About Us

The Ryukyu-Te dojo and research society was founded by Hayek, Shihan in 1982 when he was first introduced to Te-jitsu by Oyata Seiyu.  From the early beginnings to the present day, Hayek Shihan has been studying and researching Te-jitsu techniques. As new techniques were taught to Hayek Shihan, he would research variations and applications from different styles of Karate, Jujitsu, Aiki-jujutsu, Kendo, Kung-fu and Tai Chi. The research was done to better understand the techniques, and to learn different training and teaching methods. For over 35 years, Hayek Sensei has been perfecting the several 100 Te-jitsu techniques that were taught to him from different Martial Art Masters.

Ryukyu-Te is a Family Style martial art and non-commercial dojo. Family Style Martial arts were predominant in Okinawa prior to the early 1900’s. Commercialization of the martial arts started after World War II. Large martial art groups were then formed along with the systematization and standardization of formal Kata. Sport Fighting techniques were also emphasized . The name RyuKyu-Te is USA trademarked my Kent Hayek Sensei (1994)

Outside students are accepted on a limited basis. Please contact us for more information on the application process.

Sr. Instructor – Henry Iwaoka – Shihan

Henry Iwaoka has studied various styles of traditional Chinese, Okinawan and Japanese martial arts. He has advanced Black Belts in Shorin-ryu Karate, Eishin-ryu Iaido and Hakkoryu Jujutsu. He has teaching licenses in Karate and Jujutsu.

Sr. Instructor -Kent Hayek –  Shihan

Hayek has studied the techniques of Te-jitsu and Kroyu Budo from Japanese and Okinawan Instructors.   Hayek has received his Sihan Level instructor license  from Oyata, Seiyū Sensei in Ryukyu Kempo Karate. He has a 7th Dan in Aiki-Budo.  He received a 4th Dan Black Belt from Kuda, Yuichi Sensei in Matsumura Kenpo Karate and from Sato, Shizuya Sensei a 2nd Dan Black Belt in Nihon Jujitsu. Hayek Sensei’s private karate school is located in North Phoenix AZ..

Shihan Black Belts:

  • Jeremy Hayek – Shihan 5th Dan- Minnetrista, Minnesota
  • Matthew Hayek- Fuku-Shihan 3rd Dan – Phoenix, Arizona
  • Justin Hayek – 2nd Dan Black Belt – Roseville, Minnesota