About Koden Kan Martial Arts

The history of our system of martial arts only goes back over 25 years. But the original systems that are in the mix go back 1000's of years. First, a brief explanation of which styles have contributed to the creation of Koden Kan Martial Arts under Professor Michael M. Foley: 1. Rocate Martial Art - Once known as Koden Kan Karate in Hawaii under Grandmaster Roger B. Callejo. Prof Foley studied under Grandmaster Callejo for four years while stationed in Hawaii with the 25th Inf. Div., US Army. He left Hawaii in 1980 with a 2nd Degree Black Belt in this system. Taking advantage of living in Hawaii, he also studied several other diverse forms of Martial Arts. 2. Shoto-Kan Karate - Under the renowned Chuzo Kotaka, Prof. Foley developed strong and powerful traditional Japanese Karate technique to add to his growing martial art arsenal. 3. Kyokushin Kai Karate - Under the watchful eye of Bobby Lowe in Hawaii and the world famous Masutatsu Oyama in Japan, Foley learned more about sheer, raw power than he ever knew existed. 4. Ju-jitsu/Judo - Again, while stationed in Hawaii, He studied with some of the best instructors of Judo and Ju-jitsu. Professors Francisco "Cisco" Limbago in Waianae, Antone Gonzalez, Jack Wheat and later in California Prof. Bernard Baptiste and Prof. Wally Jay. All of these gentlemen trained under the legendary founder of Koden Kan/Danzan Ryu Jiu-jitsu, Professor Henry Seishiro Okazaki. The Prof. established the AJI or American Ju-jitsu Institute, which is still in existence today. It is the oldest Martial Art organization outside of Japan. We have been affiliated with the AJI for over 25 years. 5. Aikido - He also studied Aikido at the Pearl City Aikido Academy while stationed in Hawaii. Other styles Prof. Foley was fortunate enough to study for different periods of time: Kajukenbo -     Hawaii with Prof. Emperado Tae Kwon do - Hawaii with Master Kim Kick boxing -    Hawaii with Dana Goodson and Thailand with Coach Pyong Kenpo Chuan Fa - California with Bruce Juchni Careful observation of our style will show a very well thought out, organized, structured, scientific yet effective martial art utilizing elements from many different systems. There are techniques from Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Judo, Ju-jitsu, Aikido, Kick boxing, Kajukenbo, Kenpo, and others. There are even some applications taken from the Chinese martial art; Gung Fu.

About the name Koden Kan

Many people have heard of Koden Kan as a style of Ju-jitsu. Originally Koden Kan was the name given to Professor Henry S. Okazaki's Dojo in Hawaii. His particular style of Ju-jitsu was called Koden Kan because of the Dojo's name. Later, it became known as Danzan Ryu Ju-jitsu due to its founder living on the Island of Oahu. Professor Foley joined the AJI while living in Hawaii and studying Danzan Ryu Ju-jitsu from Antone Gonzalez.

Later, after moving to California, Prof. Foley petitioned for and received formal written permission from AJI to use the name Koden Kan for his particular style of martial art. This was during Prof. Samuel Luke Sr's presidency in 1983. Prof. Foley had taken several of his students to an AJI function and performed a Demo for the board members. This exhibition of outstanding martial skill was so well received by all of the board members, that the petition passed unanimously. Prof. Luke Sr. immediately spearheaded the entire approval process and issued the formal, hand written proclamation to allow Prof. Foley the right and privilege to use the name Koden Kan for his system of martial art. Prof. Foley and his students still maintain ties to the AJI and plan to do so for many years.

This isn't the first time Koden Kan was used for a system of Karate. Some time in the 70's, Roger B. Callejo asked for permission to use it during his association with the AJI. Later, in 1980, Mr. Callejo had dropped all his ties with the AJI and received official correspondence from the AJI to stop using the name Koden Kan for his system of martial art, and for him to contact his black belters to do the same. At present, Michael M. Foley and his black belters are the ONLY martial arts schools, outside of Ju-jitsu, permitted and authorized to use the name Koden Kan.