History of Daito-ryu
Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu traces its origins back over 900 years to Shinrasaburo Minamoto no Yoshimitsu, the youngest grandson of Emperor Seiwa. Yoshimitsu developed the art at the Daito residence, giving it the name Daito-ryu. It became a secret tradition passed down through generations within the Kai Genji Takeda clan.
After the death of Takeda Shingen in 1572, Takeda Tosa Kunitsugu—a member of the Kai Takeda clan—moved to Aizu, serving Ashina Moriuji, then governor of Aizu. Settling in Koike as a land steward, Kunitsugu carried forward the traditions of Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu. The art gained prominence in the Aizu domain, where it evolved into Goshikinai (palace martial arts) or Gotenjutsu. This prestigious and secretive self-defense system was taught only to high-ranking officials such as feudal lords, elders, senior vassals, and attendants, preserving its esteemed status within the Aizu clan.
Takeda Sokaku: Reviving Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu
Takeda Sokaku, regarded as the reviver of Daito-ryu after the Meiji Restoration, was born on October 10, 1860, at the Takeda family residence in Oise no Miya. A direct descendant of Takeda Kunitsugu, Sokaku witnessed the Aizu War as a child and trained in martial arts under his father. Over the years, he expanded his knowledge, learning Ono-ha Itto-ryu from Shibuya Touma, an Aizu samurai, and later studying under Sakakibara Kenkichi of Jikishinkage-ryu in Tokyo.
Sokaku further refined his skills under Hoshina Chikanori, a senior retainer of the Aizu clan who had preserved the teachings of Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu. Despite his small stature (5’1″ and weighing 125 pounds), Sokaku was widely respected for his extraordinary skill. He earned the nickname “Little Tengu of Aizu,” highlighting his near-mythical prowess.
Spreading Daito-ryu: A Mission to Preserve and Teach
In 1898, Hoshina Chikanori entrusted Takeda Sokaku with the responsibility of preserving and passing on the secret teachings of Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu. Inspired by Hoshina’s words, Sokaku shifted his focus from kendo to Daito-ryu, traveling across Japan to teach its techniques to influential groups such as the military, police, and judiciary.
A lesser-known anecdote highlights Sokaku’s global influence: In 1902, two American professional wrestlers challenged Sokaku during a visit to Japan. At the Sendai Police Station, Sokaku defeated them decisively. They became his disciples and trained under him before returning to the U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, intrigued by this martial art, later invited Sokaku to America. Though Sokaku declined, he sent his senior disciple Harada Shinzo to teach in his stead. Harada introduced Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu across the United States, influencing wrestling and self-defense techniques still seen today.
Daito-ryu’s Legacy and Prominent Students
Through three generations—Meiji, Taisho, and Showa—Takeda Sokaku taught over 30,000 students, including military generals, police officials, and prominent martial artists. Notable disciples included Horikawa Kodo, Sagawa Yukiyoshi, Ueshiba Morihei (founder of Aikido), and Hisa Takuma. These students not only preserved the art but also helped popularize Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu, elevating its reputation internationally.
Takeda Sokaku’s dedication ensured the survival and spread of this ancient art, securing its place as one of Japan’s most revered martial traditions.
(From left: Horikawa Taiso Sensei, Takeda Sokaku Sensei, and Horikawa Kodo Sensei)
History of The Kodo Kai
Master Horikawa Kodo (1894–1980)
Master Horikawa Kodo, born on April 10, 1894, in Kitami, Hokkaido, was the eldest son of Master Horikawa Taiso. His childhood name was Kotaro. In 1898, when Horikawa was five years old, his family relocated to Yubetsu. From 1908, the family ran the Yubetsu Ekiden Ryokan, operating it for 20 years.
Horikawa Taiso was a man of many talents, playing a prominent role in local politics as a

council member for the former Yubetsu village, which included Shirataki, Ikutahara, and Engaru. Alongside his civic duties, Taiso mastered the martial art of Shibukawa-ryu jujutsu.
In 1913, Takeda Sokaku, the renowned master of Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu, visited Yubetsu during his travels to spread the art. His visit coincided with the town’s large scallop catch, which attracted Takeda’s attention. While staying at the local post office, Takeda met Taiso, who was an avid martial artist. This meeting led Taiso to become Takeda’s disciple. Takeda stayed in Yubetsu for four years, during which time he imparted his teachings to Taiso.

Horikawa Kodo, having begun his martial arts journey under his father’s tutelage, officially became Takeda’s disciple in 1914. Balancing his work as an educator in remote schools, Horikawa dedicated himself to the rigorous study of Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu. His efforts earned him significant recognition, including the prestigious Hiden Mokuroku (“Catalog of Secret Techniques”), Hiden Okugi Mokuroku (“Catalog of Secret Mysteries”), and Hiden Aiki Okugi Mokuroku (“Catalog of Secret Aiki Mysteries”).
Under Takeda Sokaku’s guidance, Horikawa gained mastery over many of the hidden

techniques of Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu. In September 1950, he established the Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu Kodo-kai in Yubetsu, Okhotsk, marking a significant milestone in preserving and advancing this ancient art.
Recognition and Legacy
Horikawa’s contributions to martial arts and education earned him wide respect. In 1971, he was honored with the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Fifth Class, in recognition of his 40 years of dedication to educating children in remote areas. In 1974, upon the recommendation of Ishida Kazuto, former
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Horikawa received the title of Eternal Master, a prestigious designation awarded by a federation that included the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications, a Wado-ryu Karate master, and the Governor of Hokkaido.

Despite his small stature—standing at 150 cm (4’11”) and weighing just 52 kg—Horikawa Kodo was a martial arts giant, revered for his unparalleled skill and mastery.
Master Horikawa Kodo passed away in 1980 at the age of 86, leaving behind an enduring legacy through his students and the Kodo-kai school.
Kiyama Shihan:
Kiyama Hayawo Shihan was born in Kumamoto, Kyushu, and is one of only a handful of highly ranked instructors of orthodox Daito-ryu in the world. He is the most senior instructor of Daito-ryu Aiki Jujustu Kodokai in North America, and has been teaching quietly in San Luis Obispo for over 40 years. The Kodokai branch of Daito-ryu emphasizes the use of aiki in particular. Kiyama Shihan is considered internationally to be one of the most talented proponents of the technique of aiki in regards to its effective application.