The Words of Horikawa Kodo Sensei
Yawara, a uniquely Japanese physical discipline, has been passed down through generations for over a thousand years. At its core lies the Principle of Softness, which emphasizes adaptability in the face of an opponent’s strength. This principle teaches practitioners to move with their opponent’s force, harnessing their energy to achieve victory.
Aiki-Jujutsu, in particular, incorporates techniques that engage all five senses and involve the hands, feet, shoulders, and chest. By skillfully utilizing or neutralizing an opponent’s strength, Aiki-Jujutsu adapts fluidly to each situation. It is an ever-changing, dynamic art that subdues opponents through flexibility and responsiveness.
The essence of Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu is beautifully encapsulated in its guiding tenets:
- Don’t cut
- Don’t be cut
- Don’t strike
- Don’t be struck
- Don’t kick
- Don’t be kicked
These principles form the foundation of a profound martial tradition dedicated to harmony and balance.
(Excerpted from the February 1951 Yubetsu Public Relations)
About The Techniques of Daito-ryu Kodo Kai
The techniques of Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu as practiced in the Kodo-kai are remarkable not only for their foundation in traditional jujutsu but also for their incorporation of Aiki techniques refined and transmitted by Master Horikawa Kodo. These more sophisticated techniques deepen the art and elevate its effectiveness. With a history spanning over 900 years, Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu has evolved significantly, transitioning from techniques designed for armored combat on the battlefield to those suited for use in castle 
interiors and palatial settings.
The techniques of Kodo-kai are deeply rooted in the lineage of Oshikiuchi, the secret teachings of the Aizu clan. While adapting to the demands of different eras, Kodo-kai preserves and emphasizes these historical methods. At Kodo-kai, we dedicate ourselves to studying this rich tradition—steeped in the central concept of Aiki—to ensure it is preserved and passed on to future generations.
Our curriculum includes scrolls passed down through generations, such as:
- “Hiden Mokuroku” (Secret Catalog of Daito-ryu Jujutsu, featuring 118 techniques) for the first transmission,
- “Hiden Okugi Mokuroku” (Inner Mysteries Catalog of Daito-ryu Jujutsu, featuring 30 techniques) for the intermediate transmission, and
- “Aiki-jujutsu Okugi Mokuroku” (Inner Mysteries of Aiki-jujutsu, featuring 36 articles) for advanced transmission.
These documents form the foundation upon which Kodo-kai continues to refine and expand a wide array of techniques with extraordinary depth and breadth.
Daito-ryu is said to encompass an extensive repertoire of over 2,880 techniques. This remarkable variety underscores the art’s focus on self-defense against diverse forms of attack. This vast system reflects the dedication of generations of practitioners who studied, refined, and expanded the art to its present form.
At Kodo-kai, we strive not only to master these techniques but also to foster personal growth by embodying the principles of Aiki. Through dedicated training and mutual respect in friendly competition, we aim to develop both technical excellence and strong character.
