Hakkoryu Martial Arts Federation History
The HMAF was founded by Dennis Palumbo in 1974, for the purpose of promoting the teachings of Hakkoryu Jujutsu and Shotokan Karate. Over the years, the HMAF grew to include registered schools and members around the world. Many of Shihan Palumbo's training friends went on to found similar organizations within their own arts. The photo includes, from left: Fred Degerberg, Ramon Lono Ancho, Dan Inosanto, Dennis Palumbo, and Manuel Taningco.
The Hakkosen Dojo
Denver (Aurora), COlorado
The name Hakkosen is an expansion of the term Hakko Ryu. Hakko Ryu means “School of Eight Lights”, and Hakkosen means “Eighth Ray of Light”. The Hakkosen Dojo of Denver, Colorado, owned and operated by Shihan Palumbo, was open continuously for 30+ years. In 2006, Shihan Palumbo decided to retire from active teaching, close the Hakkosen Dojo, and teach his senior students privately.
HMAF Today
In 2008 Shihan Palumbo turned over the active administration of HMAF to his student, Dara Masi. In an effort to become more available to current and prospective members of HMAF we will be posting information about all current events as well as membership and promotion requirements, and hope that you find this website informative.
View Letter from Dai Sensei Palumbo regarding HMAF Administration
Meaning of the Logo
"The upper circle which houses the four diamonds is the mon, or family crest, of the founder of Hakkoryu Jujutsu, Dai Soke Okuyama Ryuoho. The four diamonds represent spreading the teaching of Hakkoryu to the four corners of the world. In the early days of the ryu's formation, Soke Okuyama called his system Yotsu mei, or the four eyes system. Later it was called Shido, or way of the warrior. On 1 June 1941, however, Okuyama officially changed the name, and registered the school as the Hakkoryu (School of Eight Lights) with the Japanese government.in-yo. This is represented by a dark circle inside a light one. The small outer circle which is shown as light (yo), represents the universe. Within the yo circle is shown a smaller circle (in) representing the opposing forces in the universe. The two are inseparable, as one is contained within the other.
hak ko ryu. The patch is white with purple trim (the color of royalty in Japan and the Shihan belt of Hakkoryu). The black in circle is colored red on the school patch to symbolize the rising sun."
- description from the book The Secrets of Hakkoryu Jujutsu by Dennis G. Palumbo