The Yamate Aiki-budō tradition is a (primarily) unarmed martial art of deeply sophisticated jūjutsu (aiki-jūjutsu). The system also draws on an extensive study of Japanese swordsmanship (kenjutsu), where the origins and many secrets of aiki-jūjutsu are found.

Aiki-jūjutsu is remarkably effective and tactically flexible, making it ideal for personal protection. Properly executed, this art does not rely upon speed or power. Instead, sophisticated technique and perfect timing unite with a dynamic spiritual intensity, immediately unbalancing and dominating an opponent. The creation of this dynamic, spiritual intensity does not occur in a vacuum; it is the result of sustained immersion in the system's teachings and traditions.

Yamate Aiki-budō's comprehensive, holistic approach ensures not only the transmission of effective techniques but also the gestalt of a complete methodology — body, mind, and spirit. Its goal is not to teach new things (though it continually does), but to transform the student into something completely new, with the wherewithal to utilize these newly gained attributes in meeting all of life's challenges.