Letters Of Inheritance

Author: Bret Gordon

American Yoshinkan Aiki Jujutsu was founded by a gentleman who came to be known as Hasaka Yutashi. Hasaka sensei was a student of Horikawa Kodo, and the evidence of our Daito Ryu origins is readily apparent in our teachings, our principles, and even our scrolls (the Hiden Mokuroku and Hiden Okugi as issued in American Yoshinkan are shown here). However, there are still those that question the legitimacy of the system. 

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​Part of the responsibility of a Soke, the inheriting headmaster of a system, is the preservation of the art’s integrity. Acting in that capacity, over the years I have gradually released information and documentation to ensure the traditions are both protected and understood. After years of his mere existence being questioned, I released a photo of Hasaka sensei with a young Hatfield sensei, my teacher, in my book "The Secrets Guard Themselves," prompting the Kodokai to issue a statement they have no record of "Hasaka Yutashi" ever training. To quote a Daito Ryu friend of mine, "Saying they have no record of his alias is making them look silly." But I digress. What follows is the next installment in the ongoing endeavor of cementing our system's place in martial arts history by documenting its evolution. ​

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There is not a single question about my position as the inheritor of American Yoshinkan Aiki Jujutsu. The record is clear, through video, photographs, blogs, and certifications, that the lineage has passed to me. My stance has always been simple: whether the art originated with Hasaka or Hatfield, I am its current Soke, and that is the end of the discussion. In truth, had I simply declared it was founded by Hatfield sensei from the beginning, I doubt I would have faced even a fraction of the inquisition I’ve endured. However, to change my story now would be a denial of the legacy I claim to represent. So, let's establish Hatfield sensei's position as my predecessor as Soke of American Yoshinkan. 

When Hatfield sensei was first named as the inheritor, he was awarded this certificate and letter, a transcription of which is included below:

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"To Whom It May Concern:
Upon careful evolution [sic] I Hasaka Yutashi of The American Yoshinkan Aiki Jujutsu System Established 1999 in Oakland California. I hereby declare upon my retirement or expiration that Steven W. Hatfield of Columbus, Ohio will now hold the title of Soke with Full Menkyo Kaiden. I have made contact with Master James Parrish his current instructor in the Wae-Kune-Do Karate system and I have informed him of this request of mine If I am no longer available please contact master James Parrish for further verification if needed. I have always appreciated Master Hatfield's love for the martial arts. I state with honor and respect that you: Soke Steven W. Hatfield accept this Sokeship Obi, The (Aka Obi) Red Belt) as a bond from father to son, we have become family through the bond of instructor and student. Let it be known that MR. STEVEN W. HATFIELD OF COLUMBUS, OH 43207 USA. Will now be known as Soke of American Yoshinkan Aiki Jujutsu as of March 16th, 2006."

Hasaka sensei officially retired the following year, formally recognizing his successor by presenting Hatfield sensei with the scroll pictured at right. This document conferred upon Hatfield sensei the rank of 10th Dan, symbolizing not only technical mastery but also the responsibility of carrying forward the art. The scroll represents a significant moment in the transmission of American Yoshinkan Aiki Jujutsu, marking the formal passing of leadership and authority. Certain sections of the document have been intentionally redacted, as they contain proprietary information reserved for those within the lineage, but even in its partial form the scroll remains a powerful testament to the legitimacy and continuity of the tradition.

Allow me to clarify that we are not Daito Ryu, and any references to that art are made solely to honor the historical roots from which our practice has drawn inspiration. As I continue to gradually release information and historical documents, I trust that it becomes increasingly clear to anyone who questions our origins that there is far more depth to this story than they may realize. 

With everything I have published up to and including this article, I have established Hasaka Yutashi's existence through photographs. I have documented our Aiki Jujutsu lineage by presenting high-level, secret teachings and scrolls that no outsider could possibly access without direct transmission. I have verified Hatfield sensei’s role as Hasaka sensei’s rightful inheritor, and my position as the current Soke is thoroughly documented and indisputable.​ There is more than enough information publicly available to firmly cement American Yoshinkan Aiki Jujutsu as a legitimate martial arts system. 

One reason I refrain from sharing extensive details about Hasaka sensei’s life prior to the establishment of American Yoshinkan Aiki Jujutsu is quite simple. It is ultimately irrelevant to the art as it exists today. What matters is the system he created, the transmission of that system through his successors, and the living tradition we continue to preserve and advance. Whether Hasaka sensei was a white belt or 10th Dan in Daito Ryu is irrelevant, because neither Hatfield sensei or I claim to teach or hold rank in Daito Ryu from him. 

The American Yoshinkan system is all I am claiming the rights to. I have no desire to be Daito Ryu, to be accepted into Daito Ryu, or to be recognized by Daito Ryu. Our art does not exist in the shadow of another system, nor does its legitimacy depend on outside acknowledgment. American Yoshinkan Aiki Jujutsu stands on its own merits, built on the foundation laid by Hasaka sensei, preserved and transmitted through Hatfield sensei, and carried forward under my leadership. While we acknowledge and respect the historical traditions that influenced our evolution, our identity is not borrowed. It is distinct, complete, and entirely our own.