Question about Danzan Ryu Jujitsu

[kumite]

I've came across a video series of Danzan Ryu Jujitsu, by Prof. Henry S. Okazaki. Can anyone give me some background on the style and if possible; Mr. Okazaki?

[Prince Loeffler]

Hi Bill, I trained briefly in Danzan Ryu Jujitsu. Here's an info Okazaki Sensei

ENRY OKAZAKI


FOUNDER OF DANZAN RYU JUJITSU

HAWAIIN STYLE

Professor Henry Seishiro Okazaki, founder and Master of the Kodenkan Danzan Ryu Jujitsu System and the American Jujitsu Institute of Hawaii, was born in the town of Kakeda, Fukushima Prefecture, on the island of Honshu, Japan, January 28, 1890. At the age of 16 he moved with his family to the island of Hawaii; and when he was 19 he was diagnosed as having tuberculosis.

In the early 1900's tuberculosis was called "consumption" or "black lung disease", and Okazaki was convinced he was going to die. Okazaki writes that "Because of this, I committed 'sutemi', self- abandonment to death." Fortunately, he came under the care and guidance of a great Jujitsu Master and Healer by the name of Kichimatsu Tanaka at his Shin Yu Kai Dojo in Hilo. Okazaki goes on to say: "Assuming I was a dead man, I practiced Judo with all my strength at the risk of my life. During this time, strangely enough, I had a complete recovery of health from the sickness, and I became the owner of a body as if made of iron! Therefore, I was convinced that my whole life was a gift from Judo and thereafter my whole life should be devoted in behalf of Judo."

In addition to his constant study of Jujitsu under Professor Tanaka, Okazaki also studied under various masters in Hilo, Hawaii, and mastered the Jujitsu styles of Yoshin Ryu, Iwaga Ryu, and Kosogabe Ryu. Furthermore, he learned Ryukyu Karate Jutsu - the Okinawan form of the Chinese hand techniques, as well as Philippino knife arts, Spanish dirk fighting, Mushi Jutsu - the Chinese Praying Mantis Style of Kung Fu, and Hawaiian Lua - the "touch of death" techniques practiced by the ancient Hawaiian warriors. He also studied American boxing and wrestling in order to understand how his Oriental arts compared and contrasted with the American styles of pugilism. In 1922, after 13 years of exhaustive study of martial arts, Tanaka Sensei finally promoted Okazaki to Black Belt.
In September of 1922, a heavyweight American boxing champion named K.O. Morris visited the islands and began to challenge Judo and other martial arts. His claim was that his boxing was superior to any Japanese fighting art. When the challenge was answered in the Hilo arena by several Japanese martial artists, they were defeated by Morris, causing them to lose face. Okazaki then challenged Morris to a match. Okazaki reportedly suffered a broken nose in the first round. He then retaliated with an arm lock which broke Morris' arm and caused him to faint from the pain. Okazaki later said, "I enhanced the reputation of Japanese Jujutsu by defeating him with much splendor." Okazaki received a gold watch from the Japanese community for restoring its honor.

In 1924, with a letter of introduction from his Sensei, Okazaki toured Japan, where he deeply studied and researched the 'okugi' - the very secret techniques, at more than fifty Jujitsu and Judo schools, including Shibukawa Ryu, Yoshin Ryu, Namba Shoshin Ryu, Take No Uchi Ryu, and many others, as well as Kodokan Judo. At the Kodokan he studied Judo under Dr. Jigoro Kano, and was promptly promoted to 3rd Degree Black Belt. During his tour he states that he acquired 675 different kinds of techniques and forms. He also made a special study of kappo and seifukujitsu -- restorative body therapy, resusitation, bone setting, and herbology -- because he recognized that the virtue of Jujitsu lay in the possibility of reversing the effects of deadly or disabling arts by restorative massage and therapeutics.

Upon his return from Japan, Henry Okazaki taught Judo and Jujitsu on the Hawaiian island of Maui. Gradually, he evolved a system of self-defense Jujitsu comprising courses for men, women, and children, including methods of defense against punching, kicking, and grabbing attacks, as well as defenses against the knife, gun, rifle, sword, and bayonet. In his system, which he called Danzan Ryu, "Sandalwood Mountain Style", he stressed the ancient principles of philosophical and moral training while retaining the best of the arts of self-defense, and restoration therapy, and combined these with the system of physical culture and mental cultivation now known as sports Judo. He thus achieved a true synthesis of ancient and modern elements which is a complete system of Judo and Jujitsu.

Professor Okazaki decided to call his style Danzan Ryu for two reasons. The first was to keep alive the memory of one of his teachers, Wo Chung, who taught him Mushi Jutsu, because he used to call the Hawaiian Islands "Danzan", which means "sandalwood mountain". Sandalwood is a sweet smelling cedar tree that the Chinese exported from Hawaii during the 1800's which they used to build their Buddhist temples. In view of this, the Chinese named Hawaii 'Danzan' - Sandalwood Mountain. The other reason is because most of Okazaki's studies took place in Hawaii.
In 1929 Okazaki moved his family to Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, and established the Okazaki Seifukujitsu Institute (also known as the Nikko Sanitarium of Restoration Massage), where he subsequently earned an international reputation for his skill as a physical therapist. His fame brought him patients from all parts of the world for relief from so-called "incurable" nerve and muscular disorders. Among his more famous patients were President Franklin Roosevelt, Olympian Johnny Weismuller, actor Charlie Chaplin, and entertainer George Burns.

Also in 1929, Professor Okazaki established his Jujitsu school, which he called Kodenkan, "The School of the Ancient Tradition," which later became known as the American Jujitsu Institute of Hawaii. His life from that time forward was devoted to instructing worthy Americans, without regard to race, color, national origin, or sex, in the arts and science of Judo, Jujitsu, and Restorative Body Therapy, and to the development of disciples who would introduce his system throughout the world. It is safe to say that when Professor Okazaki died in July, 1951, thousands of students had studied in his school. His system, Kodenkan Danzan Ryu, remains today the most widely taught, and widely imitated, system of self-defense Jujitsu in the United States.

It was Professor Okazaki's dream that one day there would be a school teaching his system in every state of the United States of America. In 1939, two of his foremost disciples returned to California and began to teach. Ray Law established his school in Oakland late in 1938, and in 1939 Bud Estes started his school in Chico. They were followed shortly by John Cahill, who started his school in Daly City, and Dick Rickerts. In 1940, these dedicated disciples of Professor Okazaki met in Oakland, California to form an organization to promote the Kodenkan Danzan Ryu system on the mainland of the United States. But after several meetings, the beginning of World War II brought a sudden halt to such meetings because of difficulty in traveling.

After the war was over, Professors Ray Law, Bud Estes, John Cahill, and Richard Rickerts banded together again with the strong intention of establishing an organization that would be dedicated to the preservation and propagation of the Okazaki system. In 1949 they started the American Judo and Jujitsu Federation (AJJF), which has grown steadily until it now is represented by schools throughout the US. Wally Jay, who founded Small Circle Jujitsu, came to the mainland in 1950 to teach Jujitsu after studying Danzan-Ryu in his native Hawaii. Jay with Willy Cahill (John's son), John Chow-Hoon, and James Muro, later formed Jujitsu America.

NOTE: Most of the information on this page came from Nikko Jujitsu.


Source:http://www.crazyjudo.com/judo_okazaki.html

[kumite]

I misunderstood the ad then. I thought the techniques were performed by Prof. Okazaki.
Prince, what was your impression of the style?

[Rasputin]

...mastered the Jujitsu styles of Yoshin Ryu, Iwaga Ryu, and Kosogabe Ryu...

...after 13 years of exhaustive study of martial arts

Wow. I am overwhelmed at the thought of mastering three styles of jujutsu in 13 years or less of study.

It is my sincere hope that I will no longer look like a complete imbecile on the mat after 13 years of dedicated study.

[Prince Loeffler]

I misunderstood the ad then. I thought the techniques were performed by Prof. Okazaki.
Prince, what was your impression of the style?

Hi Bill, For the short time I was there, I'd say a majority of techniques practice are heavily influenced in Judo as most of the kihon I was exposed to was mostly standing and kneeling throws. I can't say much about the ground fighting system of Danzan Ryu as I was only training in this art roughly about 6 months.

[daringdex]

Hi there... Let's put it this way... Danzan Ryu Jujitsu is like judo but add some leglocks on the trey.... It is like a package deal of jujitsu and judo.... my suggestion, try it and see it yourself... It is only you who could really decide if u will like their curriculum..

Have a nice day!!!

[Prince Loeffler]

Hi there... Let's put it this way... Danzan Ryu Jujitsu is like judo but add some leglocks on the trey.... It is like a package deal of jujitsu and judo.... my suggestion, try it and see it yourself... It is only you who could really decide if u will like their curriculum..

Have a nice day!!!

That's Interesting Dex ! So long did you train in DR ?

[Mekugi]

Here is a run-down of what is usually taught:

Shoden - Beginning Transmission

Those who propose to pursue the art and discipline of Judo should first learn to face the strong without fear and the weak without disdain, and apply the techniques that they have learned to their opponents without resisting the opponent's strength. This principle can be compared to the strength of an individual who can control and manipulate a boat at ease and at will so long as the boat is floating on water, whereas the moment the boat finds itself on land it often defies the attempt of several strong men to move it. This is the very first principle of Yawara (Softness) that a Judoist must learn while he as an underdog faces an opponent who is stronger and more formidable in size as well as in physical strength.

Yawara - Hand Arts, 20 basics
Nage Te - Throwing Arts, 20 basics
Shime Te - Choking/Constriction Arts, 25 basics
Yonenbu No Kata - Children's Class Arts, 15 throws
Those techniques mentioned above are hereby presented as comprising the Shoden (the first principles) of Danzan-Ryu Judo. Refrain from throwing people down without good cause and without good reason. Learn to be humble and guard against arrogance and haughtiness. Cultivate the spirit of simplicity and fortitude, and live and let live in harmony with your fellow human beings.

-----------------------

Chuden - Middle Transmissions

Oku Te - Deep Arts, 25 basics
Kiai No Maki - Scroll of the Kiai, 27 basics
Fusegi Jutsu - Self-Defense Course, 25 techniques plus strikes, knife and gun defenses
Fujin Goshin No Maki - Women's Self-Defense Scroll, 35 basics
Keisatsu Gijutsu - Police Arts, 120 basics
Those techniques mentioned above are hereby presented as comprising the Chuden section (The intermediate principles) of Danzan-Ryu Judo. Remember the proverb, "Minoru hodo, Atama no hikuki, Inaho kana" (The boughs that bear most hang lowest), and do not forget that the greater and the more mature a man is, the humbler and the more modest he becomes. It is said also that you can conquer yourself only after ten years of training in jujitsu, and you can conquer others and be a master of others only after twenty years of training in Jujitsu. The secret and quintessence of judo can be gained only after you empty yourself and rid your mind of all ideas and thoughts, and attain a state of complete freedom and nothingness. Learn the essence of our system, and the secret to the mysteries. These I pass on to you.

-----------------------

This is where the Mokuroku scroll ended. All further teachings were transmitted directly to students.

-----------------------

Okuden - Deep Transmissions

Shinnin No Maki - Spirit Man Scroll, 35 techniques
Shinyo No Maki - "Yang" Spirit Scroll, 28 techniques

-----------------------

Koden - Oral Transmissions

Shingen No Maki - Original Spirit Scroll, 35 techniques

-----------------------

Healing Arts

Kappo - Resuscitation Technique
Seifukujutsu - Adjustment & Restoration Techniques

Retrieved June 6th, 2006 from: http://www.danzan.com/HTML/mokuroku.html

[daringdex]

That's Interesting Dex ! So long did you train in DR ?

Hi Prince,,,

Sorry for the late reply here..... My friend Tried it and said that it was really like judo.... The grappling part will just come along the curriculum... It is like judo in a way because they will also teach you throws similar to judo and as well as the grappling techniques... Try it!!!!

The Dojo Danzan Ryu is quite far from my place but given the chance I will train there....

Some FYIs here:
Judo- Known for their throws and pins,Armlocks and chokes
Wresling - Known for devastating Takedows and positioning(mostly top game)
BJJ- Known for the Guard postion and some modified Submissions .Good for ground fighting(really concentrated on ground fighting)
Sambo - Most people say that it is also Judo but with very dangerous leglocks...

I'm not sure if the said things above are accurate but that is how I view Them.. I would just like to share it..

Have a nice day again!!!

[wab25]

Wow. I am overwhelmed at the thought of mastering three styles of jujutsu in 13 years or less of study.

It is my sincere hope that I will no longer look like a complete imbecile on the mat after 13 years of dedicated study.

You take things out of context. It took him 13 years to get his black belt, under Professor Tanaka. Contrast that to 3 years in McDojo land. He did study 3 styles of jujitsu extensively, however, it is not mentioned how long it took for him to gain rank in those systems, nor to be considered a master in any of them. The time frame of 13 years, was given for his shodan level black belt. He did have considerable skill in judo and jujitsu. His trip to Japan, lasted less than a year. He visited many schools there. In the short time he was studying with Kano, Kano promoted him to 3rd degree black belt and gave him an instructors scroll. This was not some unheard of, McSensei, this was Dr. Jigoro Kano. Okazaki was also a master of Hawaiin Lua, and was considered one of the top two Lua practicioners and instructors. He was the first non-hawaiin to be taught Lua.

Also, KO Morris was not his only fight. He took many fights against people from different martial arts. KO Morris was the only one that we hear a lot of talk about. He did however, participate in quite a few mixed martial arts contests, and regularly sent his students to compete as well.

[wab25]

I've came across a video series of Danzan Ryu Jujitsu, by Prof. Henry S. Okazaki. Can anyone give me some background on the style and if possible; Mr. Okazaki?

What video series is this? If its old footage of Okazaki and his students, I would love to get a hold of a copy. There are films of okazaki out there, running through the different lists, they are just hard to find. Many of the professors of DZR also put out video series. Some are much better than others. If you find stuff from Prof Hudson, his videos are usually the best presentation of our system. Some of the other professors, videos are not so good.

[Mekugi]

Hey guys!

Remember when your dad used to pop his head in on your slumber party, after mom complained to him, and told you in a not so serious voice to "keep it down."? Well, this thread has the potential for mud slinging, and although I don't think it will degenerate, lets umm...."keep it down."

-Russ

[Yang Wei Xin]

Okazaki was the man, NUFF SAID.

McDojo my arse.

I would say that if you respect Wally Jay, or Ming Lum or any number of other current grand masters, then you have to respect Okazaki, because he taught them.

[Abbax8]

If I remember correctly, he also taught a man named Charlie Kalani, alias Prof. Toru Tanaka of professional wrestling fame. Tanaka was a good judoka in his own right and a wonderful person outside the ring by people who knew him. He credited a lot of his attitude to his sensei.

Peace

Dennis

[wab25]

If I remember correctly, he also taught a man named Charlie Kalani, alias Prof. Toru Tanaka of professional wrestling fame. Tanaka was a good judoka in his own right and a wonderful person outside the ring by people who knew him. He credited a lot of his attitude to his sensei.

Peace

Dennis

Sorry for being a bit confused..... Who was Charlie Kalani's sensei? Okazaki?

[kumite]

William, here's the site: http://www.martialartsmart.net/tc-wc101.html

[Kevin]

Okazaki's martial arts descendants include several famous martial artists:

Okazaki => Wally Jay (founder of small circle JJ)
Okazaki => Adriano Emperado (founder of Kajukenbo)
Okazaki => James Mitose (famous JJ proponent) => Ed Parker (founder of kenpo)

Interesting man.

[wab25]

William, here's the site: http://www.martialartsmart.net/tc-wc101.html

Thanks for the link. I watched the video clips, and they do not show Okazaki. I am not sure who is in the videos. Who ever put the clips together, is not familiar with our system, they show nage and call it shime, they show shime and call it yawara, they show oku and call it nage..... Also, the skill being demonstrated is not what I would consider good.

Here are some clips from Prof Hudson: http://www.profhudson.com/videos/trailers.html
He tends to talk a bit before demonstrating technique, so bear with him. ( I don't have sound on this computer, at work, so I don't know what he is saying) When he gets to the technique, you will see a better representation of what we do. He is showing kata and drills. One thing to notice, is how he is always on balance and how he uses very efficient motion to accomplish each technique.

If you wanted to buy DZR videos, I would choose the Prof Hudson videos over the ones you found. Video showing Okazaki will be black and white, and made from old film. (one of Hudsons video clips has a picture of Okazaki in front of an American flag)

[kumite]

Thanks for the link. I watched the video clips, and they do not show Okazaki. I am not sure who is in the videos. Who ever put the clips together, is not familiar with our system, they show nage and call it shime, they show shime and call it yawara, they show oku and call it nage..... Also, the skill being demonstrated is not what I would consider good.

Here are some clips from Prof Hudson: http://www.profhudson.com/videos/trailers.html
He tends to talk a bit before demonstrating technique, so bear with him. ( I don't have sound on this computer, at work, so I don't know what he is saying) When he gets to the technique, you will see a better representation of what we do. He is showing kata and drills. One thing to notice, is how he is always on balance and how he uses very efficient motion to accomplish each technique.

If you wanted to buy DZR videos, I would choose the Prof Hudson videos over the ones you found. Video showing Okazaki will be black and white, and made from old film. (one of Hudsons video clips has a picture of Okazaki in front of an American flag)

Thanks for the warning. You'd think people would research someone before marketing their videos.

[wab25]

kumite, out of idle curiosity, did you look at the Prof Hudson videos in the link I posted? Just wondering what you thought of them.