Kokamishin Ryu Aiki Jutsu: a brief history

Kokamishin Ryu as practised at the Ipswich Dojo is based on the original form of Kamishin Ryu, developed by Dr. Albert Church (right) in America. "Ko" in this case means old or original.

This is a pragmatic art, well suited to practical self defence. Dr. Church (1930 - 1980) was the Soke of the Shorinji Tetsuken Ryu martial arts, a system of self defence originating in China, and further developed in Korea.

In England Col. Roy Jerry Hobbs re-defined the art to take it back to its roots, and his style is taught at the Ipswich Dojo.

Col. Hobbs now follows the teachings of Yasuhiro Irie, who was the head instructor at the Hakko Ryu headquarters for 25 years.

Following the death of the Hakko Ryu founder, Irie Sensei founded his own Ju Jutsu tradition called Kokodo.