About | Kokodo Yyc

About Us

KoKoDo Calgary is a recognized KoKoDo Jujutsu study group under the authority of Hanshi Michael Seamark, Hombu Jikimon Sadohana Dojo, and Sadohana Kai.

Established in 2011.

KOKODO JUJUTSU

KoKoDo translates to "Imperial Light Way". It was founded by Shodai Soke Irie Yasuhiro and can trace our lineage to Sokaku Takeda of Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu.

JuJutsu can be translated as "Yielding art" It includes the concepts and philosophies of being soft, subtle as well as flexible. Jujutsu has its origins from ancient Japan, where it was referred to as Yawara. Its main function was as a secondary combat option for a samurai warrior when he was without weapons, and had to deal with armed and unarmed situations.

What To Expect & Benefits

Kokodo Jujutsu is a traditional Budo that specializes in joint locks, throws and pins for self defense. This includes formal hands on Kata training as well as situational self defense scenarios.

Progression at your own pace.

Exposure to traditional JuJutsu/Aikijujutsu techniques and concepts.

Curriculum based standard.

Small/semi private instruction

A safe, friendly and helpful learning environment.

Protective and functional movement

Mental and Physical well being

Self defense/protection skills

Our founder and Teachers

Soke Irie Yasuhiro

Irie Yasuhiro started studying Hakkoryu JuJutsu Headquarters in 1969 and trained directly under Shodai Soke Okuyama Ryuho.
Irie was the head instructor for more then 20 years. In 1977, he received the highest grade of the school and the same year, Ryuho Okuyama awarded him the rare title of Jodai.
After spreading the art and training many Shihan around the world, Soke Irie left Hakkoryu for personal reasons and on April 1 1995 formed his own school which he called Kokodo. Soke started to rapidly develop his school around the world (United States, Canada, Europe, Middle East, etc.)
He is also a very sought after shiatsu practitioner and teacher.

Hanshi Michael Seamark

Michael began his budo journey in the 80s and went on the learn Hakkoryu and Hakko Denshin Ryu JuJutsu through Sensei Fry and Shihan LaMonica reaching the title of 8th Dan and Menkyo Kaiden. It was through this journey Michael apprectenced directly with Irie Soke, the founder of KOKODO JUJUTSU in Japan

Michael is currently the Kaicho for KoKoDo JuJutsu Sadohana-Kai and is one of only two world wide to reach the highest rank and title of Hanshi Hachidan Menkyo Kaiden Shihan KoGyoku in KoKoDo JuJutsu. He is considered a world class budo practitioner and profession instructor and currently oversees the growth of dojo and study groups through out Canada, USA, and the Oceania. Michael and his wife Diane Seamark (a Shihan in KOKODO) co-own and operate the KoKoDo JuJutsu Sadohana-kai HQ in Vancouver BC Canada where they offer KoKoDo JuJutsu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Shiatsu Therapy and Yoga Therapy.

He has been personal and direct student (Jikimon) to Soke for over many years and is often called upon for council. Under the guidance of Soke, Michael has created a modern defensive methods and personal protection tactics called KoKoDo Goshinjutsu and currently teaches the day to day classes in the dojo and works as a shiatsu practitioner in his private acupressure clinic. To date Michael the Authored of the following 4 KoKoDo JuJutsu Books: Shodan, Nidan, and Sandan visual guides as well as the Kiso KoKoDo Kappo Shiatsu book.

He continues to work closely with Soke to grow the art of KoKoDo JuJutsu, KoKoDo Goshinjutsu and KoKoDo Keiraku Shiatsu world wide.

Sempai Tim Humphries

Tim was destined for a life long passion for Japanese martial arts as his parents met on the Judo mat. Beginning his own budo journey at the age of 7 when he started learning Judo, he has also practiced Karate, Aikido and of course Jujutsu. Tim was a the founding president of the University of Newcastle Jujutsu Club in NSW Australia. After moving to Canada he earned his black belt in Can-Ryu Jujutsu. When he met Michael Seamark at a Jujutsu camp in 2010 and saw and felt his technique he knew he had found a teacher who had the "stuff". KoKoDo was that "stuff" and Tim has been a dedicated student ever since. He earned his 3rd Degree Blackbelt (Sandan) in 2022.