Training Curriculum

Professor Okazaki named his dojo the Kodenkan, which translates as “Ancient Tradition School.” The significance of this name is that it means a school where the more advanced students teach the less advanced students. Okazaki described this spirit by using the Hawaiian word, Kokua, “to mutually help one another.”

Training in Danzan Ryu JuJitsu begins with basic warm-ups that include conditioning, flexibility and strengthening exercises. Okazaki formulated a list of these exercises called the Kowami. Beginning students will also learn Sutemi, the rolls and falls. These techniques will teach balance and coordination and allow students to be thrown safely.

The Danzan Ryu curriculum is broken down into different levels (see below). Each list of techniques (Yawara, Nage, Shime, etc.) is referred to as a board. In Okazaki’s dojo the lists were written on boards on the wall. In additional to the boards there are certain Kuden or orally transmitted materials that are necessary at each level.

Also on the wall in the Kodenkan were certain sayings that Okazaki felt were important. One was Bun Shikashite Bu which means the literary arts are just as important as the martial arts. Another was Sei Chu Do which means stillness amidst commotion.