Professor Nerissa Freeman, Rokudan (6th
degree black belt), is the founder and school head of Wasenshi Kan
Martial & Healing Arts. In 1990, she began studying Danzan Ryu
Jujutsu at Makoto Kai in
Woodland, California under Cynthia Frueh Sensei. She received her
shodan (1st degree black belt) in 1995 and then began expanding her
studies of the martial arts.
She received a sandan in Kodokan Judo under
Coach Willy Cahill and studied pentjak silat ratu adil under Gabriel
Torres, Sr., a direct student of Rudy Ter Linden. Her jujutsu training
then continued at Makoto Kai Dojo and she became co-school head in early
2005. She continued in this role until founding Wasenshi Kan in
October, 2012. She is always looking to advance her training, and
studied muay thai under Ajarn Andy Khensamphaph for five years. She also
graduated from Okugi® 2013 under Professor Tony Janovich with her
kaidensho and Danzan Ryu Jujutsu instructor title of kyoshi. Currently,
she studies Toyama Ryu Battodo under Mike Esmailzadeh Sensei, school
head of the Suigetsukan.
Her training has also included the healing arts, and she is a Licensed
Physical Therapist as well as a Certified Massage Therapist in the State
of California. Her massage therapy training began shortly after she
started practicing jujutsu and has focused on Danzan Ryu Restorative
Therapy and Seifukujitsu. She is also a graduate of the Basic Level of
the Original Okazaki Restoration Massage under Keith Okazaki Sensei,
grandson of Master Henry S. Okazaki.
The emphasis on personal growth,
service to others and the community, as well as the many lifelong
friendships she has made are what have kept Professor Freeman with the
AJJF, Danzan Ryu, and the martial and healing arts. She is guided by her
current sensei, Professor Sheryl Hager, school head of Redding Jujitsu Academy.
