Est. 2004 · Yauco, Puerto Rico · Honbu Dojo: Frederick, MD
A school born from fire.
Built to last.
Hakuhi Ryū is not a club. It is a living lineage — a Ryūha recognized by the international martial arts community, teaching the real science of the Japanese sword as it was practiced in combat.
The name
White Fire.
The story behind the name.
The name Hakuhi Ryū was born from a moment of clarity in combat training. During years of study under Marcus Sensei, Kanchō Luis A. Pons encountered a principle that would define everything: the Hi no Kamae — the Fire Stance. Its shape mirrors the kanji for fire, the five-pointed star, and the white sakura flower in full bloom.
This methodology does not approach combat from the Kissaki — the tip of the blade. It approaches from the Monouchi: the cutting zone. To fight from the Monouchi is to enter the opponent's fire. Fear, clarity, passion, and instinct all converge. Marcus Sensei called it "The Fire Storm."
In April 2004, Kanchō Pons compiled his sword learning path and named it Hakuhi Ryū — the Style of the White Fire. A name that carries the struggle, beauty, and complexity of combat as he had lived it.
Haku
White
白
Hi
Fire
火
Ryū
Style
流
KANCHŌ · FOUNDER
Luis A. Pons
Dentō Kenjutsu Hozon Kyōkai · Frederick, Maryland
Luis A. Pons began his path in the Japanese sword arts under the guidance of Marcus Sensei, whose teachings would shape his understanding of Kenjutsu. Through years of dedicated study, he developed a methodology grounded in the biomechanics of real combat — not performance, not ceremony, but the actual principles that governed the sword in battle.
In April 2004, he founded Hakuhi Ryū in Yauco, Puerto Rico. What began with a handful of students in a small dojo grew into a multi-location school with a faculty of six instructors across the United States.
In 2022, Kanchō Pons received Menkyo Kaiden — total transmission of the art — and Hakuhi Ryū was officially recognized as a traditional Japanese Ryūha. One of the rarest distinctions available to a school outside Japan.
Menkyo Kaiden · 2022
Recognized by Kodo Butoku Renmei
Founder · Dentō Kenjutsu Hozon Kyōkai · 2023
This is where your path begins.
No prior martial arts experience required. Whether you're drawn by the history, the discipline, or simple curiosity — our doors are open.
Proud Members of:
Okinawa Bujutsu Hozon Kyokai
The Okinawa Bujutsu Hozon Kyokai purpose of preserving the cultural aspects and traditions of the island of Okinawa, especially the martial arts. Also, it has the commitment to unify the Okinawan and Japanese Martial Arts community in our beautiful island, Puerto Rico and some states in the USA (Maryland, Baltimore, Louisianna & Virginia)
Kodō Butoku Renmei
The Kodō Butoku Renmei a traditional martial arts organization for the traditional/classical martial arts. Their purpose is to unite traditional/classical martial artists and help to build new friends by their popular KODŌSAI event and many other courses (stages) and seminars.