Jujitsu

Class Schedule

All Ranks Classes: Mondays and Thursdays 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Advanced Class (invitation only) Mondays 8:00 - 8:30 pm

Advanced Class (invitation only) Wednesdays 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Class Fees

Ages 15-17: $45/month

Ages 18/up: $55/month

The monthly fee includes a one year membership to the American Judo and Jujitsu Federation, which is required for all students.

NEW STUDENT OFFER: Start classes for only $120! You will receive 2 months of jujitsu classes, a one year AJJF membership (a $60 value) and a free jujitsu uniform. A $210 value.

Upcoming Events

Click on the event name for more information. Details will be available approximately one month prior to the event.

Makoto Kai Kata Contest
Our 2008 contest was held on Saturday, April 19, 2008. Thanks to everyone for coming out and competing! We also especially thank the black belts who came not only to compete, but to judge and otherwise support this event.

Makoto Kai Freestyle Contest
Saturday, September 6, 2008

AJJF Participants' Release and Registration Form

Freestyle Contest Judging Form

Photo Galleries

2006 Makoto Kai Dojo Demo    2007 Makoto Kai Dojo Demo

2008 AJJF National Convention

Our History

The program taught in this school is Dan Zan Ryu Jujitsu, a system of martial art originally developed by Master Henry S. Okazaki, a native of Japan who eventually emigrated to Hawaii. He previously studied many different types of martial arts and eventually developed a composite style of Judo-Jujitsu which he called Dan Zan Ryu, or Sandalwood Mountain System. Master Okazaki established a dojo in Honolulu and was also one of the first Asian masters to accept students of all nationalities. The lineage of Makoto Kai traces back to Master Okazaki through one of his students, the late Professor Ray Law. Professor Law also helped found the American Judo and Jujitsu Federation (AJJF). Makoto Kai is still a proud member of this national jujitsu organization.

Sensei Cynthia Frueh founded Makoto Kai in her garage in October, 1990. She originally began her training at The Dojo, which was a school of jujitsu for women located in Oakland, California. The Dojo was associated with the AJJF and was founded by Professor Betty J. Maillette. Sensei Cynthia finally moved the school to the First St. location in January, 1992, where it is located today. In April, 1997, Sensei Cynthia attained the rank of Yodan, or fourth degree black belt.

Sensei Katie Murphy Stevens and Sensei Nerissa Freeman both started training in the first two months Makoto Kai was open. Sensei Murphy became co-school head of Makoto Kai with Sensei Cynthia in 2002. She was promoted to the rank of Sandan (third degree black belt) in February, 2005. Sensei Nerissa Freeman replaced Cynthia Frueh as co-school head in early 2005. She attained the rank of Sandan in November, 2004.

The name of our school traces back to the early days of The Dojo. Within The Dojo there was a club of advanced students which was called Makoto Kai. The club eventually dissolved in 1977. Sensei Cynthia felt that it was fitting to revive this name in consideration of the source of our knowledge. Makoto means sincerity or honesty, both in terms of philosophy as well as the intent of performing a technique. Kai simply means club.

In the tradition of Professor Maillette, Makoto Kai started as a school with a special focus on teaching women jujitsu and self-defense skills. It is now open to anyone with the desire and dedication to learn the beautiful and challenging art of jujitsu.