Joshua Harrelson, Sandan (3rd degree black belt) is the school head at Wasenshi Kan. Joshua began training in Danzan Ryu Jujitsu with Professor Delina Fuchs of the Chico Kodenkan in 2007. In 2008, he moved to Davis, CA and continued his jujitsu studies at Makoto Kai Dojo in Woodland, CA, under Professor Nerissa Freeman and Katie Murphy Stevens Sensei. He transferred when Professor Freeman opened her own dojo, Wasenshi Kan, in 2012. In addition to his jujutsu training, he has studied hojojitsu under Dara Masi Shihan and Pentjak Silat Ratu Adil under Professor Freeman (Japanese rope techniques and Indonesian hand fighting, respectively) and enjoys the use and training of non-bladed weaponry such as the staff, stick, and tessen (iron fan) as adjuncts to his DZR studies. He teaches in the Danzan Ryu Restorative Therapy (bodywork) program through the AJJF, having previously completed the Advanced Training level. Joshua is also a Licensed Acupuncturist specializing in orthopedics and sports injuries in Sacramento, CA.
Benjamyn Rowe, Nidan (2nd degree black belt) started training Danzan Ryu with Jon Sylvia Sensei at Jobushinkan in 2013. While training in jujutsu, he also picked up boxing in his spare time. He received his first black belt with the Pacific Jujitsu Alliance in 2019. In 2020, Ben moved to the Sacramento area where he continued his training at Wasenshi Kan under Professor Nerissa Freeman. Here he received his Shodan with the American Judo and Jujitsu Federation in 2022 and his Nidan in 2024. Since starting at Wasenshi Kan, he has been studying pentjak silat with Professor Freeman. He has also studied the healing arts and is also a graduate of the Chuden Ichi Program (2nd year level) in Danzan Ryu Restorative Therapy. Ben works with children with behavioral issues using a therapy technique called ABA therapy. He extends the practice of teaching to the dojo setting where he utilizes the ABA principles to help teach and motivate those around him. He is Wasenshi Kan's chief junior class instructor.
Seth Watkins, Nidan (2nd degree black belt) started his studies in Danzan Ryu Jujitsu in 2015, after achieving a shodan rank in Aikido in his earlier years. He has studied DZR under Professor Nerissa Freeman for his entire jujitsu career; Toyama Ryu Battodo, a Japanese sword art, under Professor Mike Esmailzadeh of the Suigetsukan in Oakland, since 2016; and Hawaiian Kaihewalu Lua under Kumu Michelle Manu of Nā Koa since 2021. He has gone out of his way to maintain excellent attendance to classes, as well as going to local seminars, conventions, and contests. He volunteers as a graphic designer to the dojo and to the AJJF for the annual Convention. He has completed the Practitioner level of training in Danzan Ryu Restorative Therapy within the AJJF. Seth highly encourages students to participate not only with the dojo but also with the larger jujitsu community by attending events, as the greater jujitsu 'ohana can show people how much there is to learn in this style of martial art.
Kraig Sowa, Nidan (2nd degree black belt) also started studying Danzan Ryu in 2015. It was the first martial art he learned and has practiced DZR at Wasenshi Kan for his entire jujutsu career. He enjoys the camaraderie of the DZR and Wasenshi Kan community and sharing his knowledge with others.
Craig Arrowitz, Shodan (1st degree black belt) started studying Danzan Ryu Jujutsu in 2022 under Professor Nerissa Freeman. Prior to moving to California, he studied a related style of jujutsu for 13 years in Connecticut.
Professor Nerissa Freeman, Rokudan (6th degree black belt), is the founder of Wasenshi Kan Martial & Healing Arts. She began studying Danzan Ryu Jujutsu in 1990 and received the title of Professor from the AJJF in 2018. She has also trained in pentjak silat ratu adil, muay thai, judo, and Toyama Ryu Battodo. She received a sandan in Kodokan Judo under Coach Willy Cahill. She continues to practice Toyama Ryu Battodo under Mike Esmailzadeh Sensei, school head of the Suigetsukan and currently holds the rank of Shodan. Her training also included the healing arts. She is a Licensed Physical Therapist as well as a Certified Massage Therapist in the State of California. She is also an instructor of Danzan Ryu Restorative Therapy and Seifukujitsu. Prof Freeman still teaches at Wasenshi Kan from time to time.