Soke Irie Yasuhiro

Founder of KoKoDo JuJutsu: The Way of the Imperial Light

Irie Yasuhiro began his martial arts training in the Hakko Ryu (Art of the Eighth Light) system of JuJutsu under its founder, Shodai Soke Ryuho Okuyama. Soke Okuyama was one of the last of a long line of great masters of Daito Ryu Aiki JuJutsu, the secret traditional art of the Minamoto clan Samurai, whose origins date back to the 8^th Century AD.In 1971 Soke Irie was awarded the title of Shihan (Master Instructor).

He became a senior instructor of Hakko Ryu under Soke Okuyama, helping to spread Hakko Ryu internationally by teaching many foreign students.

Yasuhiro Irie was the head instructor under Okuyama Ryuho in the Hakko Ryu Honbu Dojo for several years. In 1977 Irie Sensei received the highest rank, Menkyo Kaiden Shihan, San Dai Kichu, in Hakko Ryu Jujutsu. In that same year, he received the honorary title of “Jodai” (an old Japanese term which means “castle value”) from Soke Okuyama. This title was only given to a few senior Shihans who were not only technically the best, but also the most reliable. Irie Sensei was the head instructor in Hakko Ryu until 1993.

In 1990 Soke Irie opened the first KoKoDo Clinic, where today he continues to offer treatments in acupuncture, bone setting, moxa and shiatsu.

After many years of teaching as the head instructor in the Hakko Ryu So Honbu Dojo, Soke left Hakko Ryu and decided to create his own unique jujutsu ryu. On April 1st 1995 Soke Irie founded KoKoDo JuJutsu.

Soke Irie is known for his unparalleled knowledge of jujutsu, his kindness and his incredible ability to teach.

KoKoDo JuJutsu combines natural movements with precise and painful techniques. Soke Irie's movements are as beautiful to watch as they are to are simple to apply. He has designed the art so his students can to what he does and obtain the technique he has. Although a modern art KoKoDo JuJutsu is considered a traditional Japanese Budo system in that it holds many of the values seen in the Koryu.