Hanshi Shihan Scott Evans
Hanshi Shihan Scott Evans, founder of Koyama Dojo, has spent nearly three decades pursuing mastery and leadership in Hakko Denshin Ryu Jujutsu (HDRJJ), under the guidance of Soke Michael LaMonica. His martial journey began in 1995 with a self-defense class at the University of Akron, sparking a lifelong commitment to HDRJJ.
After relocating to Michigan from Akron, OH, Scott founded Koyama Dojo in 2004, where he continued both his training and teaching of HDRJJ. In 2017, he achieved the rank of San Dai Kichu, one of the highest levels in the HDRJJ system. Recognized for his expertise and leadership, he was appointed HDRJJ Technical Director of North America in 2022 and was later promoted to the rank of Hanshi in May 2023. In this role, he was honored to see Koyama Dojo named Honbu Dojo for North America, marking it a central training hub for HDRJJ.
Scott has also trained in Iaido under Nickolaus Suino Sensei, achieving the rank of Nikyu, and in Pekiti Tirsia Kali under Mataas na Guro Justin Schaffner, further broadening his martial arts experience.
Outside the dojo, Scott is a proud husband and father to three children and a successful business development executive in the biotech industry.
Menkyo Kaiden Shihan Jason Spirko is a senior instructor at Koyama Dojo in Livonia, MI, where he helps lead instruction in Hakko Denshin Ryu Jujutsu. He began training in 2008 under Hanshi Scott Evans and holds the rank of Menkyo Kaiden Shihan. Jason was awarded Shihan by Soke Michael J. LaMonica in 2022 and Menkyo Kaiden by Nidai Soke Antonio Garcia in 2024.
In addition to his training in Hakko Denshin Ryu, he continues to expand his martial arts experience through Pekiti Tirsia Kali under Mataas na Guro Justin Schaffner and has prior experience in Gracie Combatives, Gracie Bullyproof for Kids, and Silat, bringing a broad perspective on practical self-defense and traditional martial arts to his teaching.
Our Teaching Approach
At Koyama Dojo, instruction follows the traditional Shihan/Deshi method. This means every student receives direct, one-on-one guidance from an instructor or senior student. There are no large group drills
where beginners get lost in the crowd. Whether it is your first class or your five hundredth, you will receive personal attention and feedback tailored to your current level.
Both of our instructors maintain active training relationships within the global Hakko Denshin Ryu Federation, ensuring that the techniques taught at Koyama Dojo remain authentic and connected to the art’s lineage. This commitment to ongoing development sets our instruction apart from schools that teach a static curriculum.
Lineage and Authority
Koyama Dojo operates under the direct authority of the Hakko Denshin Ryu Federation. The art was founded by Shodai Soke Michael J. LaMonica, who developed Hakko Denshin Ryu from the principles of Hakko Ryu Jujutsu.
As the designated North American Honbu Dojo, Koyama Dojo serves as the headquarters for Hakko Denshin Ryu on this continent. Students who train here are part of a direct, unbroken lineage that connects them to the art’s founder and to centuries of Japanese martial arts tradition.
Why Instructor Credentials Matter
When choosing a martial arts school, the qualifications of the instructors should be one of your first considerations. Many schools are led by self-promoted instructors with no verifiable credentials or affiliations with recognized organizations.
At Koyama Dojo, both instructors hold ranks awarded directly by the heads of the Hakko Denshin Ryu Federation. Their credentials are verifiable, their lineage is documented, and their training is ongoing. You can be confident that what you learn here is authentic and effective.
Train With Us
Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced martial artist looking for a new path, our instructors are ready to welcome you. Your first week is free. Contact us at [email protected] to get started.