• What does jujutsu mean?
  Ju Justu literally translates to Gentle Art

• What is JuJustu?
  JuJutsu is a system of self-defence adapted from ancient Samurai combat techniques. It employs the kicks and punches of Karate, the throws of Judo, and wrist-locking techniques.

• What is Hakko Denshin Ryu?
  Hakko means eighth light. Denshin means spirit. Ryu means school. It is a particular form of JuJutsu derived from Daito Aiki-jutsu which was the secret technique of the Genji Samurai clan.

• Where does JuJutsu come from?
  JuJutsu is a traditional Japanese art. It was brought to the United States by Sensei James Benko in the 1950s. The head of the Federation, Soke Michael J. LaMonica, originally learned the art of Hakko Ryu Ju Jutsu from Sensei Benko. He then went on to train with the originator of the art Ryuho Okuyama in Japan.

• Who can learn Hakko Denshin Ryu?
  Anyone can learn as long as they are healthy, dedicated, and conscientious. The minimum age we teach is 8 years old. There is no maximum age.

• Do you have to be strong, agile, or flexible to practice Hakko Denshin Ryu?
  Absolutely not. In fact, if you use strength, you are performing our techniques incorrectly. Our techniques are based on natural movements and our students are taught to utilize their relaxed body weight and hip rotation to generate effective techniques. Therefore, these techniques can be used by anyone at any age for defense.

• What if I participate in the class at the YMCA but do not join the Federation?
  One is permitted to participate in class at the YMCA and not join the Federation. Yet we often use a mathematical analogy to address this issue. One can not master calculus if they have not mastered addition. In the same spirit, one can not be taught more advanced techniques before they have before they have demonstrated they have a strong foundation in basic techniques. Therefore, to learn more advanced techniques, even in shodan, one is required to demonstrate their skill in a formal test. To formally test, one must demonstrate their committment to the art and the Federation by joining the Hakko Denshin Ryu JuJutsu Federation.

For more information

If this page has not answered all your questions be sure to visit the links on the left of the page. Of course, feel free to contact us at any time. Also, stop by one of our classes. Just tell the desk staff you’d like to observe and they will direct you to our dojo. If you wish to participate, there is a $10 drop in fee. Either way, we’d be pleased to see you.