Lineage of the Grandmasters
10th Dan Black Belt
Grandmaster
The 10th Degree is only awarded to those martial artists who have given a lifetime to the furtherance of the martial arts and have demonstrated a lifetime of significant achievement. They have poured into their students and martial arts system the life lessons of honor, respect, courage and instilled in others the indomitable spirit of the Black Belt. “It is a humbling burden that can only be born by the most deserving, the most strong, ardent and caring of humans.
Tanaka Yoshimatsu
Tanaka Yoshimatsu was a master of Yoshin-Ryu Jujutsu, known for his contributions to the dissemination of Jujutsu in the modern world. He established the SHINYU-KAI dojo in Hilo, Hawaii, during the late 1800s, where he shared his expertise with students, including one of his most pivotal disciples, Henry Sieshiro Okazaki. Yoshimatsu's dedication to teaching Jujutsu to non-Japanese individuals defied traditional norms, earning both praise and criticism from his peers. However, his belief that Jujutsu should be accessible to all people ultimately led to the growth and popularity of the martial art in Hawaii and beyond. Through his teachings and his influence on future generations of practitioners, Tanaka Yoshimatsu played a significant role in the expansion of Jujutsu in the Western world.
Sieshiro (Henry) Okazaki
Henry Sieshiro Okazaki (1890 - 1951) was a trailblazing figure in the world of Jujutsu, founding Kodenkan/Danzan-Ryu Jujutsu and pioneering the integration of therapeutic massage into martial arts training. His extensive studies in various martial arts, including Jujutsu, Judo, Karate, and more, influenced the development of his unique style, which emphasized practical self-defense techniques and holistic healing practices.
Wally Jay
Wah Leong (Wally) Jay (1917 - 2011) was a martial arts pioneer, renowned for his development of Small Circle Jujutsu—a system that focused on efficient joint manipulation and control. Influenced by his training in Jujutsu and Judo, Jay's innovative approach to martial arts emphasized the use of small, tight circular movements to maximize effectiveness while minimizing effort. His teachings left a lasting impact on the martial arts world, inspiring practitioners to explore new avenues of technique and application.
Steve Heremaia
Grand Master (GM) Steve Heremaia holds the distinguished title of New Zealand's inaugural Jiu Jitsu Grand Master and stands as the highest-ranking Maori Martial Artist, attaining the illustrious rank of 10th Degree Black Belt. Revered as both Grand Master and Professor, his legacy in the martial arts community is unparalleled.
In 2002, Professor Steve's lifelong dedication to the art of jiu jitsu culminated in a momentous achievement: the awarding of his 10th Degree Black Belt by the world-renowned Grand Master Professor Wally Jay of Small Circle Jiu Jitsu. This pinnacle recognition solidified his status as a true master of the craft, marking the culmination of decades of unwavering commitment and expertise.
