Instructors
Head instructor of all schools:
Shihan G. Landolt
Shihan has been in the martial arts his entire life (started age 5) this gives him an entirely different perspective than most who learn at a later age. He has trained everyone from military to victims of violent crimes. Shihan competed at the highest level for years. With his rank and experience he now only teaches to top level instructors. Shihan Landolt has passed his knowledge of martial arts on for a new generation to uphold the standards and traditions for further advancement of American Jujitsu.
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Martial Art Experience: 48 + years Title awarded: Shihan
Shichidan 8th Degree Kaigan Ryu Jujitsu
Shichidan 8th Degree American Jujitsu
Yodan 5th Degree Judo
President of National Jujitsu Federation (2010-present)
CEO of American Jujitsu Academy Inc. (2002-present)
Hall of Fame "Inductee"2007 USA Martial Arts California: Service to Martial Arts
Hall of Fame "Inductee" 2000 USA USJJF: Instructor of the Year
Founder of Arkansas Jujitsu Association (1998)
Senior Tech Adviser for Kaigan Ryu, NJF, and AJA Coaching, Referee Committee
USA 1st Ever “Grand World Champion” (World M.A. Games) 2001
2x World Cup Jujitsu Champion (World M.A. Games)
2x World Cup Jujitsu (Jujitsu World Cup)
2x N. American Continental Champion (Jujitsu)
2x International Open Champion (Jujitsu)
3x Arnold World M.A. Games (World Champion)
4x International Champion (Jujitsu)
5x National Champion (Jujitsu)
Grand Champion (Night of Champions)
Multiple Regional & State Championships (Jujitsu/Karate/Judo)
· Member of the 2000 and 2002 USJJF National Team
· Captain of the USA Jujitsu Team 2000-2002
· Instructor of the year 2000 (USJJF)
· Competitor of the year 2000-2003 (AJJA)
· Founded Kaigan-Ryu JuJitsu System in 1993
· Instructor of the year 1991-1994 (IFMA)
· Competitor of the year 1992-1994 (IFMA)
· Assisted in security force training for the U.S. Marine Corps ('90-'91))
· Works with troubled youth
· Counsels and trains victims of violent crimes
· Over 26 years tournament experience, retired in 2004 from competition
· Trains law enforcement personnel
· Desert Storm Veteran (USMC - 0341), Security Forces FAST Team member
· Gives American Jujitsu seminars on (self defense) throughout the U.S./Europe and Asia
· Outstanding Leadership Award (USJJF), (AJJA), (USMA), (IFMA), (AJJIF)
· Began martial arts training in 1974.
"Mr. Landolt is one of the best martial artist we've every had to compete at the Arnold World Games"... Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Shihan Landolt won '01,'02,'03 Jujitsu World Championships. (JJIF rules)-all phases of fighting, striking, kicking, take-downs/throws, joint locks, grappling, neck-cranks, leg-locks...etc., as well as the "Duo" competition.
Full Instructor - Fayetteville, Arkansas Location- "Level 5" Dojo
Sensei Jeevan Uttamchandani:
University of Arkansas graduate, Sensei Jeevan is the embodiment of Jujitsu. He works tirelessly on manuals, websites, day to day operations, Sensei is everything you want in a school instructor and more. He has decades of experience and still has the thirst for knowledge.
Martial Art Experience: 25 years Title: Sensei
3rd Degree 2016 Kaigan Ryu Jujitsu
President of Arkansas Ju-Jitsu Association
Vice President- National Jujitsu Federation
2016 -Sandan 3rd Degree American Jujitsu
2010 -Shodan 1st Degree Black Belt Kodokan Judo (USMA)
2012 -Nidan 2nd Degree American Jujitsu
2007-08 -Instructor of the year (AJJA)
2005 -Shodan 1st Degree Black Belt American Ryu Jujitsu
2005 -US National Tournament: Bronze Medal Kumite
2004 -Arkansas Open Martial Arts Jujitsu Championships: Bronze Medal Kumite
2004 -Arkansas Open Martial Arts Jujitsu Championships: Silver Medal Self Defense
2004 -World Games Battle of Columbus: Bronze Medal Kumite
2004 -World Games Battle of Columbus: Silver Medal Self Defense Competition
2003 -US National Tournament: Bronze Medal Kumite
2003 -World Games Battle of Columbus: Gold Medal Duo Competition
2003 -World Games Battle of Columbus: Bronze Medal Kumite
2002 -World Games Battle of Columbus: Gold Medal Kumite
1995 -Shodan 1st Degree Black Belt (ATA)
1990 -World Championships (ATA): 2nd place Kata Competition.
Lifetime member USJA, NJF, AJJA
Began martial arts training in 1989.
Full Instructor Springdale, Ar
Sensei Vanessa Cook:
This California native exhibits a very unique style of teaching which includes explaining the Physics and Kinesiology of each technique while demonstrating them. Without a doubt one of the most technical instructors at the school. Not only does Sensei know every technique flawlessly but can adapt it for anyone regardless of size. She is a fabulous addition to the AJJA.
Martial Art Experience: 21 years Title: Sensei
3rd Degree 2016 Kaigan Ryu Jujitsu
2016 -Sandan 3rd Degree American Jujitsu
2012 -Nidan 2nd Degree American Jujitsu
2010 -Shodan 1st Degree Black Belt Kodokan Judo (USJA)
2006 -Instructor of the year (AJJA)
2005 -Shodan 1st Degree Black Belt American Jujitsu
2004 -World Games Battle of Columbus: Silver Medal Self Defense Competition
2003 -World Games Battle of Columbus: Gold Medal Duo Competition
2003 -US National Tournament: Silver Medal Kumite
2002 -US National Tournament: Silver Medal Kumite
Lifetime member USJA, NJF, AJJA
Began martial arts training in 1995.
Full Instructor Cave Springs, Ar
Sensei Stan Clarke:
Sensei uses his decades of experience to teach junior instructors and assist in seminars, workshops, and events. It's always good to have someone with all that experience around to pick their brains. Stan is simply a great person who everyone loves to be around.
Martial Art Experience: 24 years Title: Sensei
3rd Degree 2016 Kaigan Ryu Jujitsu
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2014 -Sandan 3rd Degree American Jujitsu
2009 -Nidan 2nd Degree American Jujitsu
2006 -Shodan 1st Degree Black Belt Kodokan Judo (USJA)
2005 -Instructor of the year (AJJA)
2005 -Shodan 1st Degree Black Belt American Jujitsu
2000 -World Games Battle of Columbus: Gold Medal
2000 -US National Tournament: Silver Medal Kumite
1999 -US National Tournament: Silver Medal Kumite
1996-97 Gracie Submission only Tournament Bronze Medal
1995 -Gracie Jiujitsu Cruise VIP
1994 -Gracie Jiujitsu Cruise
Lifetime member USJA, NJF, AJJA
Began martial arts training in 1994.
Assistant Instructor Waikiki, Hawaii
Senpai Jashrie Uttam:
This Arkansas resident has a relaxed approach to teaching which most find pleasing and easy to follow. She's bee an invalueable member to the dojo. Jay hopes to open a dojo in Hawaii in the near future.
Martial Art Experience: 11 years Rank:
Ikkyu Brown Belt 2 stripes
2018 Kaigan Ryu Jujitsu
2004- U.S. National Silver Medal Kumite (USJJF)
2002-03 U.S. National Gold Medal Kumite (USJJF)
Level 3 Instructor
Lifetime member USJA, NJF, AJJA
Began martial arts training in 2005.
Senpai Gowynne (Joie) Landolt: Tulsa, Ok
Moved here from Sacramento, California and has put her own Cali flavor when teaching teens, family, and kids classes. Joie not only loves Jujitsu but she loves teaching to anyone who will sit still long enough to learn. She brings that west coast swag to class and loves being there. Anyone who meets Joie, loves Joie, she is a great asset to American Jujitsu Academy.
Martial Art Experience: 10 years Rank:
Ikkyu Brown Belt 2 Stripe
2019 Kaigan Ryu Jujitsu
Volunteers -free classes to teens/kids summer program
Teaches troubled youth (boys and girls club)
Level 3 Instructor
Lifetime member USJA, NJF, AJJA
Began martial arts training in 2010
Instructor's Program: Dallas, Tx.
Collin Dickson:
This Dallas native has moved to NW Arkansas to become an engineer has now set his sights on being a future Jujitsu instructor. Collin has now found a home at AJJA. He is currently working on finishing his degree, wants to expand schools in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and the country of Panana in hopes of educating other in jujitsu.
Martial Art Experience: 5 years Rank:
Sankyu Belt-2 Stripes
2021 Kaigan Ryu Jujitsu
Accepted into I.C. Program - Allowed online teaching
Lifetime member: NJF, AJJA
Began martial arts training in 2017
Instructors Program: Once accepted, one learns not only "how" to teach, but also the theory of
"where" a technique came from and "why" one does a certain waza. The flow of Jujitsu; invisible
Jujitsu, tournament Jujitsu, Jujitsu for (self defense), and lastly the tradition behind what we teach in
American Jujitsu.
Instructor also learns what helps the student learn in a more efficient way. Economics/business and how to operate a successful school. Run sanctioned tournaments, test students, request seminars, as well as recruit potential students.
Instructor's Course Program:
One must be accepted into the course.
There are 6 levels of instructors in American Jujitsu.
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Accepted:
Level 0 - Orange Belt/Green Belt
has been evaluated and accepted into program
Kohai (Jr.): (Assistant)
Level 1- Blue Belt
may teach and promote students up to Green Belt 3 stripes
Senpai:
Level 2 - Purple Belt (Assistant)
may teach and promote students up to Blue Belt 3 stripes
Senpai:
Level 3 - Brown Belt (Assistant Instructor)
may teach and promote students up to Purple Belt 3 stripes
Sensei:(Jr) Kohai
Level 4 - Probationary Black Belt (Instructor)
may teach and promote students up to Brown Belt 3 stripes
Sensei:
Level 5 - Black Belt (1st-3rd Dan) (Full Instructor)
may teach and promote instructors up to one rank below belt
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Renshi:
Level 6 - Red/Black Belt (4th/5th Dan) (Chief Instructor)
may teach and promote instructors up to present rank
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Shihan:
Red/White Belt (6th -8th Dan) (Master Instructor)
may teach and promote instructors up to present rank
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Soke:
Red Belt (9th - 10th Dan) (Grand Master)
Honorary
