Hakko Denshin Ryu Ju-Jutsu
八光伝心流柔術
The Gentle Power of the Invisible Light
Hakko Denshin Ryu, translating to “The Heart of the Eight Light,” is a refined martial art deeply rooted in the philosophy of using gentle yet powerful techniques to ensure self-defense without causing injury. This style emphasizes control over aggression, embodying the essence of non-violence while ensuring the safety and respect of both practitioner and assailant.
Philosophy and Approach
The name “Hakko,” meaning “the eight light,” refers to the ultraviolet spectrum—light that is invisible to the naked eye yet possesses profound strength. This metaphor beautifully encapsulates the core philosophy of Hakko Denshin Ryu: the power of the unseen force. It emphasizes that true strength does not need to be overtly displayed to be effective; it works subtly, impacting deeply without apparent force.
Core Values: No Resistance, No Challenge, No Injury
Hakko Denshin Ryu is built upon three pivotal values:
- No Resistance: Instead of opposing force with force, practitioners learn to redirect the attacker’s energy, using it to their advantage. This principle teaches adaptability and the art of achieving goals with minimal confrontation.
- No Challenge: This value promotes avoiding unnecessary conflicts. It teaches that not every challenge needs to be met with opposition, and that wisdom lies in choosing battles wisely.
- No Injury: Central to its teachings is the commitment to cause no harm. Techniques are designed to neutralize threats without injury, reflecting a deep respect for life and physical integrity.
Techniques and Training
The techniques of Hakko Denshin Ryu are not merely physical maneuvers but are deeply intertwined with the practitioner’s instinct for self-preservation. They are natural, simple, and practical, designed to enable one to face violence with a calm spirit and the capability to handle life-threatening situations without panic.
Training in Hakko Denshin Ryu evolves through various stages, beginning with Shodan-gi (first level techniques), which equip a practitioner with fundamental skills to address general assaults effectively. As students progress to higher levels like Nidan-gi, Sandan-gi and Yondan-gi, the techniques naturally become more sophisticated, increasing in severity and the ability to impose control.
Ethical Practice and Real-World Application
The practice of Hakko Denshin Ryu goes beyond the physical aspect. It is not about how often one wears out their uniforms in practice, but about the depth of understanding and instinctual integration of the art’s principles into daily life. The true art of self-protection and protecting others, as taught in this discipline, is about preparing the spirit to deal with urgent matters of life and death calmly and decisively.
Practitioners are trained not just in techniques but in the decision-making processes necessary to use those techniques wisely and compassionately in real-world scenarios. This comprehensive approach ensures that a practitioner of Hakko Denshin Ryu is not only a martial artist but a steward of peace, capable of protecting themselves and others while upholding the highest ethical standards.
Techniques
Learning processes and graduations
The basic motive of the martial arts student (Deshi) is to improve the aspect of his learning process.
Within Hakko Denshin Ryu, the student will be taught in his early years (Mata Deshi) by his Sensei/Shihan/Soke.
Due to the close bond of trust between Deshi and Shihan, the latter will be able to immediately comment or correct the student’s technique. In this way, a student can learn quickly and better understand the many subtleties of Hakko Denshin Ryu techniques and approaches. This guarantees a high quality of excellence in the way of teaching and creates a comfort zone for the benefit of the Deshi.
Hakko Denshin Ryu is about the quality of the student and not about the quantity.
After completing the four fundamental Kata: Shodan (first degree), Nidan (second degree), Sandan (third degree) and Yondan (fourth degree), advanced training follows, which is only taught by Soke.
As a Mata Deshi, you are recommended by a Shihan and then invited by Soke as a Jiki Deshi (direct student).
Soke is the only person authorized to give advanced training and grant Menkyo licenses.
Only Soke teaches the Deshi up to Shihan (purple belt). During these training sessions, the Shihan Jikiden will be taught the Higi (Hidden Points) and Okuden (Secret Techniques) directly by the Soke, which gives depth, finesse and personality to the techniques of a Deshi.
Beyond the Shihan Jikiden, one can, at the invitation of Soke, follow the teachings of Kaiden Shihan (Master Instructor of the Deepest Mysteries) and Kaiden Shihan Sandaikichu (Master Instructor of the Deepest Mysteries and the Three Great Foundation Pillars). These courses are again taught privately by Soke.
Gensoku (principles).
The goal of all Kihon Waza is the Gensoku (principles). The introduction of Gensoku through Kihon Waza follows a rational sequence in which subsequent principles build on previous ones and develop into a coherent whole. Once a student learns these Gensoku, he/she is able to develop his/her own actions based on these principles. The student is faced with a potentially infinite number of possibilities, based on the unique applications and numerous combinations of Gensoku. This allows the student to create techniques and applications that are suitable for his/her own needs and circumstances, rather than blindly memorizing the techniques taught by instructors.
Hakko Denshin Ryu develops the ability to create rather than merely imitate.
Mastering the Hakko Denshin Ryu style should not be rushed, as the resulting damage will inevitably manifest itself in the long run.
The pursuit of knowledge, wisdom and techniques requires a long-term study and dedication of all Hakko Denshin Ryu principles under the supervision of Soke Antonio Garcia, supported by his authorized Shihans.