The mere practice that results in the wearing out of practice uniforms does not give birth to the kind of self-protection arts that will be helpful at such critical times.

Our Hakkoryu Shodan-gi are designed to prepare one with basic rules to firmly put down such general assaults. Furthermore, as one makes progress through the Nidan-gi, Sandan-gi, and so forth, the techniques naturally increase in their punishment and severity.

We can say that the state which ensues from immersion in Hakkoryu is the same as “priming water” (that is, putting water under great pressure) which develops instincts that can explode in an instant. The advanced teachings of Hakkoryu allow for the free control of life and death. But such a choice is up to man.

The holy heart grows from the natural posture of righteousness. Therefore, dismiss evil in your heart. Only then will you be ready to learn our secrets. Relax and focus your tanden. Disinterest yourself. With the mind of Hakkoryu, your protection techniques will spontaneously and readily come out without thinking.

Calmly focus your spirit, attack the mind of the opponent and shatter his will to its depth. Hakkoryu belongs to the world where spiritual action is given priority over form and style. In Hakkoryu, there is indeed no technical skill without a spiritual determination to carry on without hesitation to life or death. Hakkoryu, therefore, is mainly for the preparation and training of the mind.

Understanding these concepts, learn and practice the spirit and techniques of Hakkoryu until they lead you to a clear perception of your wholeness. Only then can you correctly choose how best to preserve justice and humanity. Moreover, the power of one finger through Hakkoryu Koho Shiatsu can surely save man from another kind of violence emanating from deep within – illness, disease, and injury. Suddenly, these too may deprive you of your natural freedoms.

I have been preaching through the experience of thousands of people that these two violences, one coming from the outside and one coming from within, can be easily shut out by the proper use of a single finger. The first I have named Hakkoryu Goshin Jutsu and the other, Hakkoryu Koho Shiatsu Igaku. When I reflect on my life, I can conceive of no greater gift of wisdom to mankind and cannot help to shout out loudly, “COME OUT GREAT MAN!” because of my strong love toward my native country, Japan.”

Writings of Shodai Soke Okuyama Ryuho (1901-1987)

Composite Translation From

Okuyama Ryuho Tabinikki, Hakkoryu Ryushi Journal, Hakkoryu Higishi