The Martial Arts Academy
Okazaki-Style Restorative Massage Therapy
Continuing Education Instructional Program
Catalog
The Martial Arts Academy, Inc. is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a Continuing Education Approved Provider (#450522-07).
Our main purpose is to perpetuate for future generations the Okazaki style of traditional Japanese Restorative Massage Therapy / Seifhukujitsu.
Introduction
The Okazaki style of Restorative Massage Therapy is a component of the comprehensive Seifhukujitsu healing arts system (see below) that contains ancient, effective healing techniques handed down for many generations through traditional Asian martial arts systems. It is based upon TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) theory. The format used in this series of Courses is designed to bring these (until recently, closely guarded, secret) techniques to contemporary, professional therapists in a therapeutic / medical massage format designed for 21st century application.
These Courses emphasize learning practical, hands-on knowledge and techniques that will enable the participant to better attract, serve, and retain both new and existing clients. Our goal is to further the knowledge and skills of participants to produce results in the real world of medical massage; and results are what make you a business success at massage.
The method, style, and spirit of instruction follows the traditional philosophy taught by Master Okazaki at his school, the Kodenkan (The School of the Ancient Tradition), where senior students helped to teach junior students in the spirit that Master Okazaki declared was inherent in the Hawaiian word Kokua, to help another; or to work together / to help one another.
These courses are designed to meet the Continuing Education requirements of professional massage therapists; however, they are open to anyone with an interest in massage / healing arts. They serve as an introduction to the Okazaki style of Seifhukujitsu.
Prerequisites: For all MAA Courses, permission of the instructor and politeness and respect toward others are a necessity.
Enrollment is limited to 20 students per instructor / supervisor per class.
Inquire for scheduling / availability for groups desiring the courses at their location.
CE COURSE INFO 2013
CE Course Title #1:
Introduction to the Okazaki Long-Life Restorative Massage Kata (Form) Part 1.
CE Hours: 13.
Dates: August 18-19, 2013
(Sunday & Monday; 7 hours day #1 and 6 hours day #2)
COST
(for the 2 days)
First Time Students:
$325.00
Repeat / Students that have previously taken the Course
(This is a good opportunity to review the material, improve your technique, and obtain your required "hands-on" CE hours for license renewal at an inexpensive price.):
$160.00
Location
Ritz Carlton Reynolds Plantation, Lake Oconee, Greensboro, GA 30642
http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/ReynoldsPlantation/Default.htm
(Note: We all live on a budget; this is a high-end venue, and I am working on a discounted rate for participants; in addition, there are other, less expensive accommodations nearby.)
Registration
To Register: Send a check or money order with the enrollment application to:
Martial Arts Academy, Inc.
18 S.E. Broad St.
Metter, GA. 30439
or
to pay by credit card
Call The Martial Arts Academy (912-685-2418) and mail / email (mettermartialarts@gmail.com) the enrollment application.
General Requirements
In addition to specific Course prerequisites and permission of the instructor as a prerequisite,
All students will be required to sign a release / waiver of liability to participate in any Martial Arts Academy, Inc. program.
The Martial Arts Academy, Inc. is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a Continuing Education Approved Provider (#450522-07).
Questions?
Email: mettermartialarts@gmail.com
Or
Call: 912-685-2418
Martial Arts Academy
Continuing Education Courses
Enrollment Application
(Please Print)
Name: ____________________________________________________
(First) (Last)
Address: __________________________________________________
(Street)
__________________________________________________________________ (City) (State) (Zip Code)
Email: ____________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________________________________
(Business) (Cell)
Course:
CE Course #1 Introduction to the Okazaki Long-Life Restorative Massage Kata (Form) Part 1; Course Dates: Aug. 18&19, 2013
All Participants: You must bring your own table, linens, and lotion or include an additional $20.00 fee for these items.
Amount Enclosed: $___________
Marketing and Promotional Policies
1. Participants must register and pay in advance.
2. The deadline for registration is Aug. 1, 2013.
3. If the provider must cancel for any reason at any time, all payments will be refunded by direct mail as soon as practicable.
4. If the participant must cancel 1 – 7 days prior to the scheduled seminar, tuition is nonrefundable and no transfers/changes are allowed. If the participant must cancel 8 – 29 days prior to the seminar the tuition will be nonrefundable, a $50.00 administration fee will be charged, and the participant will have 1 year from the date of the seminar to use the remaining balance as a credit toward another seminar by this provider. If the participant cancels with 30 days or more notice prior to the event, tuition will be refunded minus $50.00 administration fee. Cancellation and rebooking must be made in writing.
5. Eligibility for participation and number of participants is always subject to final approval by the Principal Instructor.
The Instructor
Few people understand the history, legacy, and importance of the martial art / healing art connection; Gary Lescak has spent over 45 years studying the subject and continues to do so. He began his study of massage in 1967 in conjunction with the beginning of his martial arts education. As part of learning Dan Zan Ryu ju-jitsu, he has studied the Okazaki style of traditional Japanese deep-tissue, Restorative Massage Therapy as part of the broader Seifhukujitsu program of instruction which also includes stretching / alignment techniques, resuscitation techniques (Kappo), specific massage techniques for specific ailments, bone setting (Sekkotsu), and Lomi-Lomi (Hawaiian massage). Gary holds the title of Professor that, by definition, indicates a complete knowledge of the entire system (ryu) as well as the ability to teach its contents. He is also a certified Okazaki style restoration therapy instructor (1997) from the Kodenkan International Martial Arts Inc. of Costa Rica, and a certified Senior Advanced Instructor by an original Okazaki student with over 60 years experience. He is currently the Director & Principal Instructor at the Martial Arts Academy, where he teaches the Okazaki Style of Restorative Massage Therapy and Dan Zan ryu jujitsu. He is also a Licensed Massage Therapist, State of Georgia; Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist, State of North Carolina; and a Certified member, Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals.
Course List
CE Course #1 Title: Introduction to the Okazaki Long-Life Restorative Massage Kata (Form) Part 1.
Course Prerequisites: None / See general requirements.
Number of CE Hours: 13.
Length of course: 2 days.
CE Course #2 Title: Introduction to the Okazaki Long-Life Restorative Massage Kata (Form) Part 2.
Course Prerequisites: CE Course #1.
Number of CE Hours: 13.
Length of course: 2 days.
CE Course #3 Title: Okazaki Style Traditional Japanese Basic Stretching / Alignment Techniques
Course Prerequisites: CE Courses #1 & #2.
Number of CE Hours: 13.
Length of course: 2 days.
CE Course #4 Title: Specialty Techniques & Considerations in Okazaki Style Restorative Massage Therapy / Seifhukujitsu #1.
Course Prerequisites: CE Courses #1, #2, & #3.
Number of CE Hours: 13.
Length of course: 2 days.
CE Course #5: Specialty Techniques & Considerations in Okazaki Style Restorative Massage Therapy / Seifhukujitsu #2.
Course Prerequisites: CE Course #4.
Number of CE Hours: 13.
Length of course: 2 days.
CE Course #6: Specialty Techniques & Considerations in Okazaki Style Restorative Massage Therapy / Seifhukujitsu #3.
Course Prerequisites: CE Course #5.
Number of CE Hours: 13.
Length of course: 2 days.
CE Course #7: Okazaki Style Restorative Massage Therapy / Seifhukujitsu Upper Body, Neck, and Head Techniques.
Course Prerequisites: None / See general requirements.
Number of CE Hours: 24.
Length of course: 3 days
CE Course #8: Okazaki Style Restorative Massage Therapy / Seifhukujitsu Lower Body Techniques.
Course Prerequisites: CE Course #7.
Number of CE Hours: 24.
Length of course: 3 days.
Student Comments
Continuing Education Courses
CE Course #1: Introduction to the Okazaki Long-Life Restorative Massage Kata (Form) Part 1
CE Course #2: Introduction to the Okazaki Long-Life Restorative Massage Kata (Form) Part 2
Number of Continuing Education hours: 13 (Each Course).
Length of course: 2 days (Each Course).
Course Descriptions
The Okazaki Long-Life Restorative Massage Kata (Form) is an application of over 57 specific techniques organized into a distinctive and unique full-body massage that provides an introduction to, and the theoretical and practical foundation for, the remainder of the Okazaki style of traditional Japanese deep-tissue, restorative massage therapy / Seifhukujitsu. Part 1 teaches approximately half the sequence. Part 2 teaches the second half of the sequence.
It is the basis for a mentally and physically relaxing, deep tissue massage as part of a wellness lifestyle. It is an excellent vehicle for initial assessment in medical massage. It is the “original” sports massage. It is the application of TCM theory and the fundamental Seifhukujitsu principles resulting in an energy balancing, and is the necessary prerequisite to the application of the Okazaki style stretching / alignment techniques.
Seifhukujitsu is the long-life restoration therapy practiced and taught by Henry Seishiro Okazaki at his clinic and dojo (martial arts school) in Honolulu, Hawaii during the first half of the 20th century. Seifhukujitsu is most accurately rendered in English as “Restoration Therapy” or “Restorative Massage Therapy” which reflects the overall spirit and goal of the system: to return/restore the injured or diseased person to an original state of well-being.
General Seifhukujitsu principles are:
· Balance the body - The therapy focuses on the major energy flow lines used in other methods based upon TCM theory such as acupuncture, acupressure, tui na, shiatsu, etc.
· Break Down/Build Up - The therapy is a deep-tissue massage that releases lacto-carbonic acid. The body then rebuilds its tissue to a stronger state over time.
The Okazaki Long-Life Massage Kata (form) is formulated upon these principles / theoretical foundations.
The technique of Seifhukujitsu is to primarily use the crux of the elbow rather than the hands; learning refined and specialized elbow and forearm techniques are a major focus of these Courses that will enable the therapist to provide a deep-tissue massage with minimal energy expenditure.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of CE Courses #1 & #2, the participant will be able to: perform the Basic Okazaki Long-Life Restorative Massage Kata (Form) which consists of the methodical application of over 57 distinct techniques; discuss the application of the knowledge derived from an understanding of the martial art – healing art connection; define and explain Seifhukujitsu; explain fundamental aspects of, and practical applications relating to, the underlying theoretical basis / general Seifhukujitsu principles; explain, discuss, and describe the differences and similarities between an energy explanatory schemata versus the Western allopathic explanatory schemata.
CE Course #3: Okazaki Style Traditional Japanese Basic Stretching / Alignment Techniques
Number of Continuing Education hours: 13
Length of Course: 2 days
Prerequisites: CE Courses #1 & #2
Course Description
This course of instruction is an introduction to the Okazaki Style Traditional Japanese Basic Stretching / Alignment Techniques, and provides the starting point and foundation of the students theoretical and technical knowledge within this part of the Okazaki system of Seifhukujitsu.
Seifhukujitsu is the long-life restoration therapy practiced and taught by Henry Seishiro Okazaki at his clinic and dojo in Honolulu, Hawaii during the first half of the 20th century. In a broad sense, Seifhukujitsu is most accurately rendered in English as “Restoration Therapy” or “Restorative Massage Therapy” which reflects the overall spirit and goal of the system: to return/restore the injured or diseased person to an original state of well-being. However, Seifhukujitsu literally means “alignment and restoration techniques.”
This course is designed to give the student a basic knowledge of the most common alignment conditions and problems / pathologies that he/she will encounter in clinical practice. The student will learn the definitions, signs, and symptoms, both in terms of Eastern and Western explanatory schemata of these conditions / problems, which stretching / alignment technique is indicated for each condition or problem, and appropriate courses of action. The course will also cover universal precautions, contraindications, and specialty considerations in the application of these techniques. The famous stretching / alignment techniques that are a major component of the Dan Zan Ryu / Okazaki style of restorative massage therapy are one of the most unique features of this system and one of the major reasons for achieving successful results. The proper application of these techniques which produce an energy and myoskeletal alignment is designed to result in a state of physical, mental, and energy balancing / harmony / equilibrium.
Learning Outcomes
The participant will be able to: perform at least 10 Okazaki Style Traditional Japanese Basic Stretching / Alignment Techniques; explain the fundamental aspects of the underlying theoretical basis; explain when these techniques are contraindicated; discuss, define, and differentiate between chiropractic and the Okazaki methods of stretching / alignment; and be able to explain and define the importance of these techniques in the Seifhukujitsu program.
CE Course #4
Specialty Techniques & Considerations in Okazaki Style Restorative Massage Therapy / Seifhukujitsu #1
Course Prerequisites: CE Course #3.
Number of continuing education hours: 13
Length of course: 2 days
Course Description
This Course in the continuing series focuses on a comprehensive presentation of the Okazaki style of Restorative Massage Therapy / Seifhukujitsu for the benefit of both the client and the therapist; the client will get maximum / best possible results, and the therapist will improve his/her business. It includes lifestyle education / client orientation, intake practices, and holistic assessment techniques. It also includes Chinese martial arts exercises for restoring function for therapist’s personal self-care. In addition, the participant will learn Specialty Massage Techniques / Techniques for Special Problems for the neck, neck specialty exercises, triggers for headaches plus specific answers for each, acupressure relief points for sinus congestion, massage techniques for the head / headache relief, massage techniques for the back, and stretching / alignment techniques for the back.
Learning Outcomes
1. The student will be able to explain and discuss the concept of client lifestyle education as it relates to the presentation of the Okazaki style of RMT / Seifhukujitsu, and list 3 components that should be included in the presentation.
2. The student will be able to explain, discuss, and list the 5 components / facets of the Okazaki style approach to medical
massage therapy.
3. The student will be able to list 10 components necessary to, and be able to perform, a comprehensive initial client intake session.
4. The student will be able to explain, demonstrate, and perform 15 Chinese martial arts exercises for restoring function for therapist’s personal self-care.
5. The student will be able to explain and discuss the theoretical basis of the Okazaki style explanatory model for holistic assessment.
6. The student will be able to list 3 major components of the practical model for holistic assessment and be able to perform an assessment.
7. The student will be able to explain, demonstrate, and perform 2 specialty massage techniques / techniques for special problems for the neck.
8. The student will be able to explain, demonstrate, and perform 4 neck specialty exercises.
9. The participant will be able to explain 4 triggers for
headaches plus be able to explain, demonstrate, and
perform 4 specific answers for each.
10. The student will be able to explain, demonstrate, and perform 3 acupressure relief points for sinus congestion.
11. The student will be able to explain, demonstrate, and perform 5 massage techniques for the head / headache relief.
12. The student will be able to explain, demonstrate, and perform 8 massage techniques for the back.
13. The student will be able to explain, demonstrate, and perform 2 stretching / alignment techniques for the back.
CE Course #5
Specialty Techniques & Considerations in Okazaki Style Restorative Massage Therapy / Seifhukujitsu #2
Course Prerequisites: CE Course #4.
Number of continuing education hours: 13
Length of course: 2 days
Course Description
This Course in the continuing series from the Okazaki style of Restorative Massage Therapy / Seifhukujitsu focuses on expanding the participants knowledge of specific upper body techniques for the shoulder, arm, elbow, wrist, hand, and finger. It also includes Chinese martial arts exercises for restoring function for therapist’s personal self-care. In addition, it introduces energy protection and cleansing techniques and Chi Kung / energy cultivation techniques for therapist’s personal self-care.
Learning Outcomes
1. The student will be able to explain, demonstrate, and perform 4 Specialty Massage Techniques / Techniques for Special Problems for the Shoulder.
2. The student will be able to explain, demonstrate, and perform 3 Shoulder stretch techniques.
3. The student will be able to explain, demonstrate, and perform 3 basic stretching / alignment techniques for the shoulder.
4. The student will be able to explain, demonstrate, and perform 5 massage techniques for the arm, elbow, wrist, hand, and finger.
5. The student will be able to explain, demonstrate, and perform 2 stretching / alignment techniques for the elbow & wrist.
6. The student will be able to explain, demonstrate, and perform
5 Chinese martial arts exercises for restoring function for
therapist’s personal self-care.
7. The student will be able to explain, demonstrate, and perform 2 self-help stretching / alignment techniques for clients and therapists.
8. The student will be able to explain, demonstrate, and perform 2 energy protection and cleansing techniques.
9. The student will be able to explain, demonstrate, and perform 1 Chi Kung / energy cultivation technique.
CE Course #6
Specialty Techniques & Considerations in Okazaki Style Restorative Massage Therapy / Seifhukujitsu #3
Course Prerequisites: CE Course #5.
Number of continuing education hours: 13
Length of course: 2 days
Course Description
This Course in the continuing series focuses on expanding the participants knowledge of specific lower body massage and stretching / alignment techniques for the lower back, SI, knee, leg, ankle, and foot from the Okazaki style of Restorative Massage Therapy / Seifhukujitsu. It also includes Chinese martial arts exercises for restoring function for therapist’s personal self-care.
Learning Outcomes
1. The student will be able to explain, demonstrate, and perform 1 Specialty Massage Techniques / Techniques for Special Problems for the Lower back / SI.
2. The student will be able to explain, demonstrate, and perform 2 massage techniques for the knee.
3. The student will be able to explain, demonstrate, and perform
1 stretching / alignment technique for the knee.
4. The student will be able to explain, demonstrate, and perform 3 massage techniques for the ankle & foot.
5. The student will be able to explain, demonstrate, and perform 1 stretching / alignment technique for the ankle & foot.
6. The student will be able to explain, demonstrate, and perform 2 stretching / alignment techniques for the SI, knee, ankle & foot.
7. The student will be able to explain, demonstrate, and perform 15 Chinese martial arts exercises for restoring function for therapist’s personal self-care.
CE Course #7
Okazaki Style Restorative Massage Therapy / Seifhukujitsu Upper Body, Neck, and Head Techniques
Course Prerequisites: None.
Number of continuing education hours: 24
Length of course: 3 days
Course Description
This course of instruction is an introduction to the Okazaki style of traditional Japanese deep-tissue, Restorative Massage Therapy / Seifhukujitsu by means of the Okazaki Long-Life Massage Kata (form), and provides the starting point and foundation of the students theoretical and technical massage knowledge within the Okazaki system of Seifhukujitsu. This Course teaches approximately half (the upper body, neck, and head portion) of the sequence.
In addition, this Course contains additional upper body specialty massage techniques / techniques for special problems for the back, neck, head / headache relief, shoulder, arm, elbow, wrist, hand, and finger.
Seifhukujitsu is the long-life restoration therapy practiced and
taught by Henry Seishiro Okazaki at his clinic and dojo in Honolulu, Hawaii during the first half of the 20th century. Seifhukujitsu is most accurately rendered in English as “Restoration Therapy” or “Restorative Massage Therapy” which reflects the overall spirit and goal of the system: to return/restore the injured or diseased person to an original state of well-being.
General seifhukujitsu principles are:
· Balance the body - The therapy focuses on the major energy flow lines used in other methods based upon TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) theory such as acupuncture, acupressure, tui na, shiatsu, etc.
· Break Down/Build Up - The therapy is a deep-tissue massage that releases lacto-carbonic acid. The body then rebuilds its tissue to a stronger state over time.
The Okazaki Long-Life Massage Kata (form) is formulated upon these principles / theoretical foundations.
The technique of Seifhukujitsu is to primarily use the crux of the elbow rather than the hands. This is done with an ironing and rocking motion and not rubbing. The Okazaki Long-Life Massage Kata (form) is an application of over 57 specific techniques organized into a distinctive and unique full-body massage that provides the theoretical and practical foundation for the remainder of the system.
It is the basis for a mentally and physically relaxing, deep tissue massage as part of a wellness lifestyle. It is the “original” sports massage. It is an excellent vehicle for initial assessment in medical massage. It is the application of TCM theory and the fundamental Seifhukujitsu principles resulting in an energy balancing, and is the necessary prerequisite to the application of the Okazaki style stretching / alignment techniques.
Learning Outcomes
The participant will be able to: perform the first half of the Basic Okazaki Long-Life Restorative Massage Kata (Form) which consists of the methodical application of over 25 distinct techniques; explain at least 2 fundamental aspects of the underlying theoretical basis; explain, discuss, and describe the differences and similarities between an energy explanatory schemata versus the Western allopathic explanatory schemata; discuss the martial art – healing art connection; and be able to define and explain Seifhukujitsu.
In addition:
1. The participant will be able to explain, demonstrate, and perform 8 Specialty Massage Techniques / Techniques for Special Problems for the back.
2. The participant will be able to explain, demonstrate, and perform 2 Specialty Massage Techniques / Techniques for Special Problems for the neck.
3. The participant will be able to explain 4 triggers for
headaches plus be able to explain, demonstrate, and
perform 4 specific answers for each.
4. The participant will be able to explain, demonstrate, and perform 3 acupressure relief points for sinus congestion.
5. The participant will be able to explain, demonstrate, and perform 5 massage techniques for the head / headache relief.
6. The participant will be able to explain, demonstrate, and perform 5 Specialty Massage Techniques / Techniques for Special Problems for the Shoulder.
7. The participant will be able to explain, demonstrate, and
perform 3 Shoulder stretch techniques.
CE Course #8
Okazaki Style Restorative Massage Therapy / Seifhukujitsu Lower Body Techniques
Course Prerequisites: CE Course #7.
Number of continuing education hours: 24
Length of course: 3 days
Course Description
This course of instruction is an introduction to the Okazaki style of traditional Japanese deep-tissue, restorative massage therapy / Seifhukujitsu by means of the Okazaki Long-Life Massage Kata (form), and provides the starting point and foundation of the students theoretical and technical massage knowledge within the Okazaki system of Seifhukujitsu. This Course teaches approximately half (the lower body portion) of the sequence.
In addition, this Course contains additional lower body specialty massage techniques / techniques for special problems for the lower back, SI, knee, leg, ankle, and foot from the Okazaki style of Restorative Massage Therapy / Seifhukujitsu.
Seifhukujitsu is the long-life restoration therapy practiced and taught by Henry Seishiro Okazaki at his clinic and dojo in Honolulu, Hawaii during the first half of the 20th century. Seifhukujitsu is most accurately rendered in English as “Restoration Therapy” or “Restorative Massage Therapy” which reflects the overall spirit and goal of the system: to return/restore the injured or diseased person to an original state of well-being.
General seifhukujitsu principles are:
· Balance the body - The therapy focuses on the major energy flow lines used in other methods based upon TCM
(Traditional Chinese Medicine) theory such as acupuncture,
acupressure, tui na, shiatsu, etc.
· Break Down/Build Up - The therapy is a deep-tissue massage that releases lacto-carbonic acid. The body then rebuilds its tissue to a stronger state over time.
The Okazaki Long-Life Massage Kata (form) is formulated upon these principles / theoretical foundations.
The technique of Seifhukujitsu is to primarily use the crux of the elbow rather than the hands. This is done with an ironing and rocking motion and not rubbing. The Okazaki Long-Life Massage Kata (form) is an application of over 57 specific techniques organized into a distinctive and unique full-body massage that provides the theoretical and practical foundation for the remainder of the system.
It is the basis for a mentally and physically relaxing, deep tissue massage as part of a wellness lifestyle. It is the “original” sports massage. It is an excellent vehicle for initial assessment in medical massage. It is the application of TCM theory and the fundamental Seifhukujitsu principles resulting in an energy balancing, and is the necessary prerequisite to the application of the Okazaki style stretching / alignment techniques.
Learning Outcomes
The participant will be able to: perform the second half of the Basic Okazaki Long-Life Restorative Massage Kata (Form) which consists of the methodical application of over 30 distinct techniques; explain at least 2 practical applications relating to the underlying theoretical basis / general Seifhukujitsu principles; further explain, discuss, and describe the differences and similarities between an energy explanatory schemata versus the Western allopathic explanatory schemata; discuss the
application of the knowledge derived from an understanding of the martial art – healing art connection; and be able to further
define and explain Seifhukujitsu.
In addition:
1. The participant will be able to explain, demonstrate, and perform 5 specialty massage techniques / techniques for special problems for the lower back / SI.
2. The participant will be able to explain, demonstrate, and perform 2 specialty massage techniques / techniques for special problems for the knee.
3. The participant will be able to explain, demonstrate, and perform 3 specialty massage techniques / techniques for special problems for the ankle and foot.
Marketing and Promotional Policies
1. Participants must register and pay in advance.
2. The deadline for registration is usually 3 days prior to the course; see specific Course offerings for variations.
3. If the provider must cancel for any reason at any time, all payments will be refunded by direct mail as soon as practicable.
4. If the participant must cancel 1 - 7 days prior to the scheduled seminar, tuition is nonrefundable and no transfers/changes are allowed. If the participant must cancel 8 - 29 days prior to the seminar the tuition will be nonrefundable, a $50.00 administration fee will be charged, and the participant will have 1 year from the date of the seminar to use the remaining balance as a credit toward another seminar by this provider. If the participant cancels with 30 days or more notice prior to the event, tuition will be refunded minus $50.00 administration fee. Cancellation and rebooking must be made in writing.
5. Eligibility for participation and number of participants is always subject to final approval by the Principal Instructor.
6. All students will be required to sign a release / waiver of liability to participate in any Martial Arts Academy, Inc. program.
Master Henry Seishiro Okazaki, the founder of the Dan Zan Ryu (Cedar Mountain Style/School), was born on the island of Honshu, Japan, Jan. 28, 1890. He emigrated to Hawaii in 1906. When he was 19 years old (1910), he became ill on the island of Hilo and was diagnosed by a doctor to have been suffering from incurable tuberculosis. This motivated him to begin upon a path that he would pursue for the rest of his life, which he described in a scroll given to one of his students as follows.
“With the courage born out of desperation, I … started to practice jujitsu in earnest and in defiance of death. My frantic efforts and devotion to jujitsu not only miraculously healed my tuberculosis, but also enabled me to develop a strong, iron-like body…
I then realized that I owed my life completely to jujitsu, and decided to devote the rest of my life to the teaching and promotion of jujitsu.”
Master Okazaki proceeded to practice diligently 6 nights a week and learned several jujitsu styles as well as several other martial arts. In 1924 he returned temporarily to Japan in order to improve his system and made an exhaustive study of several jujitsu ryu while traveling extensively; he visited more than 50 jujitsu dojos (schools) and acquired 675 different techniques or forms. He made a special study of Kappo and Seifhukujitsu (see below), because he recognized the virtue of jujitsu lay in the possibility of reversing the effects of deadly or disabling arts by restoration and treatment. He returned from Japan in 1925 and started to teach his jujutsu system.
Master Okazaki stressed the ancient systems of philosophical and moral training (see the Esoteric Principles) while retaining the best of the arts of self-defense and of restoration together as a system of physical culture and mental cultivation. Thus, he achieved a true synthesis of ancient and modern elements.
In 1930 Master Okazaki opened the Nikko (rays of the sun) Sanatorium of Restoration Massage, also known as the Okazaki Seifhukujitsu In (Okazaki Alignment and Restoration Clinic) in Honolulu, where he subsequently earned an international reputation for his skill as a physical therapist.
Many people, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt, came to the Sanitorium with so-called incurable disorders. It is reported that President Roosevelt offered Okazaki a job at the White House as his private therapist. Okazaki declined the offer.
Okazaki also opened his school, the Kodenkan Dojo, that
same year. Kodenkan, the name of Master Okazaki’s physical school, may be translated as The School of the Ancient Tradition, and in fact the Kodenkan system is a synthesis of the best arts of the ancient jujitsu schools. However, Kodenkan may also be rendered as The School in which Seniors Transmit the Tradition.
This translation describes the Kodenkan method of instruction, senior students teach junior students in the spirit which Master Okazaki declared was inherent in the Hawaiian word Kokua, to help another; or to work together / to help one another.
Okazaki was one of the first teachers to break with tradition by teaching Japanese martial arts to non-Japanese. For this he was severely reprimanded by his instructors, and was ostracized by other Japanese. However, from the founding of the Kodenkan Dojo forward, Master Okazaki’s life was devoted to instructing worthy Americans without regard to national origin, race, or sex in the arts and sciences of jujitsu; because of Okazaki’s belief that everyone should have the opportunity to learn Jujutsu, regardless of their heritage, he developed many disciples who would introduce his system throughout the United States.
It is safe to say that when Master Okazaki died on July 12, 1951, thousands of students had studied in his school.
On the mainland over the years, a number of disciples who Master Okazaki had initiated into the highest arts of the DAN ZAN RYU system began to teach and attempted to make a reality of Master Okazaki’s dream to have a school teaching his system in every state of the Union. One of the first, Professor Ray L. Law established the Oakland (CA.) Judo School in 1939, and was followed shortly by Professor Bud Estes, Professor Richard Rickerts and Professor John Cahill. Others followed and taught over the years, and today, there are a variety of organizations, founded by different Okazaki students, dedicated to perpetuating their interpretation of his system.
The Seifhukujitsu System Defined
(in brief)
Seifhukujitsu is the long-life restoration therapy practiced and taught by Henry Seishiro Okazaki at his clinic and dojo in Honolulu. Seifhukujitsu means “alignment and restoration techniques.” Seifhukujitsu is not just massage which is, in actuality, merely a part of this broader, umbrella term; it also includes specific regimens for specific ailments, stretching / alignment techniques, bone-setting techniques (Sekkotsu), and resuscitation techniques (kappo). Thus, it is more accurately rendered in English as “Restoration Therapy” or “Restorative Massage Therapy” which reflects the overall spirit and goal of the system: to return/restore the injured or diseased person to an original state of well-being.
General seifhukujitsu principles are:
· Balance the body - The therapy focuses on the major energy flow lines used in other methods based upon TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) theory such as acupuncture, acupressure, tui na, shiatsu, etc.
· Break Down/Build Up - The therapy is a deep-tissue massage that releases lacto-carbonic acid. The body then rebuilds its tissue to a stronger state over time.
The technique of Seifhukujitsu is to primarily use the crux of the
elbow rather than the hands. This is done with an ironing and rocking motion and not rubbing. Advertisements in the Hawaiian phone book specifically note H. S. Okazaki’s famous “Elbow System”.
Some Thoughts About Okazaki And His System
One of the first things that becomes apparent to anyone who examines Master Okazaki's life is what an exceptional man he was in so many different ways.
Imagine the challenge of leaving your homeland, traveling thousands of miles to a new country, and learning another language.
Imagine the resolve and effort required to overcome a major, life threatening illness.
Imagine the effort that is required to study, practice, and teach martial and healing arts virtually every day of your adult life.
Imagine being a Japanese and being accepted at first as a serious student and later as an accomplished expert and teacher in arts taught by Chinese, Fillipinos, Okinawans, and Americans.
Imagine the motivation and dedication to study ancient systems of knowledge and having the foresight to recognize and organize them in a coherent fashion to be able to better preserve and teach them to others.
Imagine being the first to unveil and freely share knowledge that has been closely guarded and veiled in secrecy for centuries.
Imagine being the first to teach these ancient arts to students
without regard to their race, sex, or national origin.
Imagine having the maturity and depth to understand the
martial art / healing art connection.
Now go from imagining these things to making them a reality; that is what Master Okazaki did.
Reasons To Study the Okazaki System
1. To help another.
2. To help oneself.
3. Perpetuate a tradition of knowledge that has existed for thousands of years.
It has long been recognized in both Eastern and Western cultures that the one-on-one master/disciple relationship is the optimum learning method; especially for disciplines of great depth that require a great deal of time and effort to learn. This is particularly true of artistic endeavors that require an intuitive “feel;” studies of philosophies, the understandings of which require time to unfold and mature; and medical studies where attention to detail and precision are essential. These characteristics describe the depth and breadth of Asian therapies.
Our goal is to teach individuals the knowledge and skills to produce results in the real world of medical massage; and results are what make you a business success at massage. More specifically, our Continuing Education Courses are meant to introduce the student to the Okazaki system, and thereby help them to achieve business success in real life.
Some of the most important elements in determining what any individual will gain from any academic educational experience are the size of the class, the amount of time the student spends with the instructor, and the experience and level of expertise of the instructor. Our programs of instruction are organized and presented in a manner consistent with traditional methods of instruction. This means:
1. our CE Course class size is no larger than 20 students per instructor / supervisor per class;
2. each student receives individual attention from the senior
instructor;
3. the senior instructor has over 45 years of experience.
Beyond our Continuing Education Courses, the program of instruction at the Martial Arts Academy is designed to offer the student in-depth immersion and hands-on instruction in the Okazaki style of traditional Japanese deep-tissue, Restorative Massage Therapy at all levels, from Basic to Advanced Instructor. The teaching / learning approach, style, and methods are most closely akin to, and modeled after, the uchi-deshi (live-in student) model found in traditional Japanese arts; i.e. the master carefully chooses/selects students with whom he is willing to spend considerable private lesson time and effort to teach (inquire for details).
All of this means we want the student to succeed.