based largely on the 120 Commando Technique list). Ironically, at the same time, Gichin Funakoshi, the father of modern Karate, was responsible for hand-to-hand training of many members of the Japanese military (Funakoshi 88). Okazaki is sometimes said to have been responsible for the WWII US Army Field Combatives Manual FM 21-150, but there is no evidence of this (and substantial evidence to the contrary), and the techniques shown are only remotely similar to DZR. It is true that DZR was the basis for some Military Police training manuals in the 1950s, largely through the teaching efforts of Richard Rickerts, one of Okazaki's most senior students. Okazaki suffered a stroke in July 1948, from which he recovered somewhat in 1949, when he continued teaching. Okazaki died on July 12, 1951 at the age of sixty-two. He left a rich martial arts legacy which has grown and branched for more than fifty years. [edit] TodayThere are many other Danzan Ryū and DZR-influenced organizations which have developed over time and are now separated into various schools of thought. The most widely-known international federations today are the American Jujitsu Institute, Jujitsu America, the American Judo and Jujitsu Federation, and Small Circle Jujitsu. [edit] The AJIThe original Danzan Ryū Organization was the American Jujitsu Institute, founded by Okazaki in 1939. The AJI is the oldest martial arts organization in the United States. The AJI has continued to the present day, and is currently under the direction of its President, Sam C. Luke, Karate Division Vice President Charles P.K. Lee, and Jujitsu Vice President Daniel Saragosa. Its patronage and sponsorship of the major Danzan Ryu projects over the past two decades have proved crucial to their successes. [edit] Jujitsu AmericaKodenkan Jujitsu is the core art of Jujitsu America, the organization is proud to embrace the teachings of an expansive base of martial arts. Jujitsu America members come representing a variety of arts including several styles of jujitsu, judo, karate, aikido, kajukenbo, kenpo, kung fu, tae kwon do, hapkido, escrima, and others. Jujitsu America is an organization dedicated to preserving the rich traditions of the arts practiced by its members, while also being keenly focused on developing methods to improve and expand the scope and effectiveness of its members as more complete martial artists and, more importantly, as better people because of the lessons learned through the process of training. [edit] The AJJFThe American Judo and Jujitsu Federation (AJJF) founded in 1948 by Bud Estes, Richard Rickerts, John Cahill and Ray Law. In 1958, the AJJF was incorporated in the State of California as a non-profit organization.[citation needed]Active Cal. Corp. C0353438, 4/21/1958; Cal. Sec. State, Business Search 5/19/2008} The AJJF now has dojos all over the country and looks after the interests of over a thousand members. They have also created a standardized curriculum. The AJJF is the largest martial arts organization in the United States. [edit] Small Circle JujitsuWally Jay is the founder of Small Circle Jujitsu. His Small Circle Theory improved and cumulated until 1987, when it officially became recognized as a complete jujitsu style of its own, now known as Small Circle Jujitsu. Many had recognized the small circle system as being a separate style for many years, but after an article in Black Belt magazine, it was official. Jay's small circle jujitsu techniques are smooth and functional because of his creation of the flow, which interchangeable techniques are used to counterattack the moves of the attacker. Small Circle Jujitsu evolved from combining many sources and elements, and continues to evolve as Jay and others enhance the style with their knowledge. [edit] Kaito GakkoKaito Gakko was formed under David Kawaikoolihilihi Nuuhiwa, who had been a proponent of the martial arts since 1938. David, who was affectionately known to many as “Uncle David”, studied and trained in Danzan-Ryu Jujitsu under both Prof. Henry Seishiro Okazaki and John Cahill. Kaito Gakko was the name that he gave his martial arts school. Nuuhiwa’s fighting system was a style based on his own fighting experiences, Danzan-Ryu Jujitsu, Japanese, Chinese and Hawaiian martial arts. David had won more than 100 consecutive matches during his career. In 1958, he was awarded the title of “Doctor and Professor Kaito” by his fellow martial art practitioners in Japan, where he earned the degree of 12th Dan in karate. Kaito literally means “The Best of the East and West.” He was awarded the legendary Red Belt from Japan and was the last remaining survivor to achieve such an illustrious status. At the time of award, he was one of only five in the world to hold this rank and the only American ever to hold this honor. David was also an expert in the ancient Hawaiian fighting art of Lua and a healing arts practitioner. Lua was also used to heal those who were sick and injured. Several hundreds, including professional athletes and celebrities, came to Uncle David for physical therapy. Many martial artist's sought to validate the Hawaiian Art forms under his domain. David Nuuhiwa Sr. passed away on January 21, 2005 in Honolulu, Hawai’i after a courageous battle with stomach cancer. Today, his Kaito Gakko school, aloha and teachings are carried on by his wife Lily Nuuhiwa, Bruce Keaulani, Kalani Akui, Carlos Gallegos, Alyxzander Bear, Ramon Gallegos and Dinh Nguyen. [edit] Kodenkan YudanshakaiThe Kodenkan Yudanshakai, founded in 1967 by Joseph Holck, is a traditional martial arts association with locations in major metropolitan areas of Arizona. The Kodenkan Yudanshakai was founded by Joseph Holck and his family in 1967 to continue the school founded by Joseph's Brother Roy Holck in 1962. The Yudanshakai teaches such martial arts as Danzan Ryū Jūjutsu, Shorin-ryū Karate, Matsuno Ryu Goshinjitsu, Nihon Jujitsu, Kodenkan Bokkendo, Hiraido Jujitsu, Northern Praying Mantis Kung Fu, Judo and other arts. The Kodenkan Yudanshakai has grown over the years and presently has dojos in Arizona, Hawaii, California and Montana, including six in the Tucson-Phoenix metro area. The organization continues its perpetuation of the martial arts under the guidance of Joseph Holck and his family; Vinson Holck, Barry Holck, Meleana Holck-Tomooka, Amy Holck, Aaron Holck, Emmet Holck, Joyce Holck, Wilbert Holck and Willard Holck. [edit] Shoshin Ryu YudanshakaiShoshin Ryu Yudanshakai was founded by Michael Chubb to provide an educational, athletic, and recreational outlet to aid the physical, moral, and social development of adults and children within the framework of the sport and martial art of Danzan Ryu Jujitsu. It was incoporated in 1987 in the State of California and has been instrumental in the creation and maintenance of several inter-organizational projects, including the Ohana weekends, the Danzan Ryu Hall of Fame and the H.S. Okazaki National Jujitsu Championships. [edit] Jujitsu AmericaIn 1978 Wally Jay, John Chow-Hoon, Carl Beaver and others created Jujitsu America. They seceded from the Hawaiian based American Jujitsu Institute (which was the Kodenkan organization) after a conflict of ideologies and methodologies. This group represented the mainland jujitsuka who decided to break away from the old organization. The Hawaiian leaders wished to perpetuate the traditions of the Kodenkan system while the statesiders wanted to update and improve their fighting skills to reflect certain modern realities. The objects and purposes of Jujitsu America shall be to promote and foster the development and cultivation of a better understanding of the art and science of Jujitsu among its members; and to promote and propagate the teachings and philosophies of the recognized and established systems of Jujitsu in America and affiliate International Unions of Jujitsu. It is further the intent and purpose of Jujitsu America to encourage a systematic practice of modern Kodenkan Jujitsu and related arts, in honor of the founder of Kodenkan Jujitsu, Henry Okazaki. [edit] KDRJAThe Kodenkan Danzan-Ryū Jujitsu Association (KDRJA) was founded by Sig Kufferath, Tony Janovich, Ramon Ancho, and Doug Kiehl. Its mission is: 1. To provide students with guidelines and a road map for understanding and practicing the ancient arts and sciences of Kodenkan Danzan Ryu Jujitsu as taught by H. Seishiro Okazaki. 2. To carry-on the teaching and perspective of the late Professors Kufferath and Ancho. 3. Support the activities of the Danzan Alliance. [edit] Kilohana Martial Arts AssociationKilohana Martial Arts Association was founded by Sig Kufferath, James Muro, Russell Rhodes, and others. The Kilohana Charter states the organizational goals are to perpetuate the teachings and study of Danzan Ryū Ju Jitsu, Ken Ju Ryu Kenpo Ju Jitsu, Kōdōkan Jūdō and provide an environment for the study of other martial disciplines to provide the widest possible exposure to all aspects of martial arts for Kilohana Students. [edit] Kodenkan HombuKodenkan Hombu (Costa Rica), of Ramon Lono Ancho Jr. (deceased) and Bill Beach's Hawaiian Jiu-Jitsu System, Inc., as well as The Southern California Jujitsu Association founded in 1979 by James A. Marcinkus (deceased). [edit] Christian Jujitsu AssociationThe Christian Jujitsu Association was founded by Gene Edwards. The Christian Jujitsu Association is a Danzan Ryū organization including the Christian philosophy. [edit] The Bushidokan FederationThe Bushidokan Federation is a union of dojos from around the world practicing the art of Dan Zan Ryu Zenyo Bujitsu. This system was originated by Herb Lague who began his martial arts studies in 1950, studying Boxing, Judo, Savate, Aikido, Lama Pai, and Jujitsu. Dan Zan Ryu Zenyo Bujutsu was formulated from these systems and uses a framework of Danzan Ryu Jujitsu to teach the principles of Zenyo throughout the system. While upholding certain principles common to many dojos, each dojo in the Bushidokan Federation retains its own autonomy and recognizes the sensei of each dojo as the head instructor. Member dojos are currently in Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, Israel, Italy, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia/Yugoslavia, and the United States (Alaska, California, Florida, Hawaii, Maine, and Nevada). [edit] Quantum JujitsuQuantum Jujitsu was founded by Jeremy Corbell in 1996. It has as its basis Yoga, Capoeira and Danzan Ryu principles. [edit] Evolution JujitsuEvolution Jujitsu was founded by Alex Aquino Sensei in Pasadena California 1995, as an answer to the rise of the mixed martial arts phenomenon in the US. The focus of the group is simple: Use Danzan Ryu as a vehicle to go back to the combat tested roots of Jujutsu, and constantly evolve, and develop, through experimentation, and competition. [edit] Kodenkan Ohana AllianceThe Kodenkan Ohana Alliance is a group of autonomous Kodenkan Danzan-Ryu Jujitsu and affiliated organizations dedicated to the principles handed down by Henry S. Okazaki and aligning themselves to the Ohana family and actively supporting the Ohana convention event. This group is responsible for planning and implementing the Ohana convention. (see below) [edit] Zen Budokai JujitsuZen Budokai Aiki Jujitsu was founded by Raymond "Duke" Moore, who began his training in the 1940's with Ray Law. Moore received advanced black belts in Karate, Judo, and Jujitsu, and in the 1960's founded his system. The Zen Budokai system began in San Francisco and spread from there around Northern California, then around the U.S. and the world. Zen Budokai focuses on practical jujitsu and self-defense. Zen Budokai jujitsu is taught by 9th dan (and current system leader) Tim Delgman in San Francisco and is taught by 9th dan Jim Moses in Stanford at the Stanford Jujitsu Club. See either link for more information. [edit] EventsThe most focal event of the post-Okazaki era in Danzan-Ryū is the biannual Ohana Celebration. This event includes members from all of the organizations focused on the teachings of Okazaki. The organizations come together for a weekend of clinics, competition, and camaraderie to share the Kodenkan spirit. Ohana was founded in 1990 by Mike Chubb and Bill Fischer, and is hosted by a different organization each time. It is usually held on Labor Day weekend. Other past events include the two Kodenkan Okugi classes held in Santa Clara, CA. These two events, one in the summer of 1993 and one in the winter of 2003, brought a number of Danzan-Ryū instructors together to learn the system from Sig Kufferath and his senior student Tony Janovich. Kufferath had been a graduate of the same class held in 1948 under the direction of Okazaki. Over the many years, the methods of performing Okazaki's arts had diverged into a number of different styles. This class, whose contents were designed by Janovich under the direction of Kufferath, was designed to show interested instructors how the arts had been done by Okazaki according to Kufferath, and how he had modified several arts. Students were instructed in all of the combat arts as well as the eleven required methods of resuscitation. The students who graduated from these classes were awarded with Kaiden no Sho, or complete transmission certificates, and were given the title of either Renshi (trainer), Kyoshi (teacher) or Shihan (master). Before Kufferath's death in 1999, he and Janovich had planned to hold a second class in 2003, ten years after the previous class. This had been the plan of Okazaki after his 1948 class, but his death in 1951 prevented this. Janovich carried out the plan and held this class in January and February 2003. There are tentative plans for the Kodenkan dojo to hold another class in the future. Note 1: Other classes that have been called "okugi" have taken place, but were not sanctioned by Kufferath. Note 2: Okazaki's 1948 class was called the "special Sunday class" and not the Okugi class. The name "Okugi Class" was coined and copyrighted by Tony Janovich. [edit] References
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