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No Injury - Kizu Tsukezu
With Hakko Ryu, for the first time, the eyes of the dragon are drawn."
Shodai Soke Okuyama Ryuho

Hakko Ryu is based on a philosophical view of the color spectrum as being divided into nine bands of light. The eighth shade is infrared, which is invisible to the naked eye but extremely powerful, as are Hakko Ryu techniques. Hakko Ryu Jujutsu was founded on June 1, 1941 by Ryuho Okuyama in Japan. Hakko Ryu is designed to handle attacks by applying pressure on the body's Keiraku (Meridian Energy Pathways) to cause intense but non-damaging pain and thus destroy the attacker's will to continue. The aim of Hakko Ryu technique is to neutralize, control and discourage an attacker with techniques that employ minimal strength yet generate maximum efficiency. Okuyama Sensei created his system upon the belief that the successful application of technique verses the application of physical strength could overcome attacks in a self-defense context. The ability to neutralize and control both the attacker and the situation is the hallmark of Hakko Ryu Jujutsu, which translates as "School of the Eight Lights". During one's training, tensing and the use of power are discouraged in favor of suppleness and flexibility. The "Gensoku" or principle behind each technique compensates for power. Hakko Ryu does not teach specific techniques and defenses for a myriad of possible attacks, but instead teaches a mastery of the "Gensoku" principles upon which the techniques are based. The most important aspect of the Hakko Ryu principles and their application is the emphasis placed on the little finger side of the hand. All gripping techniques stress the pulling motion of the pinky side of the hand, where blocking and pinning are also performed.

Many of Hakko Ryu's control techniques do not involve an unnatural twisting of the joints, but rather a bending of the joints in a natural direction, which requires less strength, is much more difficult to resist physically, and results in a sharp piercing pain. Atemi techniques in Hakko Ryu are based on the principles of Koho Shiatsu Igaku, a form of Japanese finger pressure therapy created by Ryuho Okuyama and based on the principles of oriental medicine. Atemi strikes and touches are directed to the tensed areas of an opponent's body. Kicks are generally directed to the lower body from the waist down. Open-hand strikes, particularly the knife hand (Tegatana), thumb drive (Oya Yubi Ken), index knuckle strike (Hitosashi Yubi Ippon Ken), and the middle knuckle strike (Naka Yubi Ippon Ken) are fundamental methods of Atemi in Hakko Ryu for their ability to pierce the vital points of the body.

The techniques of Hakko Ryu Jujutsu are learned in two basic manners: Suwariwaza (kneeling) and Tachiwaza (standing).

Suwari Waza 座り技

The initial training in the Seiza 正座 kneeling position has two specific purposes. The first being to allow the student to learn perfectly the specific Gensoku principles of a particular technique so they know what makes it work and what prevents it from working. At this stage of training, you need not be overly concerned with footwork (Ashisabaki) or foot techniques (Ashiwaza). The second primary purpose of training in the sitting position is to promote suppleness in the legs, balance, strength in the hips, pelvic region, and lower body. This lower body cultivation expands our awareness of the Kikai Tanden 気海丹田.

Tachi Waza 立ち技

Training in the Tachi or Seiritsu 正立standing position reiterates those techniques learned well in the kneeling position and applies practical application of the foot and body movements. This allows the student to concentrate fully on their body position and movement (Taisabaki) because they have already spent considerable time mastering the basic hand techniques (Tewaza) in the kneeling position. They need not learn the hand and accompanying foot techniques simultaneously first, running the risk of performing one or the other incorrectly or worse, confusing themselves while trying to concentrate on two things at once. The complete application of proper foot and body movement and corresponding hand techniques soon become an integrated whole and complete technique. Tesabaki, Ashisabaki, and Taisabaki are performed smoothly, quickly and effectively, placing the attacker under control.

正座正立正丹田生活法

Seiza Seiritsu Seitanden Seikatsu Ho

“Correct sitting leads to correct standing and both are needed for the cultivation and discovery of our Sei Tanden which leads us on the path to the correct way of living our life with robust health and vitality.”

Koho Shiatsu Igaku is the style of Shiatsu taught within Hakko Ryu Jujutsu.

Three Main Effects:

Indirect Reaction Cure

This effect is gained by applying shiatsu to areas different from the injured part. Indirect reaction cure is accomplished through the number technique, wherein the body is divided into sets of 12 numbers. For instance, if number 8 of one leg was hurt, shiatsu would be applied to all the number 8's of the rest of the body. In Japan, Mr. Benko witnessed a discolored, badly bruised toe regain its natural color with the indirect reaction cure applied to the opposite shoulder.

Chemical Reaction Cure

This effect is used to combat sudden illness or injury. Shiatsu is administered around the injured part. The chemical reaction cure is quite similar to the simple rubbing of a bruised area.

Refreshing Effect

This effect is used to rid a person of exhaustion. Shiatsu is applied along the lines illustrated on the charts above.

Diagnostic Techniques

There are two primary techniques used to examine a patient:

Line Pulse Technique

The pulse is taken with the index, middle and third fingers. The beats of each of the pulse points are measured by two-breath time. During the two breaths, each of the pulse points must register 8 to 9 beats if the patient is in good health. If the number of beats is less or more than 8 to 9, the patient is not well. A list of rules is used to identify the area of difficulty.

Observation

By observing the patient, one can gain many insights into his/her current state of health. For instance, characteristics of a person with a kidney ailment are pale face texture, dry nose, too frequent urination, low pep, and low spirit.