Our Instructors:
Thomas Westfall, Shihan
Westfall Sensei has been involved in the martial arts for over 40 years and is currently ranked Rokudan, 6th degree black belt.
In the spring of 1985 while at a martial arts demonstration, Sensei Westfall saw someone who he describes as the "first true martial arts master" he had ever seen. This master was Prof. Sig Kufferath of Santa Clara, CA.
After the demonstration, Westfall Sensei asked Prof. Kufferath about becoming a student. The Professor directed him to the Kodenkan Jujitsu School of Santa Clara, which was Prof. Kufferath's main dojo, run by his senior instructor Tony Janovich.
Westfall Sensei became a Danzan Ryu Jujutsu student under the professors attending any and every workout he possibly could, regularly working out 7 days a week attending classes at the Kodenkan, assisting in instructing classes at the Santa Clara Community Center, and also assisting Prof. Kufferath in classes at other dojo's where he taught. Westfall Sensei spent many hours not only learning the techniques of Danzan Ryu, but also the "little things" that make this style so effective. Westfall Sensei also studied the healing arts under the professors and is certified in Seifukujutsu and Kodenkan Restoration Therapy.
For many years, Westfall Sensei was one of Prof. Kufferath's main demonstration partners, a privilege reserved for few. Westfall Sensei spent many countless hours going over the Okugi (inner mysteries) of Danzan Ryu with Profs. Kufferath and Janovich; and by Prof. Kufferath's own account, Westfall Sensei is one of only two students that he ever conferred copies of his personal notes.
A graduate from both the 1993 and 2003 Kodenkan Jujitsu Okugi courses held by Profs. Kufferath and Janovich, Westfall Sensei was awarded his Kaidensho (full transmission and mastery certificate) and the title of Shihan (Master/Professor). In addition to jujutsu, Westfall Sensei holds black belts in multiple martial art systems as well as having studied Aikido and Judo.
Gary Yonkers, Nidan
Yonkers Sensei joined Nikko Dojo in 2002. In 2005, Gary traveled to California and was certified in Seifukujutsu and Restoration Therapy by Prof. Janovich at the Kodenkan Jujitsu School in Santa Clara. Gary is a Washington State Licensed Massage Practioner and operates his practice as his primary vocation.
Ben LaBelle, Shodan
LaBelle Sempai joined Nikko Dojo in 2004. In 2005, Ben traveled to California and was certified in Seifukujutsu and Restoration Therapy by Prof. Janovich at the Kodenkan Jujitsu School in Santa Clara.
When asked about his experiences since joining the dojo, Ben states: "I have enjoyed my time in class and grown to think of it as a family. I have gained some insight into the world of martial arts and I believe I am a better person for it. It has not been easy, but it has changed my life for the better. I have learned much but I have much more to learn and understand. I love always having more to learn and improve."