Meet the Sensei
Sensei Derek demonstrating Kinu Katsugi, Kin Katsugi, and Gigoku Otoshi at the MokoMoko 2026 Jujitsu Kata Tournament
Head Instructor - Sensei Derek Baure
Yodan/4th Degree Black Belt - Danzan Ryu Jujitsu
Nidan/2nd Degree Black Belt - Aikido
Masters Degree in Kinesiology
Sensei Derek Baure has been training in martial arts for over a decade. He has black belts in Danzan Ryu Jujitsu and Aikido. He started both martial arts in 2003 under the guidance of Sensei Carol Harris at Diablo Valley College. Sensei Carol Harris was his main instructor and mentor over his many years of training.
Sensei Derek Baure began his training in Jujitsu, because of his history in high school wrestling. In his years of training Jujitsu he has received guidance and training from other instructors: Sensei Chris Peterson of Jujitsu America, Sensei Irving Lee of Zen Budokai Jujitsu, and Professor Lee Eichelberger of Small Circle Jujitsu. He discovered his interest and enjoyment of Jujitsu and expanded his interests in other Marial Arts. Aikido would be Derek Baure’s next study.
Derek Baure’s background of Aikido is a combined influence of Aikikai and Iwama style. Even though most of his instruction for Aikido came from Sensei Carol Harris, he has also had opportunities to train with the great Sensei Yoshimitsu Yamada - Chief Instructor of Aikikai, Sensei Hitohiro Saito - previous Chief instructor of Iwama Aikido and now founder of Iwama Shin-Shin Aiki Shuren-kai and Doshu, Moriteru Ueshiba, current Grand Master of Aikido and the grandson of the creator of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba O'Sensei. It is because of this background that Sensei Derek Baure continues to train in no singular style of Aikido and continues to spread the spirit of Aikido through his students, training and studies.
Since founding Touyou No Chie he has become Sports Jujitsu National Black Belt 2016 Champion, Jujitsu Americia 2017 Instructor of the Year, Kilohana Martial Arts Organization 2017 Instructor of the Year, member of 2019 Team USA for the Jujitsu World Games, and trained multiple champions in his dojo.
1st Place Jujitsu Kata 2026 - MokoMoko Invitational
Instructor of the Year 2017 - Jujitsu America
Instructor of the Year 2017 - Kilohana Martial Arts Association
Sensei Ryan demonstrating Windmill Kata at the MokoMoko 2026 Weapons Kata Tournament
Instructor - Sensei Ryan Mulgrew
Shodan/1st Degree Black Belt - Aikido
Sensei Ryan has trained Under Sensei Derek for many years. In 2021 he became Sensei Derek’s first student to earn a Black Belt in Aikido. Ryan now leads the Aikido Class - including teaching students in Aikido Weapons. He is also our leading Obstacle Course/ Mud Run / Spartan Race enthusiast. If you ever need help with your Aikido or have an interest in running an obstacle course, Sensei Ryan is your go-to person.
1st Place Weapons Kata 2026 - MokoMoko Invitational
2nd Place Jujitsu Kata 2026 - MokoMoko Invitational
Spartan Trifecta Medalist - Multiple Years
Instructor - Sensei Lily Chhan
Shodan/1st Degree Black Belt - Jujitsu
Sensei Lily has trained under Sensei Derek for over a decade. In 2021 she became Sensei Derek’s second student to earn a Black Belt in Jujitsu. She started her training with Sensei Derek and Sensei Carol Harris at Diablo Valley College and continued training with Touyou No Chie after finishing her schooling. Lily is also lends the Dojo her skills as a seamstress and designer. Want a custom Gi? Talk to Sensei Lily about the possibilities!
2nd Place Weapons Kata 2026 - MokoMoko Invitational
Basic Massage Seifukujitsu Certification 2025 - Kilohana Martial Arts Association
Ohana Award 2015 - Jujitsu America
Instructor - Sensei Nick Pillors
Shodan/1st Degree Black Belt - Jujitsu
Sensei Nick started training with Sensei Derek at Diablo Valley College under the guide of Sensei Carol Harris. After a few classes, he continued training with Touyou No Chie and was most interested in the practical aspects of Jujitsu. Throughout the years, he continued to train mainly with Sensei Derek while cross-training at other events, clinics, and seminars. In 2019 he joined Sensei Derek as a member of Team USA for the Jujitsu World Games. In 2022 he Became Sensei Derek’s third student to earn a Black Belt in Jujitsu.
Member of Team USA 2019 - Jujitsu World Games
3rd Place No Gi Sports Jujitsu 2019 - Jujitsu America
1st Place Sports Jujitsu 2018 - Jujitsu America National Convention
Instructor - Jon Closson
Shodan/1st Degree Black Belt - Jujitsu
Certified Massage Therapist
Sensei Jonathan Closson has always had an interest in the martial arts world since he was a child - he grew up watching all the hit classic TV shows and movies such as Power Rangers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, etc. His training journey began in junior college at Diablo Valley College with Sensei Carol Harris in 2009. He is now currently training with Sensei Geoff Mires in Shorin Ryu Shorinkan Karate Weapons practicing bo staff, tonfa, kama, nunchaku and sai in addition to his regular Danzan Ryu Jujitsu and Combat Conditioning. Sensei Jon has participated and came out victorious with Team TNC in numerous contests and tournaments in continuous jujitsu and sport jujitsu with silver and gold medals in each event. Outside of jujitsu, Sensei Closson is gainfully employed as a certified Massage Therapist since 2019, filling his appointment books with deep tissue, sports massage and stretching. Sensei Jon tested and received his Shodan 1st degree black belt in Danzan Ryu Jujitsu in 2024.