The Arts

Dentokan Aiki Jujutsu

Our dojo offers training in the Dentokan branch of Hakko Ryu Jujutsu, a Japan-recognized branch of Hakko Ryu/Kokodo Jujutsu. The technical spectrum of Dentokan Aiki Jujutsu typically include sophisticated joint locks; immobilizations; chokes and strangulations; strikes; throws; manipulations of vital points; and aiki, or subtle physical manipulation and mental disruption. Descended from the Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu of Takeda Sokaku, Dentokan Aiki Jujutsu includes all of these combative methods, and is a system of Aiki Jujutsu that, like its predecessor arts, is noted for very relaxed and “soft,” yet extremely effective execution of technique to neutralize an attack.

Dentokan Aiki Jujutsu employs a very structured, yet progressive, principle-based training methodology that shares many similarities to the transmission of the older koryu jujutsu from which it is descended. The syllabus closely follows that of the original Hakko-ryu and Kokodo-ryu, retaining the waza catalogues of Shodan-gi, Nidan-gi, Sandan-gi, Yondan-gi, Shihan-gi, Kaiden-gi and Sandaikichu-gi. Training typically focuses on the waza within each specific set, followed after a time by henka waza, or variations of the formal waza. Henka may be a variation deals with attacks such as various strikes, kicks or grabs that one may encounter in a self-protection situation but may not be included in the formal waza of a given set. Henka waza are studied in order to increase one’s knowledge and skill and to explore the gensoku, or underlying principles contained within each waza. Through the internalization of the gensoku, one may explore the depths of the art more fully through the creation of goshin oyo, the practical applications of the waza and principles woven throughout the art.

Dentokan Aiki Jujutsu, while an effective life-protection art, is also based on a humanitarian approach to self-defense, following Okuyama Sensei’s teachings of “no challenge, no resistance, no injury,”. The techniques of Dentokan Aiki Jujutsu, while extremely efficient, and frequently painful, are designed to quickly neutralize an attack, while causing as little lasting damage as possible. However, these skills, amplified by the understanding of the previously mentioned henka, gensoku, and oyo, make possible a graduated response to any attack. One’s response may be one of neutralization followed by a non-destructive restraint or pin of an opponent to an all out counter attack, if circumstances require such measures.

The Dentokan was founded by Roy Jerry Hobbs Sensei, a very highly ranked teacher of Jujutsu, Iaijutsu, Karate-do (Shorin-ryu and Goju-ryu) and Kobudo. The mission of the Dentokan is to preserve and teach the Japanese and Okinawan martial arts Hobbs Sensei has studied and practiced over the past 50 years.

Hobbs Sensei started studying Hakko-ryu Jujutsu in 1965 directly with the founder, Ryuho Okuyama, Shodai Soke (receiving his Shihan license from him).
One of the most proficient students of Hakko Ryu was Yasuhiro Irie, who received the title "Jodai" from Okuyama Sensei which means the "value of the castle". This was a special title which meant that Irie Sensei contained the most proficient technique and spirit of his teacher. After Okuyama Sensei's death, Irie Sensei founded his own branch of Hakko Ryu called Kokodo Jujutsu (Imperial Light Way) as an expression of Hakko Ryu and Hobbs Sensei followed eventually receiving Menkyo Kaiden (License of full transmission which also included Sandaikichu) . Before Hobbs Sensei left Japan, Irie Sensei authorized Hobbs Sensei to form the Dentokan as an independent branch of Hakko Ryu.

Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaijutsu

"Classical swordsmanship may be considered the apex of Japanese martial arts, and has directly or indirectly influenced a wide range of classical and modern bujutsu and budo. Iaijutsu waza and kenjutsu kata demand exacting precision and refinement, requiring in turn, a tremendous degree of concentration and discipline. Iaijutsu is swift and precise, yet graceful; its flow lending to an aesthetic quality with significant appeal. Iaijutsu and kenjutsu training reenacts historic combative scenarios that resulted in death, creating an intensity of spirit, seriousness and focus found in few other arts." (E. Johnstone)

Both beginning and advanced students also have the opportunity to study and learn Japanese swordsmanship in the form of Iaijutsu from the Seito Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iai Heiho and Kenjutsu based on the Kendo no kata (7 tachi sword forms and 3 kodachi sword forms) of the All Japan Kendo Federation. The 10 Kendo no kata and are drawn from classical schools of Kenjutsu. Students also have the opportunity to study the Koryu fencing art of Ono Ha Itto Ryu Kenjutsu through seminars and affiliate training. "The styles described above can result in a wide range of benefits for the committed practitioner. They can include the development of correct posture, physical alignment and coordinated breathing through sophisticated, precise movement and the awareness of the physical body. This can lead to the development of heightened concentration and a calm and relaxed mind, enabling a practitioner to more effectively deal with stressful situations. These qualities may, in turn, lead to the development of confidence, dignity and compassion. It is hoped that these qualities come to permeate every aspect of one’s daily life, quietly exerting a positive influence on others, and as such, contributing to the gradual, but exponential, improvement of our communities and the progression of society at large."(E. Johnstone)

We have been authorized to form a study group in Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaijutsu Heiho under the authority of Erik Johnstone Sensei, of the Jikishin Kai, which is directed by Masayuki Shimbukuro, Hanshi. Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu is a koryu bugei (classical martial art) founded around 1590 by Hayashizaki Jinsuke Minamoto no Shigenobu. The Jikishinkai describes practicing this fascinating martial art's curriculum as "encompassing the practice of waza (solo techniques of which there are over 40), katachi (paired patterns using a wood sword or 'bokken'), and also tameshigiri (test cutting using a live/sharp sword on rolled mats). These three components serve to reinforce and improve the other to make the student of iaijutsu aware of proper body mechanics, focus, and technique for the effective use of the sword. All three of these, plus the integral observance and practice of sincere etiquette make up the core curriculum." (JKI International)

Chikarakan Jujutsu (Goshin Jujutsu)

This style of modern jujutsu was founded by Lawrence Zwerman, Kaiden Shihan after 30 years of studying jujutsu based on Hakko Ryu as well as Kodokan judo in his early years. This style of self defense focuses on a very liberal use of atemi waza (striking techniques), powerful blocking techniques as well heavy throws, reaps, joint locks and chokes to incapacitate an adversary. This "method" of martial arts has been especially useful in police arrest situations and weapon disarms, similar to that of Taiho-jutsu

Typical training in this art consists of focusing on time tested self defense and combat techniques such as maintaining combative ma-ai, tai sabaki, blocking and countering in the forms of ippon kumite (1 step sparring) and ne waza (ground techniques). Much emphasis goes into physiological structure and maintaining proper posture in order to properly defend oneself. There is also a focus to defend against techniques from other martial art styles to gain more of a broad range of possible attacks. After one develops proper technique and movement, the student may begin to test their skills against a resisting partner either standing or on the ground.