History of Nisei Bujutsu

Nisei Bujutsu is a traditional martial system rooted in classical Japanese principles and refined through generations of disciplined transfer.

Its foundation draws from several respected martial traditions, including:

• Daito-Ryu Aiki-Jujutsu

• Hakko-Ryu

• Yoshitsune Jujutsu

• Judo

• Naha-Te Karate

• Kobu-Jutsu

At its core, Nisei Bujutsu traces much of its technical heritage to the Japanese feudal-era Minamoto family through the Daito-Ryu Aiki-Jujutsu system. The ancient samurai art of Daito-Ryu carries a long and distinguished history, influencing numerous modern martial systems.

Over centuries, many schools have preserved Daito-Ryu’s foundational principles while developing their own unique identities and expressions. Among the systems historically connected to these roots are:

• Aikido (Ueshiba lineage)

• Hakko-Ryu Jujutsu

• Yoshitsune Jujutsu

• Judo

• Kobu-Jutsu

• Nippon Shorinji-Kempo

• Hapkido

• And others influenced by the same classical principles

These are the flowering branches of Daito-Ryu’s enduring legacy.

What makes this transfer remarkable is that the principles forged nearly a thousand years ago continue to function effectively in modern practice. The mechanics, timing, structure, and conceptual foundations that gave life to ancient technique remain visible in the waza practiced today within Nisei Bujutsu.

The enduring strength of these systems lies not merely in technique, but in principle. It is these underlying concepts — balance, leverage, positioning, and disciplined structure — that preserve the link between past and present.

Nisei Bujutsu stands as a modern expression of ancient tradition — demonstrating how classical principles can coexist with contemporary training while honoring lineage, discipline, and diversity.

History has given us key figures and dedicated leaders who safeguarded these teachings for future generations. Nisei Bujutsu respectfully carries that legacy forward

Nisei Bujutsu Logo

The emblem of the Nisei Bujutsu Federation of America represents lineage, principle, discipline, and the enduring spirit of the warrior.

The Crest — (Dojo Kun)

“Nisei Bujutsu” translates to Second Generation Martial Arts.

The term Nisei means “second generation,” and Bujutsu translates as “martial arts.” The art of Nisei Bujutsu represents the second generation of traditional Hakko-Ryu Ju-Jutsu as taught by the late Okuyama Yoshiji, Soke, and Yoshitsune Ju-Jutsu as taught by Michael DePasquale Sr., O-Sensei.

Nisei Bujutsu stands as a continuation — preserving foundational principles while carrying them forward into a modern generation of practitioners.

Foundational Principles

Nisei Bujutsu is built upon six classical disciplines:

• Hakko-Ryu Ju-Jutsu

• Daito-Ryu Aiki Ju-Jutsu

• Yoshitsune Ju-Jutsu

• Judo

• Naha-Te Karate

• Kobu-Jutsu

These disciplines form the structural base of the system, blending joint manipulation, balance control, striking, grappling, and traditional weapon study.

The Circle and Four Diamonds

The circle with four diamonds traces back to the roots of Daito-Ryu and reflects elements of the Hakko-Ryu family crest. The circular design represents continuity, completeness, and the unbroken transmission of martial knowledge across generations.

It symbolizes unity of principle — where structure, timing, leverage, and discipline converge.

The Samurai on Horseback

The central warrior figure represents the Spirit of Bushido.

The term Bushi means “warrior,” and Do means “the way.” Together, Bushido translates to “The Way of the Warrior.”

The samurai on horseback embodies courage, honor, loyalty, and disciplined strength. The raised sword is not merely a symbol of combat — it reflects responsibility, awareness, and decisive clarity.

The emblem reminds practitioners that martial training is not solely physical. It is ethical. It is principled. It is a path.

A Living Tradition

Nisei Bujutsu represents the flowering of classical roots in a modern era. The principles forged centuries ago remain effective today because they are rooted in sound structure and disciplined execution.

The emblem stands as a declaration:

• Respect for lineage

• Preservation of principle

• Strength guided by restraint

• Tradition carried forward responsibly

Through disciplined training, Nisei Bujutsu honors its heritage while shaping future generations.