Katie Murphy Stevens

Head Instructor Sensei Katie Murphy Stevens began her study of Danzan Ryu Jujitsu in 1990. She has been school head of Makoto Kai in Woodland, CA since 2002. She received the rank of Rokudan (6th degree black belt) in 2020. Sensei Stevens is currently advancing her training as a student of Professor Sheryl Hager. Sensei Stevens is active teaching at regional and national seminars, and participating in tournaments. In addition to her martial arts studies, she incorporates healing arts in her studies and is a graduate of the Danzan Ryu Seifukujitsu Institute massage course. She has served the American Judo and Jujitsu Federation (AJJF) in many administrative roles and serves on the board of directors of the Association of Women Martial Arts Instructors (AWMAI). Sensei Stevens began her martial arts practice for some self-defense training and fitness, but she stays for the deep friendships and her love of the art.

 Michael Thompson

Sensei Michael Thompson began training Danzan Ryu at Makoto Kai in late 2011. He earned the rank of Nidan (2nd degree black belt) in 2022, and became a co-school head of Makoto Kai in 2022. Sensei Thompson has also trained in Dentokan Aikijujitsu, Taekwondo, Progressive System (a blend of Filipino Martial Arts and Jujitsu), and Aikido.