Professor Henry Okazaki

Founder of Danzan Ryu Jujitsu

The Kodenkan Danzan Ryu system was founded by Professor Henry Seishiro Okazaki in 1929 on the island of Hawaii. His Kodenkan "School of the Ancient Tradition" was the center of much controversy in the very exclusively Asian martial arts circles of those days, since he insisted on teaching his system to members of all racial groups. Yet his ability to turn out good instructors, his strong emphasis on self-defense and his knowledge of resuscitation and massage (which most schools lacked) allowed his school and system to flourish despite considerable opposition. Today there are thousands of instructors and students, who continue to hand down this ancient tradition.

The Esoteric Principles of Judo

by Prof. Henry S. Okazaki

"Since the fundamental principle acquired through the practice of Jujitsu has been elevated to a finer moral concept called Judo. "The Way of Gentleness' it may well be said that the primary objective of practicing Judo is perfection of character. And in order to perfect one's character one must be grateful for the abundant blessings of Heaven, Earth and Nature as well as for the great love of parents. One must realize his enormous debt to teachers and be ever mindful of his obligations to the general public.

As a member of a family one's first duty is to be filial to parents, to be helpful and harmonious with one's wife or husband, and to be affectionate to brothers and sisters, in order that the family may be a sound, successful and harmonious unit of the community.

As a member of a nation one must be grateful for the protection which one derives as a citizen: one must guard against self-interest and foster a spirit of social service. One must be discreet in action yet hold courage in high regard, and strive to cultivate manliness. One must be gentle, modest, polite, and resourceful; never eccentric, but striving always to practice moderation in all things. One must realize that these qualities constitute the secret of the practice of Judo.

Anyone who practices Judo should neither be afraid of the strong nor despise the weak nor should he act contrary to the strength of his enemy because of the art he has acquired. For example when a boat is set afloat on water, one man's strength is sufficient to move the boat back and forth. This is only possible because the boat floats; for if, on the on the hand, the boat is placed on the dry land, the same man's strength is scarcely sufficient to move it. It is necessary therefore that the weak should learn this fact with regard to the strong.

The forms and techniques should be remembered as the basic art of Judo. One should never use these arts against anyone without sufficient justification. Therefore refrain from arrogance and do not despise a small enemy or a weak opponent.

Every student of Judo should realize that honesty is the foundation of all virtues. Kindness is the secret of business prosperity. Amiability is the essence of success. Working pleasantly is the mother of health. Strenuous effort and diligence conquer adverse circumstances. Simplicity, fortitude, and manliness are the keys to joy and gladness; and service to humanity is the fountain of mutual existence and common prosperity.

As aptly expressed in the poem-The boughs that bear most hang lowest. One should never forget the virtue of modesty as one attains proficiency in the art of Judo. Do not disdain or regard lightly either literacy or military art; each is important and deserves equal cultivation and respect. Within constant motion and change there is tranquility; and within tranquility there is motion and change.

(Professor Okazaki is seen here with his student Tony Muran in a photograph from 1939. Years later, Tony Muran Sensei taught with Professor David Bellman at his Dojo in Torrance, California.)

Remember always parental love and one's enormous indebtedness to teachers. Be grateful for the protection of Heaven and Earth. Be a good leader to younger men. To lead younger men well will in the long run, mean to attain proficiency in the skill of Judo.

Like a drawing in India ink of the whispering of wind in the pines, the secrets of Judo can only be suggested. Only through personal experience can one comprehend the mystic ecstasy of such secrets. It is said of Jujitsu that it would require ten years of practice in order to win victory over one's self and twenty years to win victory over others.

Whatever the trials of dangers, even 'Hell under the upraised sword', remain calm and remember the doctrine imparted to you by your teacher.

A noted verse reads-"For the lotus flower to fall is to rise to the surface". Only by cultivating a receptive state of mind without preconceived ideas or thoughts can one master the secret art of reacting spontaneously and naturally without hesitation and without purposeless resistance.

These are the secrets of Kodenkan into which I have had the honor to initiate you."

Jigoro Kano, the Founder of Modern Judo Professor Kano's strong emphasis on character development was well respected by Professor Okazaki. Professor Okazaki incorporated this emphasis on character into the Kodenkan Jujitsu system. In his essay The Esoteric Principles of Judo, Okazaki wrote, "it may well be said that the primary objective of practicing Judo is perfection of character."

Professor Dom Carollo

Professor Helen Carollo is a Danzan Ryu Jujitsu Kyudan (ninth degree black belt).

This is a picture taken in the 50's at Helen and Dom's original Judo/Jujitsu Dojo in Oakland, California.

Professor David Bellman, an 8th degree black belt, is the Chief Instructor of Jujitsu at the Valley Jujitsu School. Professor Bellman began his training in the martial arts back in 1962 and is celebrating his 40th year in the arts. He began teaching jujitsu back in 1968 and is the 1976, 1977, 1990 and 1992 National Jujitsu Black Belt Champion and the nine time Southern California Jujitsu Champion. He is also the founder of the Mushin Ryu system. The American Mushin Ryu Jujitsu system was born out of the need for a system that stressed the art of self-defense, incorporating techniques with a foundation of speed, power and usefulness as well as sound fighting strategy. The techniques are simple yet effective. The system employs ground fighting methods, escapes from various holds, choking and strangulation, barring and joint locking techniques, vital point attacks and defenses, combination techniques, weapon defenses and more. This art is challenging and offers a great way to stay in shape as well as effective self-defense. Professor Bellman has been Mike Sensei's Jujitsu instructor since 1976 and is well known and respected for his technical ability as well as his strength of character.

Here are the three Professors with Mike Sensei and his oldest training partner Roland Frenzel.