HAKKORYU OATHS AND REGULATIONS

The following "Regulations" are examples taken from the "Oaths of Loyalty" and "Agreements" which each Hakkoryu practitioner signs. They are to be strictly observed within the Hakkoryu community. Failure to abide by such Oaths and Agreements results in Hamon (permanent expulsion) from Hakkoryu and Koho Shiatsu.

From time to time, it has been felt by some that our Hakkoryu Rules and Regulations are too restrictive in nature. We would like it to be understood that these Rules and Regulations are designed to insure that the genuine and original Hakkoryu is taught as a pure and complete system to disciples. It is our desire that those entering into Hakkoryu under legitimate Hakkoryu Shihan can expect to receive very high quality instruction in our traditional methods, devoid of dilutive influences from outside. Given the great gift provided to those selected for advanced training, most Hakkoryu Shihan view such Rules and Regulations as both a positive for the ryu as well as simply common sense.

REGULATIONS

  1. The Hakkoryu So Hombu Dojo is a private Dojo established to teach and train select individuals in the traditional Japanese self-protection martial art of Hakkoryu Jujutsu and the Japanese medical techniques of Hakkoryu Koho Shiatsu. Nidai Soke Okuyama Ryuho (hereinafter the "Hakkoryu Soke") holds the sole and exclusive authority to control and direct the dissemination and knowledge of the theory, techniques, and mysteries of Hakkoryu Jujutsu and Hakkoryu Koho Shiatsu throughout Japan and the world. He may do this directly or through properly licensed Shihan. It is of the utmost importance that Hakkoryu Jujutsu and Hakkoryu Koho Shiatsu be protected and transmitted in their original form as presented by Shodai Soke, the Founder of Hakkoryu, and as preserved and guarded by Nidai Soke.
  2. All power and authority in Hakkoryu Jujutsu and Hakkoryu Koho Shiatsu rests with the Hakkoryu Soke. All Disciples, whether Mudansha, Yudansha, or Shihan, must honor and obey his instructions.
  3. The Hakkoryu Soke is the sole and exclusive owner of all tradenames, trademark, servicemark, and copyrights for all logos, calligraphy, merchandise, photo../graphic images, publications and other intangibles throughout the world relating to Hakkoryu Jujutsu, Hakkoryu Koho Shiatsu, and the Hakkoryu crest (Yotsume-no-mon). Any usage of such rights without the expressed written permission of the Hakkoryu Soke is a violation of international and local tradename/trademark/copyright laws. The Hakkoryu Soke has properly and legally registered and protected these rights as well as various Internet domain names in Japan and countries throughout the world. Please be clear, outside of publications printed and distributed by the Hakkoryu So Hombu Dojo (such as this website, books and manuals written by Shodai and Nidai Soke only, and certain magazine articles), absolutely no books, manuals, videos, movies, websites, or other publications have been approved and sanctioned by the Hakkoryu Soke.
  4. The Hakkoryu Soke is the only person holding the authority to teach and conduct Hakkoryu Menkyo Jikiden for Shihan, Kaiden Shihan, and Sandaikichu, including Renshi reviews of the foregoing, and to grant any certification whatsoever in Hakkoryu Jujutsu and Hakkoryu Koho Shiatsu.
  5. The Hakkoryu So Hombu Dojo in Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture is a private Dojo used primarily for the training of Disciples for/with the title of Menkyo Shihan or above. Letters of introduction by Hakkoryu Shihan in good standing must precede any visit to the Hakkoryu So Hombu Dojo. In all cases, arrangements for such visits must be made well in advance. Those without such prior arrangements and documentation shall be turned away.
  6. All legitimate Hakkoryu Jujutsu Dojo and Hakkoryu Koho Shiatsu clinics must be properly registered and in good standing with the Hakkoryu So Hombu Dojo in Saitama City, Japan, and be operating correctly under the Hakkoryu Soke's direction.
  7. All Disciples must be properly registered with the Hakkoryu So Hombu Dojo through Shihan in good standing. Unless so registered, individuals have no association with Hakkoryu Jujutsu or Hakkoryu Koho Shiatsu.
  8. Only Hakkoryu Shihan in good standing may request and issue Yudansha certificates and belts as provided by Hombu through the Hakkoryu Soke. Only Shihan in good standing may test and recommend Disciples to the Hakkoryu Soke for Yudansha promotions. Only properly signed and sealed certificates and Hakkoryu So Hombu Dojo issued belts shall be recognized.
  9. Hakkoryu Disciples and Instructors are to practice and teach Hakkoryu Kihon Waza as the primary subject, supplemented by Hakkoryu Henka. Each Dan-gi should be taught in proper order, Shodan, Nidan and Sandan respectively. Nidan-gi should be taught only to those who have been awarded the title of Shodan. Likewise, Sandan-gi should be taught only to those who have been awarded the title of Nidan, etc. Yondan instruction is reserved only for those of Shihan caliber.
  10. Hakkoryu Jujutsu Kihon Waza shall not be mixed or combined with the techniques of other martial arts and/or ways, nor shall the techniques and/or names of Kihon Waza be changed or altered.
  11. Hakkoryu Disciples and Instructors should generally avoid contact or association with other martial arts/ways and their organizations. There are many individuals who claim titles in and/or association with various Japanese arts who are fraudulent and/or do not represent legitimate Japanese organizations. Hakkoryu Disciples and Instructors should avoid contact with such individuals and should in no way support them by attending their events, inviting them to demonstrate, etc. Educate yourself extensively and be observant so that you may effectively differentiate truth from untruth.
  12. No competition or sports-related activity whatsoever is allowed in Hakkoryu Jujutsu. Hakkoryu Disciples and Instructors shall avoid any involvement in such activities.
  13. Hakkoryu Dojo are places of mission work to be reserved for serious training. Proper Japanese manners are to be observed at all times. Only approved individuals shall be allowed entrance into Hakkoryu Dojo to observe training.
  14. In order to maintain high standards, the Hakkoryu Soke or a senior Shihan appointed by the Hakkoryu Soke, may from time to time, visit branch Dojo for inspections. It is to be understood that when this is necessary, the branch Dojo so inspected shall pay for all travel and lodging expenses. Such expenses are to be paid in advance.
  15. Any unauthorized individuals claiming to represent Hakkoryu Jujutsu or Hakkoryu Koho Shiatsu should be reported to the Hakkoryu So Hombu Dojo for recording, investigation, and potential legal action.
  16. No websites, other than this one, have been or shall be authorized by the Hakkoryu Soke. Other websites claiming to represent Hakkoryu Jujutsu or Hakkoryu Koho Shiatsu do so illegally. Please ignore and avoid any contact with such persons or organizations.
  17. Hakkoryu Disciples and Shihan should endeavor to preserve justice and protect human life by constantly preparing themselves against acts of unexpected violence. Through Hakkoryu Jujutsu and Hakkoryu Koho Shiatsu, train your mind, body, and spirit in the principles of righteousness and self-preservation. In this manner, you will act to serve mankind, cleanse yourself of evil intentions, and behave to bring honor on yourself, your family, Hakkoryu, your community, and the nation.
  18. Let it be known that those who ignore the above Regulations shall be permanently expelled (Hamon) from Hakkoryu Jujutsu and Hakkoryu Koho Shiatsu.

Shodai Soke Okuyama Ryuho felt very strongly that Hakkoryu Jujutsu and Hakkoryu Koho Shiatsu were unique and unparalleled arts that could both punish the wicked and cure the sick. He considered Hakkoryu bugei to be a "Lone Wolf," insisting his Disciples remain loyal, and never sought affiliation with other groups. Like his father, Nidai Soke Okuyama Ryuho succeeds in this approach and wishes Hakkoryu Jujutsu and Hakkoryu Koho Shiatsu to stand alone and without outside affiliations.

Since its founding, Hakkoryu Jujutsu has been independently and matchlessly succeeding as a unique Japanese self-protection martial art. Hakkoryu Jujutsu stands alone as a traditional and disciplined martial art that Shodai Soke created out of his own flesh, blood, and life-long experiences. He felt that through disciplined and intense training in his arts, one could come to understand the essence of all martial arts and healing methods. Therefore, it was Shodai Soke's hope, and it is now Nidai Soke's hope, that Hakkoryu Jujutsu and Hakkoryu Koho Shiatsu should be kept pure and held apart from all other martial and medical systems. Hakkoryu Disciples must deeply reflect on the above. This is our unique heritage, and it is our privilege and responsibility to serve and preserve Hakkoryu Jujutsu and Hakkoryu Koho Shiatsu for future generations. Long live Hakkoryu!

Hakkoryu Nidai Soke Okuyama Ryuho
Hakkoryu Soke Somukyoku
Hakkoryu Soke Shingiin Jyonin Giin Kai
Hakkoryu Shihan Kai
Hakkoryu Renshi Kai
Hakkoryu Yudansha Kai
Hakkoryu Koho Shiatsu Igaku Chihogaku Kai