IRIE Yasuhiro began the study of Hakkōryū Jūjutsu (八光流柔術) in 1969 and learned directly from the Sōke of that school, Okuyama Ryūhō (奥山龍峰).

​

Earning its highest certifications, he was the chief instructor for more than 20 years, a time when he dedicated himself, heart and soul, for the development of this school. He was in particular the main teacher for the numerous students from North America and Europe.

​

After having been one of the main promoter of this art and having instructed a great number of Shihan in the world, Sōke IRIE retired from Hakkōryū and created his own form of Jūjutsu, which he called Kōkōdō (皇光道, the way of Imperial Light) as a traditional Japanese Budō japonais. The inauguration of the KōKōDō Sō Hombu Dōjō was held in 1995 and this new art spread quickly, counting now more than30 structures in12 countries.

​​

He also is the director of the institute of osteopathy KōKōdo (皇光堂接骨院), located in Ōmiya city, where he practices Shiatsu, Jūdō therapy (柔道整復) and acupuncture.