Foundations in Hawaii
Danzan Ryu Jujitsu was founded in 1929 by Professor Henry Seishiro Okazaki in Hawaii. Drawing from classical Japanese jujitsu traditions, Professor Okazaki organized a comprehensive system that emphasized effective self defense, structured technical progression, and moral responsibility.
His Kodenkan system became one of the most influential jujitsu traditions in the United States, preserving classical principles while establishing a formal method of instruction and rank advancement.
The Kodenkan Yudanshakai in Tucson
In 1967, Dai Shihan Joseph Holck established the Kodenkan Yudanshakai in Tucson, Arizona. His purpose was to preserve the teachings of Professor Okazaki and maintain traditional standards within a dedicated martial arts community.
Under his leadership, the Tucson Kodenkan community developed a reputation for disciplined training and adherence to authentic curriculum requirements.
Shihan Barry Holck continued this work and later founded Daibudō Kodenkan Matsuno Kenshūkai to ensure that the Kodenkan tradition would remain strong in Southern Arizona. He emphasized technical precision, humility, and personal responsibility in training.
Continuation of Tradition
Instruction at Daibudō Kodenkan Matsuno Kenshūkai remains grounded in the established standards of both Danzan Ryu Jujitsu and Shorin Ryu Karate Do Matsumura Seito Ha.
The dojo was incorporated as an Arizona nonprofit corporation in 2025 to ensure long term preservation of traditional instruction.
Training continues at the Kodenkan Center in Tucson, Arizona under formal etiquette, disciplined progression, and clear rank requirements.
Danzan Ryu Jujitsu
Kodenkan Tradition
The following lineage reflects the direct transmission of the Kodenkan tradition preserved at our dojo.
Professor Henry Seishiro Okazaki
Joseph Holck
Barry Holck
David Shemwell
Current instruction at Daibudō Kodenkan Matsuno Kenshūkai
Instruction remains grounded in formal kata, nage waza, ukemi, restorative techniques, and structured rank requirements consistent with the Kodenkan system.
Shorin Ryu Karate Do
Matsumura Seito Ha Tradition
Shorin Ryu Karate Do Matsumura Seito Ha traces its roots to the classical Okinawan teachings of Sokon Matsumura, a chief martial arts instructor to the Ryukyu royal court. The tradition was preserved through direct transmission and maintained with an emphasis on kata, body mechanics, and combative application.
The following lineage reflects the Matsumura Seito Ha tradition maintained through direct instruction.
Sokon Matsumura
Nabe Matsumura
Hohan Soken
Seijun Kina
Barry Holck
Wayne Sebring
Current instruction at Daibudō Kodenkan Matsuno Kenshūkai
Instruction remains grounded in traditional kata, structured progression, and technical accountability.
Our Responsibility
The responsibility of preserving these traditions now rests with the instructors and students of Daibudō Kodenkan Matsuno Kenshūkai.
We honor our predecessors through disciplined training, consistent standards, and faithful transmission of the arts.
Preservation requires responsibility.