Danzan Ryu
Danzan Ryu is an eclectic system of Japanese Jujitsu, founded in early 20th-century Hawaii by Seishiro “Henry” Okazaki.
Danzan Ryu means “Sandalwood Mountain Style” and reflects its origins in traditional Japanese and Hawaiian culture. It is a comprehensive martial art embracing multiple systems, including Japanese Jujitsu, Judo, Filipino knife fighting, Chinese Kung Fu, Western Boxing, Wrestling, and Hawaiian Lua. It remains a self-defense and healing art built on pillars like Kokua (cooperation), Momoho (non-resistance), and the mastery of the Restoration Massage (Seifukujitsu), a unique requirement for high-level practitioners.
Henry Seishiro Okazaki (1890-1951) was the founder of Danzan Ryu. Born in Japan, he moved to Hawaii at age 16. He dedicated himself to martial arts to recover from a serious lung ailment and vowed to share the benefits of training with everyone, regardless of race—a revolutionary stance at the time. After refining his knowledge in Japan, he established the Kodenkan Dojo in Hawaii, where he formalized the Danzan Ryu system. He is recognized as a pioneer who broke traditional barriers by teaching non-Japanese students.