March 29, 2024

About Us

The RyukyuTe Kempo – Phoenix Dojo:  Henry Iwaoka and Kent Hayek have been studying and researching Te-jitsu techniques for many years. They have 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 hidden techniques of the Okinawan katas, and also to learn different training and teaching methods. For over 35 years, they have been perfecting the Te-jitsu techniques that were taught to them from different Martial Art Masters.

Ryukyu-Te is a Koryu or Old School martial art and non-commercial dojo. Koryu Martial Arts 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.

NOTE:  About Ryukyute Motobu: We have formed a study group for the study and dissemination Motobu-ryu histrocial information, training concepts and techniques.  We do not have a formal connection Motobu-ryu as it currently exists. We use “Ryukyute Motobu” is the name of our study group.

Sr. Instructor – Henry Iwaoka – Shuseki 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.  In other areas:  Henry has received the highest rank in Shibata-ryu Aikitejutsu – Godan 5th Dan

Sr. Instructor -Kent Hayek – Shuseki Shihan 

Kent Hayek has studied the techniques of Te-jitsu and Kroyu Budo from Japanese and Okinawan Instructors.   Hayek has received his Shihan 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.   In other areas:  Kent has received the highest rank in Shibata-ryu Aikitejutsu – Godan 5th dan.  Kent has been awarded the title of Iemoto by the Musashi Shinobi Samurai Clan of Tokyo, Japan to establish the art of Musashi Shibata-ryu Kojutsu and to spread the teaching of Ninshido internationally.

Black Belts:

  • Matthew Hayek – Menkyo Shihan 6th Dan Shibata-ryu Ryukyute Motobu Kempo – Phx, AZ
  • Jeremy Hayek – Shihan 5th Dan- Minnetrista, Minnesota
  • Justin Hayek – 2nd Dan Black Belt – Roseville, Minnesota