I became a student of the Danzan Ryu school in 1969 at East Stroudsburg University.  As a student Senator, I assisted Dr. William Gessner, Judo Club Director, in developing the school club and its financial support.  The late Professor William Gessner and Soke William Snyder introduced me to Kodokan Judo.  Professor Ron Jennings introduced me to Kodenkan Jujitsu.  In 1973, I was invited to become a student of the late Professor Ramon (Lono) Ancho. In 1976 Professor Ancho was the West Point Academy Judo coach and Assistant Commandant of the New York Military Academy.   I remained a principal student and friend until his passing in 2003.  During those 30 years, Professor Ancho and I developed a long standing personal and student-teacher relationship with the late Professor Sig Kufferath and Professor Tony Janovich.  We co-founded the Kodenkan Danzan Ryu Jujitsu Association (KDRJA). 

       I have authored numerous texts on the art which are available on Amazon.com.  I am also recorded in the Martial Art Hall of Fame for my work in preserving this art form.  I received Okugi Certifcation 2003 from Professor Janovich.  I was advanced by the national organization to the rank of Shichidan (7th degree black belt) in 1998 and awarded the title of Professor.  Become an Okazaki student.    E-mail us for details at fragrantmtn11@aol.com

The following excerpted from my forth coming text "Esoteric Kodenkan".  This text takes aim at the essence of the Kodenkan Curriculum.   "Esoteric Kodenkan" publication Summer 2021.

Introduction to "Esoteric Kodenkan".

Esoteric Kodenkan is best understood through the Sensei-student dialogue.  Here, the Sensei-student dialogue invites the reader to explore both exoteric and esoteric principles of Kodenkan, Danzan Ryu Judo and Jujitsu. There is no Table of Contents.  Chapters don't exist.  No page numbers will be found.  A summary page would be misleading.

We reveal how our Shen (spirit) is transformed by the Dantien-Tanden (body's celestial chemistry) and provides core Ki as an integral part of Kodenkan student performance.  We investigate its dependence on the relationship with the Heaven-Earth Continuum that joins Kodenkan instruction to the Divine Realm.  We acknowledge that both the Tanden and the Heaven-Earth Continuum are evident in our physical/mental/spiritual make-up.  Hence, present in every successful execution of our Kodenkan technique.

We contemplate, Kodenkan founder, Professor H. Seishiro Okazaki's adoption of the Lao-zi, Buddhist, Confucius and Shinto philosophies of natural law, character development and community/ family responsibility as the underlying fabric of Kodenkan.  Further, the realization that to benefit from the Kodenkan "Transmissions", students must also adopt the Kappo (cure) Sappo (kill) philosophy.  To do one or the other means losing one half of the art form and will eventually inhibit the student's Tanden transformation.  The "redemption" of their Spirit (Shen) from their physical form will be in jeopardy.

The Sensei-Student dialogue untangles the web that defines Ki which precedes all physical, mechanical expression of joint locks, arm bars, throws and constrictions that are the hallmark of judo and jujitsu.  We disclose how to enter and exit the Kiai and Aiki.  We uncover specific lessons found in Professor Okazaki's ten (10) Master points hidden and revealed through the execution of selected techniques.  Not to be forgotten, we explore our use of Ja Ki (evil KI) to defend ourselves and our use of restoration arts to disperse Ja Ki in order to improve our physical and mental well being.

I encourage students to consider the meaning of Kodenkan manifested arts as all techniques that are present, objective and visible.  Then to recognize that once performed they are suddenly past as they move into the Subjective Realm (history) before being invited by us to return as our technique variations.  This writing promotes the notion that all of Kodenkan (sappo/Kappo) instruction strives to capture Uke's manifesting Shen (spirit) that moves to and from the Subjective Realm.

Finally, I invite you to explore the esoteric and exoteric depths of our wonderful, multi-dimensional Kodenkan, Danzan Ryu art form.  Do your best to recognize that Kodenkan instruction is not solely about self-defense and healing but rather a philosophy of coming to truth with who we are as individuals and our singularity with the Divine.  Best wishes in your pursuit of the Kodenkan's Esoteric Principles.

                                                                                                   Professor Kiehl

Master Okazaki's "Transmissions" convey the movements and design given to us as the secrets of the Universe.  His subtle introduction of the Divine, a student's celestial chemistry and the Kiai/Aiki of the Subjective Realm are the '"mystic ecstasy of such secrets"'.

Ode to Master Okazaki

O'Sensei's Transmissions are of the Divine indeed;

O'Sensei taught within the Shoden resides the Ki of the Objective Realm;

O'Sensei lectured within the Chuden dwells the Kiai of the Subjective Realm;

O'Sensei revealed within the Okuden exists the Aiki of the Subjective Realm;

O'Sensei divulged within the Koden lies singularity with the Divine;

O'Sensei clarified within the body exists Ki;

O'Sensei suggested within the blood flourishes the Spirit;

O'Sensei reminded within the Tanden rests Morality and Beauty;

O'Sensei understood within the I Ching blossomed Kodenkan;

O'Sensei acknowledged Heaven's mandate