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Frank Ferris
Sensei - Godan - School Head

The martial arts career of Sensei Ferris began in 1983 with karate classes at the University of Nevada, in Reno. It was 1986 when Frank joined the Bushidokan Dojo in Sparks, Nevada and began his studies in DanZan Ryu Jujitsu where he trained under Prof. Herb LaGue for over 10 years with many other great martial artists. By 1991 he achieved the rank of Shodan (Black Belt) in the AJJF (American Judo & Jujitsu Federation), and found that he had a natural love to instruct all age levels and abilities. It was in 1993 that Frank achieved the rank of AJJF Nidan (2nd Degree Black Belt) and his already busy classes continued to grow. The AJJF promoted Frank to Sandan (3rd Degree Black Belt) in 1996.

In 1997, Frank opened High Sierra Jujitsu with his wife Cyndi (Nidan) and friend Gary Smith (Sandan). The rank Yodan (4th Degree Black Belt) was bestowed in 2000 and Frank diligently worked toward the next promotion to Godan (5th Degree Black Belt) which he received in March of 2004 at the AJJF National Convention. Although an avid practitioner of Dan Zan Ryu, Frank cross-trains regularly. He has achieved rank in Shotokan Karate under Sensei Jim Oba, a longtime friend and training partner. Presently High Sierra Jujitsu incorporates Kendo (Sword Fighting), Modern Arnis (Filipino knife and stick fighting), Hawaiian Kempo and Submission Grappling in its curriculum. Sensei Ferris keeps up with each art and is continually seeking new techniques and styles. He believes strongly in the genius of Master Henry S. Okazaki, the founder of DZR, and propagates his system with a passion. Frank's current sensei is Professor Geoff Lane of The Nibukikan in Chico, California.

From 1993-1996, Sensei Ferris served on the Board of Managers of the American Judo and Jujitsu Federation (AJJF) as the Manager of Communications and Editor of the Kiai Echo, the AJJF newsletter. It was during this time that Frank received international recognition as the Wandering Uke, visiting many dojos and participating in numerous martial art events. Today Frank continues to travel to conventions, clinics and dojos regularly and encourages his students to do the same so that they may become more complete martial artists. Frank serves the AJJF when called upon and was Director of the very successful 2002 National Convention held at John Ascuaga’s Nugget in Sparks, Nevada.

Professional Bio
During the day Frank works for Synergy Technology, an engineering design firm as a Project Specialist. He works directly for the President and his duties include bookkeeping, marketing, and multiple other business related tasks as well as direct interface with clients in manufacturing and quality management. Frank has a degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from the University Of Nevada Reno and 16 years of experience in business management and manufacturing including complex analytical instrumentation assembly and test. Frank has expanded his specialties to quality and manufacturing management systems including ISO fulfillment and lean manufacturing principles. He is a Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) and co-chairs the Northern Nevada American Society of Quality (ASQ). Beyond manufacturing and project fulfillment, Frank has done work in foreign trade zone installation and has performed key roles with multiple northern Nevada businesses in operations, customer relations and personnel management.

Gary Smith
Sandan

Sempai Gary Smith is a student and head instructor at High Sierra Jujitsu under Sensei Frank Ferris. Gary began DZR (DanZan Ryu) with Prof. Herb LaGue in 1977 at Sparks Judo and Jujitsu. In August of 1985 Gary received his dojo Shodan at the Bushidokan, then in April of 1993, he was promoted to Shodan by the AJJF. The promotions continued in July of 1997 with the rank of Nidan was bestowed and in July of 2000 Sandan which is the rank given for mastering the art. Gary co-authored and directs an assaultive behavior intervention course used throughout Nevada Mental Health/Developmental Services. Gary has instructed Jujitsu for many years and possesses excellent communication skills, creating an educational and fun environment.

Cyndi Ferris
Nidan

Cyndi (Cyndo) started her martial studies in 1987 at the Bushidokan dojo in Sparks, NV. with Prof. Herb Lague as her sensei. She received her Shodan with the AJJF in 1991 and her Nidan belt in 1994. In the fall of 1998, she became certified as an instructor of R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) for women in both their basic and advanced courses of women's self defense. She is also a certified instructor of R.A.D. (Resisting Aggression Defensively), a comprehensive system for children teaching not only self defense skills, but stranger awareness, how to dial 911, burning building exit techniques and other practical skills for the young. Cyndo is a favorite of the students and instructs regularly at High Sierra Jujitsu.

Amanda Ferris
Shodan

Amanda began her journey of Dan Zan Ryu Jujitsu in 1986 at the age of 6. Over the next 10 years, she studied Jujitsu under many different instructors and Shotokan Karate under Sensei Jim Oba. It was during these years that Amanda wandered in and out of the martial arts, but never quit and she understood that they would always be there for her. After 1997 Amanda re-ignited her passion for Jujitsu when her father Frank Ferris (Godan-6th Degree) opened High Sierra Jujitsu with Amanda's mother Cyndi (Nidan-2nd Degree) and Gary Smith (Sandan-3rd Degree). In March of 2002 she tested for and received the Rank of Shodan (Black Belt) from the AJJF. Amanda is currently working toward her Nidan 2nd degree black belt and preparing to test in the fall of 2004. Amanda is finishing up her undergraduate studies in Elementary Education at the University of Nevada, Reno and will be student teaching in the fall of 2004. Amanda is also the head instructor of the Kids Program at High Sierra and was asked to instruct at the AJJF National Convention in march 2004. For more information about the kids program please click here.

Matt Griffith
Shodan

Matt Griffith began his martial training in American boxing while in jr. high school. He then wrestled for two years in high school, achieving modest success on the mat. Upon graduation in 1976, Griffith joined the U.S. Navy. While stationed in San Diego, Ca., Griffith studied TaeKwonDo under Grand Master David Chaanine. Griffith ended his military service in 1990 and returned to Nevada. While working at the Naval Air Station in Fallon, Griffith again resumed his study of TaeKwonDo. This was a short lived association, and in 1993, Griffith began his study of Dan Zan Ryu Jujitsu, training directly under Frank Ferris. Commuting twice a week from Fallon to Reno proved to be financially taxing, so DZR was put on the back burner. In 1996, Griffith secured a full time technician position with the Nevada Army National Guard as the engine mechanic with the Chinook unit stationed in Reno. Griffith contacted Sensei Frank Ferris in March of 1996, and once again picked up the study of Dan Zan Ryu at High Sierra Jujitsu under Senseis Ferris, Gary Smith And Cynthia Ferris. Griffith achieved his present rank of Shodan in June of 2002.

Mike Johnson
Shodan

Mike currently holds the rank of Shodan in Dan Zan Ryu Jujitsu System of the AJJF, and Basic Instructor Level 6 in the United Fighting Congress. He began his training with Jujitsu Sensei Frank Ferris in the Winter of 1999 and during that time began training with Jeremiah Stanley, a Sandan in the United Fighting Arts. Shodan Johnson has competed in many contests and demonstrations including taking 1st place (most points in division overall) at the Davis Ju-do Kai Tournament, 3rd place (Freestyle Contest) at the AJJF National Convention, and Second Place (Kata Contest) at the Stockton Jujitsu Academy Contest. His demonstration performances include companies like Nestle Specialty Foods. Mike is a true martial artist that not only loves learning new techniques, but teaching what he has learned to others.

Jeremiah Stanley
Sandan

Sensei Jeremiah Stanley began his martial arts training in Hawaiian Style Kenpo in 1986 to 1992 under Shihan Ernest Rodrigues. Then with Sensei Candido Ayala and Sensei Mike Abatecola, they formed the United Self Defense Group in 1992 to this present time. Jeremiah has also trained with Sensei Hans Ingebretsen in KenJuRyu-Kenpo Jujitsu from 1997 to 2002. The group is still active in the Bay Area, and Jeremiah is now teaching in Reno, Nevada at the High Sierra Jujitsu Club. The United Self Defense Group and Sensei Jeremiah are recognized through the Kilohana Martial Arts Association.

Jeremiah started learning the stick, knife and hand arts of Arnis from Guro Jay DeLeon in 1997 and was directed toward Guro Hock Hochheim in 2000 to continue his training after Guro DeLeon moved from the area. Jeremiah is a member of Guro Hochheims’ Scientific Fighting Congress and still trains with Guro DeLeon on occasional trips. He continues to teach Arnis at High Sierra Jujitsu in Reno.

Jeremiah started his training in Judo and Jujitsu with Sensei Hans Ingebretsen at Shinbukan in Campbell, CA from 1997 to 2002, and is continuing with Sensei Frank Ferris of High Sierra Jujitsu in Reno which is a member of the American Judo and Jujitsu Federation (AJJF). Jeremiah is recognized through the Kilohana Martial Arts Association and the AJJF. He also has 4 years of high school wrestling experience, with knowledge in submission wrestling. Jeremiah continues to compete in Sport Jujitsu and Judo.

Jeremiah has also studied Seifukujitsu Restoration Therapy and Water Therapy and is a Certified Massage Therapist under Dai Shihan Sig Kufferath and Professor James Muro.

Jeremiah is a Certified Emergency Nurse with a Bachelors Degree from San Jose State University. Currently, he is working at Tahoe Forest Hospital in Truckee, CA. Jeremiah was a Medical Specialist in the U.S. Army, then Army National Guard for 6 years.

Murrelett Halterman
Shodan

My martial arts history has been erratic, eclectic, and opportunistic.  Every summer I am off chasing birds for 3-4 months, and every winter since 1990 I travel in Costa Rica and Ecuador for 2-3 months.  In spite of this, I’ve managed to fit martial arts into all the available moments of stability in my life.

When I started at UC Davis in 1983, I knew I wanted to do martial arts, and I picked Tae Kwon Do, because I had heard of it before (is that random, or what?).  I was pretty lucky – they were good folks, and in 3 years I got a green belt (see – they aren’t ALL contract-crazy!).  When I left Davis and moved to the bay area, however, I had seen the light, and knew I was never going to leap through the air with the greatest of ease (although my spinning back kick was pretty devastating).  So, I ended up in a Shorin Ryu Karate school in Walnut Creek with Jim Silvan.  When I moved to Chico in 1987 he recommended I train with Pat Haley at the Nibukikan.  I started there in the fall, and also started training with the Ternion Jujitsu club on campus with Armand Brett.  I also watched the Danzan Ryu Jujitsu folks at Nibukikan, but was too shy to train with them (boy have I changed!).  I got over that pretty quickly, and trained there regularly until 1989.  I then took time off to concentrate on Karate, and received my Shodan in 1990.  I did manage to stay in touch with the nice folks at Nibukikan (Prof Fisher, Geoff Lane and Tom Jenkins (now Profs), Robert Fischer, and Jeff Young).  I basically trained just often enough to get hurt, and went to the parties.  You gotta have your priorities straight!

In 1991 I moved to the Kern River Valley at the southern end of the Sierra Nevadas, in California.  I had pretty much moved into a martial arts wasteland.  But then the dreams started – my Karate Sensei would be giving me a bad time about how bad my katas were.  These would go on until I did all my katas a few times. I would usually have a break of a month or two before the next dream.  I finally realized I had better start martial arts again!!  In 1994 I found a great Shito-Ryo Karate instructor in Ridgecrest (50 miles away).  His wife was doing Danzan Ryu with Dave Aubin, so I spent the next 8 years driving 100 miles round trip to train 4 days a week.  My Shito-Ryu instructor planned on testing me for my Nidan in Shito-Ryu, but had a parting of the ways with his instructors.  He the spent the next 2 and ½ years changing his martial arts program.  During this time I learned that rank really only matters to other people, and although I never got to test (he never made up his mind about the requirements), I was learning a great deal.  I also learned patience in my Jujitsu training.  Dave Aubin is a great instructor, but there was no one for me to practice with, so it took 2.5 years to get my green belt!

In 1996 my karate instructor invited my to a Won Hop Loong Chuan Kung-fu Seminar. From this style I learned tai chi, use of TCM meridians in the martial arts, and how to move (well, move better, anyway!). This art is open only to those who already have black-belt rank in another martial art.  I began training primarily in this art and San Soo Kung Fu in 1997, and achieved the rank of brown belt San Soo in February 2002.

But back to Jujitsu!  While continuing to train in Danzan Ryu, I also trained with a a practitioner of George Kirby’s Budoshin Jujitsu, and received my sankyu in the spring of 1997.  I received my sankyu in Danzan Ryu in December 1997.  From 1995-2000 I attended Camp Kodenkan North, hosted by Professor Tom Ball – this camp is just about as much fun as a martial artist can handle!!  In 1999 I moved to Chico for 5 months, and began training with my old Nibukikan buddies, and many new ones.  I received my Nikyu that summer.  Dave Aubin had to discontinue teaching for health reasons, so I trained primarily in San Soo and Won Hop Loong Chuan.  I also hit any dojos I could in my travels for work, and in 2001 I trained for the summer with a Judo club, and was awarded the rank of Sankyu.

In 2002 I moved to Reno to work on my Ph.D., and began training with the great folks of High Sierra Jujitsu.  With their unflagging assistance I was finally able to get my Shodan in March 2003 (not that rank matters, of course!).  I am continuing to train as much as my injuries and schedule allow, and I hope to be back on the mat this fall, with healed knees and back, and ready to train!!!

Yuki Moore
Sandan (Kendo)

Yuki Moore Sensei began studying Kendo when she was 12 years old at Yamato Middle School in Wakoshi, a suburb outside Tokyo in Saitama Prefecture. She trained many hours daily, often starting in the schoolyard before the regular students would come to school. Her practice included austere and traditional training as she developed an inherent love for the Martial Arts, Kendo being her discipline of choice. She tells stories in a lighthearted yet serious way; of running in the schoolyard barefoot in the winter at 5:30 in the morning and then commenting on the contrast of bloody feet against a backdrop of the winter snow. Upon graduation from Middle School, she began training at the Kendo Dojo in Asaka with a seriousness that incorporated two classes a day. The Asaka Kendo dojo was run by a father and son team who were 7th and 8th dans at the time. These instructors became her motivation and proved to be most influential for her growth in Kendo. Classes were also more fun and challenging at the Osaka Dojo and her sensei was more interested in her development. It was Kameyama sensei that pushed Yuki to her limits and raised the bar for her to achieve her current rank as Sandan.

Kendo, to Yuki, is a means of developing self-esteem and pushing yourself to the limits…mostly mentally. Yuki enjoys competition but only to test her skill, “nothing more than that”. Her deep training brought her martial awareness to levels that she wishes to pass on to her students. These include understanding the emotions of her opponent and being able to tell her adversaries next move by different nuances. Sometimes it is in the way “they flashed their eyes” and then reacting appropriately in a decisive manner. She continues training in Kendo because she believes it is a way of keeping healthy and as sensei, Yuki is looking forward to seeing her students compete in games.

Yuki embraces the principle of Hei Jo Shin, translated into “even spirit” where nothing can penetrate you. Be “flat like an ocean” says Yuki meaning you must remain calm when competing in the martial arts because the only competing and battling is with yourself internally. Yuki takes the stand where one can better control what happens to you by becoming stronger inside.

Yuki is a martial artist of the finest order and a godsend to be teaching and studying at High Sierra Jujitsu.  High Sierra Jujitsu is a better school since Yuki has joined the HSJ ranks as a Lead Instructor.

Dennis Bagley
Shodan

Dennis was late in beginning to study martial arts. Approaching the ripe age of 40, work stresses were constantly increasing and taking their toll. In a discussion with the family physician, exercise was the recommended answer on how to cope. Jogging and such were out. Dennis stated flatly it wouldn't happen. The doctor in response suggested martial arts.

So it began. He studied for several years in Goju Kenpo and was approaching brown belt when a torn miniscus derailed the training. After a year of healing and physical therapy (remember the surgical techniques were more invasive in the early nineties.) Dennis decided to check out another Korean style, Chung Mu Do, which was actually a bit more challenging physically. However, Ol' Murphy was waiting in the background and again shortly before brown belt, Dennis took a bad fall during practice, dislocating the knee and totally shredding the ACL...in the same knee as before.

So there was another round of surgery, healing, more physical therapy. In spite of this, Dennis still wanted to do martial arts, but needed something that would not be so continually traumatic to his 45 year old joints. A good friend and his wife had been students of Dean Wade and persuaded Dennis to at least check out JuJitsu. It did not take long to be hooked. Inspired by Frank Ferris as he rose through the Kyu ranks, Dennis made a point of packing a gi on business trips around the country, visiting schools from Bozeman, MT to Rutgers University to Los Angeles and many others in between. He says that earning his Shodan at age 50 is one of the highlights of his life so far.

When not on the mat, Dennis is a partner in a tax firm, enjoys messing around with computers, is a bit of a techno-junkie and plays celtic music. He also has the distinction of being the first person to wear a full formal kilt to the AJJF annual banquet.