The Hakko Denshin Ryu tradition revolves around three basic tenets: no challenge or conflict... no resistance... no injury. This system neither teaches, engages in, nor supports contests.

The name "Hakko Denshin" translates as "the heart of the eighth light" or "dedicated to the spirit of the eighth light." This refers to Hakko Ryu, which is the "school of the eighth light." After the passing of Shodai Soke Okuyama Yoshiharu, his son inherited the system and the title Nidai Soke. Between his counselors and advisors, a new direction for the Ryu was evolved. Under the direction of Nidai Soke, the Hakko Ryu system became less self-defense oriented and more artistically oriented. Since the end of World War Two, the Japanese culture has become a much less violent place for the average citizen. Therefore, the need for self-defense styles is greatly diminished. Today, the average martial arts participant in Japan is engaged in the study of a national and cultural historical legacy, not the study of a serious martial (military) skill for battlefield, or street, survival.

In current Western cultures, European and American, there is concern on the part of the citizenry, as well as the constabulary, for training in an effective self-defense system. As taught by Shodai Soke, the Hakko Ryu system is very effective for both the average citizen and the police officer. Since the orientation shift in the Hakko Ryu system prevents its use, the Hakko Denshin Ryu grew to fill the void. Hakko Denshin Ryu teaches the original techniques as taught by Shodai Soke and maintain the self-defense orientation originally found in Shodai Soke's teachings.