The De Pasquale Yoshitsune jiu-jitsu Program

Discover the rich history of Yoshitsune Jujutsu, a respected and authentic Japanese martial art with a significant impact on American self-defense. Founded by the visionary Junji Saito, Yoshitsune Jujutsu blends traditional Jujutsu techniques with adaptations for modern American needs.

Junji Saito's journey began in Japan, where he initially studied Kodokan Judo but found it didn't fully meet his needs. He then trained with a renowned 86-year-old Jigen Ryu master before becoming a top-ranking practitioner in Hakko Ryu Jujutsu under his childhood friend, Ryuho Okuyama. Saito Sensei, a small but incredibly skilled instructor, immigrated to the United States in 1960 and established the foundation for Yoshitsune Jujutsu.

Michael DePasquale Sr., a railroad police officer at the time, met Junji Saito in 1960 – a pivotal moment in his martial arts journey. DePasquale Sr. was immediately impressed by Saito Sensei's exceptional abilities and unparalleled teaching skills. Saito Sensei synthesized techniques from various styles, creating a system tailored for American self-defense applications. He also introduced the Hepi Ryu Bo Jutsu system at the Yoshitsune Dojo.

In 1961, Michael DePasquale Sr. founded the Yoshitsune Dojo, dedicated to preserving and teaching traditional, authentic Japanese Jujutsu. He achieved the rank of Shihan in Hakko Ryu Jujutsu under Soke Ryuho Okuyama. A notable highlight was DePasquale’s demonstration of Jujutsu at the 1964 New York World's Fair's Japanese Pavilion.

Following Junji Saito's passing in 1988, Michael DePasquale Sr. assumed leadership of Yoshitsune Jujutsu. Considered a father figure of American Jujutsu, DePasquale began his training in 1944 as part of the US Army's CID Division. He received numerous accolades, including induction into the Black Belt Hall of Fame and Jujutsu America’s Hall of Fame, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from Black Belt Magazine. He remained headmaster until his death in 2006.

Today, Michael DePasquale Jr. carries on his father's legacy as the headmaster of Yoshitsune Jujutsu. Having trained under his father since childhood, Michael Jr. has earned numerous awards and distinctions, including recognition from the Battle of Atlanta Hall of Fame and the Blue Grass Grand National Hall of Fame. He is also a prolific author and seminar leader, sharing the Combat and Traditional Yoshitsune Ju-Jitsu techniques passed down through generations. He continues to share the art through seminars and publications, including Karate International Magazine and several books, including the influential 1977 "Monarch Illustrated Guide to Ju-Jitsu."