The Kodenkan Center

Danzan Ryu Jujitsu

Class Instructors:
- Barry Holck, Shihan
- David Shemwell, Sensei
Class Schedule:
- Children (ages 7-12):
  Monday, Wednesday, Friday
  - 9:15 - 10:15 AM
  - 4:30 - 5:30 PM
- Teens and Adults
  - Monday, Wednesday & Friday
    - 9:15 - 10:15 AM
    - 10:15 - 11:15 AM
  - Monday, Wednesday
    - 5:30 - 7:30 PM
  - Saturday
    - 2:00 - 3:00 PM
    - 3:00 - 3:30 PM (Advanced)
    - 3:30 - 4:30 PM (black belts)
Danzan Ryu jujitsu is one of the most prominent styles of jujitsu in the world today. The founder, Seishiro Okazaki, first opened the doors of his Hawaii dojo (now called the American Jujitsu Institute of Hawaii) in 1930. Danzan Ryu jujitsu is an eclectic mix of styles, in which Okazaki combined the best aspects of classical Japanese jujitsu, Chinese gung fu, Hawaiian lua (wrestling), Okinawa karate, Filipino escrima and American wrestling.

In Okazaki\'s words, the philosophy behind his martial art is:

"The primary objective of the study of the martial arts should be for the perfection of one\'s character. In order to perfect one\'s character, one must be grateful for the abundant blessings of the heavens, the earth, nature, and life. One must have care, support, concern, and great love for one\'s parents for the gift of life; one must realize the enormous debt to teachers for the gift of knowledge. One must be ever mindful of one\'s obligations to society."

This philosophy led Okazaki to open his doors to all students, including non Asians and women, an unusual (and to some traditionalists, unwelcome) approach at that time.

This class embraces Okazaki\'s philosophy, and strives to improve the mental, spiritual and physical well being of its students, as well as teach practical self defense techniques. It is open to all ages, from children to adults.