An Important Message
from Roy Goldberg Sensei on Separating from Kodokai in Japan

As of March 2017, I will no longer be affiliated with Kodo Kai in Japan. I have great respect and gratitude for years of training with Kodo Kai; however, it has become clear over many years that we have fundamentally different philosophies about how to prevent the extinction of this beautiful art. I find it necessary for the preservation and continued growth of Daito Ryu, to leave the Hombu dojo in Japan. Out of respect for the Hombu dojo, I will no longer use the name of Kodo Kai for our organization.

My loyalty has been and always will be to Hayawo Kiyama Shihan, my instructor for more than three and a half decades, as well as Yusuke Inoue Menkyo Kaiden who I worked with closely and who recognized and encouraged my growth in Daito Ryu. Many of the senior Shihan I have worked with personally are no longer a part of Kodo Kai. I want to pass on what I have learned from these Shihan to the best of my ability.

My sole wish is to preserve and spread the beautiful art of Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu as handed down from Takeda Sokaku and Kodo Horikawa through my teacher and these other Shihan. Although I will not be formally associated with the Hombu dojo, there should be no doubt that the techniques and spirit of the Daito Ryu I teach and study, will continue to be purely Kodo Kai as I received it through Kiyama Shihan and the Menkyo Kaiden.

As in the past, teachers of Daito Ryu were presented with Dairi Kyojus to signify that they have license to teach Daito Ryu. Since receiving the Dairi Kyoju from the Menkyo Kaiden, I have endeavored to teach Daito Ryu to the best of my ability and I will continue to do so throughout the world.

I hope to continue the personal relationships with members of Kodo Kai in Japan, and my mat is open to any of its members who want to train in the future.

I will continue to train with Kiyama Shihan as his senior student and do Shugyo together.

Sincerely,

Roy Goldberg
March, 2017

UPDATE: After discussing with Kiyama Shihan in 2021, Goldberg Shihan has named his organziation
“Kiyamakai” to honor his teacher.