Ao Denkou Jitsu

Ao Denkou Jitsu means “Blue Lightning Techniques,” named after the sharp, electric feeling you get from a well-placed pressure point strike. But the truth is, it’s not just about pressure points—it’s about understanding what’s been there all along.

Professor Rick Clark has spent a lifetime digging into martial arts, breaking down kata, and finding the real-world meaning behind old movements. Long before folks started throwing around terms like "Kyusho" and "Bunkai," he was already putting pen to paper—his first article on pressure points hit Inside Karate back in 1989. Since then, he’s written plenty on the subject, but fancy words and big theories ain’t what matters to him.

If ranks meant everything, his would do the talking:

• 8th Dan – Ryukyu Kempo

• 7th Dan – Tae Kwon Do (Chung Do Kwan)

• 7th Dan – Ju-Jitsu

• 5th Dan – Judo

• 3rd Dan – Modern Arnis

• 1st Dan – Hapkido

But that isn’t what sets Ao Denkou Kai apart. What makes it different is the way it brings people together—martial artists from all over, no matter their background. Whether it’s Uechi-Ryu, Krav Maga, Shotokan, Taiji Quan, Judo, or something else, everyone’s got something to learn and something to share.

Clark has always believed in cross-training—learn your style, then step outside of it. See how it all connects. That’s the heart of Ao Denkou Jitsu: take what works, leave what doesn't, and make your martial arts your own.

These days, Clark’s still out there, traveling, teaching, and helping folks see their training in a whole new way. If you ever get the chance to learn from him, take it—you just might walk away seeing things a little clearer.