Sensei Janice K. Okamoto, Shihan holds the rank of Shichidan in Danzan-Ryu Jujitsu and is the highest ranked woman in the Jujitsu America organization. She began her study of Danzan-Ryu Jujutsu under Professor Wally Jay and is the highest ranked female promoted by him. She also holds a Nidan in Judo under Prof. Jay. She is the chief instructor at both the Alameda High School Jujitsu Club and the Alameda Judo/Jujitsu Club, which have produced many fine students. She is the one of the few people to hold the certificate of "Master of Massage" from Jujitsu America. She received her training and certification in Seifukujutsu from Prof. Sig Kufferath and Prof. Tony Janovich.
In 1993, Sensei Okamoto attended and graduated from the Okugi (innser secrets) class given by Profs. Kufferath and Janovich. This was a repeat of the 1948 class given by Prof. Okazaki and attended by Prof. Kufferath. Sensei Okamoto received a Kaidensho (complete transmission certificate) with the title of Kyoshi. The Kodenkan Okugi class was held again in 2003 and Sensei Okamoto received a Kaidensho with the title of Shihan. She continually trains in and teaches the upper level techniques that she learned in these classes.
Sensei Okamoto won the 1st Okazaki National Champioship (Yodan/Godan division) and did so over all the male competitors (some of which held Professor rank!) Her dojo has won the Okazaki Team Championship title twice.
For 12 years, Sensei Okamoto was the Editor of the Jujitsu America quarterly newsletter, "Tegami". In that capacity, she arduously performed many duties necessary to produce this high-quality publication. Also in that capacity, Sensei Okamoto was one of the principal photographers in the entire Danzan-Ryu community. She was elected Vice President of Jujitsu America in 1998.
Sensei Okamoto has also been the key organizer of several high-profile conventions and seminars, including the 1996 Ohana convention in Santa Clara, CA. She has also done much to promote martial arts for women throughout the United States.
Her dojo address is:
Alameda Judo/Jujitsu Club &
Alameda High School Jujitsu Club
c/o Sensei Janice Okamoto
3006 Lincoln Ave
Alameda, CA 94501The website is: www.alamedajujitsu.org
Sensei Okamoto may be reached via e-mail at: jko@gte.net
Sensei Janice Okamoto at the 1993 Okugi class in Campbell, CA.
Sensei Janice Okamoto at the 85th birthday celebration for Prof. Sig Kufferath in Campbell, CA.
Sensei Janice Okamoto (center) teaching Seifukujutsu (restoration massage) at the 1998 Jujitsu America convention in Washington, DC.
Sensei Janice Okamoto executes a skillful Seoi Goshi on a much larger opponent.
Sensei Janice Okamoto (here with Prof. Lee Eichelberger) with her ever-present camera. This photo was taken at the 80th birthday celebration for Prof. Wally Jay in Waikiki.
This page maintained by George Arrington.
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