Instructors

James Wall
Owner / Head Instructor (Judo & Aikido)

James began formal training in Judo and Aikido in 1996. He currently holds the
ranks of Sandan (3rd degree black belt) in Aikido and Judo, and Nidan (2nd
degree black belt) in JuJitsu. He served as Judo instructor for both the Jr and Sr
Judo programs at Gentle Wind Dojo for several years before opening his own
Dojo in early 2005. While an active competitor James was several times LA and
MS state Judo champion in both shiai (fighting) and kata (forms) and placed 1st
and 2nd in consecutive years at the prestigious Swamp Classic Judo tournament.

Judo Rank and Certifications:
3rd degree black belt (USJA)
USJA Level 2 Coach
Regional Referee
Certified Technical Official Supervisor
Certified Kata Instructor
Regional Coordinator for USJA
Member USJA National Instructor's Sub-Committee

Aikido
3rd degree black belt (AFJ)
2nd degree black belt (IAA)

JuJitsu
2nd degree black belt (AFJ)
1st degree black belt (USJA)

Dan Jones
Instructor (Judo)

Dan began his study of Judo in 1995 after being an active high school wrestler. He
is currently a Shodan (1st degree black belt) in Judo. Dan is an active Judo
competitor and has been a past LA state Judo champion in shiai (fighting) and
kata (forms) and a former MS state kata champion. Dan also placed 1st in the
Novice division of the prestigious Swamp Classic tournament in 2001 and 2nd in
the Brown/Black belt division there in 2002. Dan currently helps with instruction in
both the Jr and Adult Judo classes and also serves as a team coach at
tournaments.

Judo Rank and Certifications:
1st degree black belt (USJA)
Local Referee
Technical Official

Patty Wall
Asst. Instructor (Judo)

Patty began studying Judo in 2002 and competed in her first tournament with less
than a week of training.(she placed 2nd!) Since then she has gone on to win or
place in several local and regional tournaments including 1st place at the 2003
Houston Open and 2nd place at the 2003 LA Collegiate Championships. She has
also been a multiple time kata champion in both LA and MS state tournaments.
She currently helps instruct in both the Jr and Adult Judo classes and also
teaches Goshin Jitsu kata. She also serves as club secretary taking care of
memberships and promotional paperwork. She is also the current
Secretary/Treasurer for the Louisiana Judo Council.

Judo Rank and Certifications:
1st degree Black belt (USJA)
USJA Level 1 Coach
Certified Technical Official

Mark Nienebar
Asst. Instructor (Aikido)

Mark began studying the Korean art of Tae Kwon Do in 1987 and reached the
rank of Ikkyu (1st degree Brown belt). In 2004 he began a study of Aikido and later
added Judo to his schedule. Currently Mark assists in teaching the Aikido class
and has also undertaken a study of Judo kata. Recently he also began training in
the art of Ninjutsu to enhance his knowledge of silent weapons.

Aikido
Ikkyu (1st degree brown belt)

Judo
Sankyu (3rd degree brown belt)

Tae Kwon Do
Ikkyu (1st degree brown belt)

Andrew Wilson
Instructor (Judo)

Andrew began studying Judo in 2003 after being active as a high school wrestler.
He currently serves as Assistant Instructor for the Jr Judo class and also assists
when needed in the Adult class. Andrew has studied JuJitsu in the past and now
also studies Aikido. He has been a MS and LA state kata champion as well as an
active competitor in shiai (fighting) where he has won or placed in several local
and regional events.

Judo
Ikkyu (1st degree brown belt)

Aikido
Sankyu (3rd degree brown belt)

JuJitsu
Yonkyu (green belt)

Michael King
Asst. Instructor (Judo)

Michael began his study of Judo in 2004, He currently assists as an instructor and
coach in the Jr Judo class. Michael is also very active as a Technical Official
where he serves as an instructor at clinics and also as a supervisor at tournaments
throughout the region. He is one of the few USJA Level 2 Technical Officials in the
state. Michael has competed in both shiai (fighting) and recently began competing
in Goshin JItsu Kata. He has also recently began training to become a referee.

Judo
Sankyu (3rd degree Brown Belt)

Zach Graham
Asst. Instructor (Judo)

Zach began his study of Judo in 2004, He currently assists as an instructor and
coach in the Jr Judo class. Zach is a very active competitor and began competing
as a yellow belt. He recently began competing in Goshin JItsu Kata in addition to
shiai (fighting) . Zach is a Certified USJA Technical Official and helps to run many
local and regional tournaments in that capacity. He has began training to become
a referee to further assist the growth of Judo in our area.

Judo
Sankyu (3rd degree Brown Belt)