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


Sensei Lily Chhan

Jujitsu Demonstration:

Tatsumake Shime

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

Sensei Nick Pillors

Jujitsu Demonstration:

Juji Gatame

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