Organization Background

Before 1996, Balanay sensei and a few very dedicated students practiced their chosen art and worked to propegate the organization to which they were affiliated.  It was then that Sensei felt guilt in not spending enough time with his students.  He was always expected to put the affiliation first.  As he was asked to do more for the organization, he saw his training dwindle.  He sought advice from his peers as well as from some of the world's most respected martial artists.  Sensei decided to form his own organization and set the focus on the training of his students.  He wanted his students to share what they learned but not at the expense of their training.

 

So the forming of our own organization began early in 1996.  By winter, the Nippon Goshin Aiki Jujutsu no Koryu was a reality.  Now we have two dojo's and a Hombu.  Though the organization is small, our students are taught to become instructors.  As they become instructors, our organization will grow.

Balanay sensei has trained in several martial arts.  He looked for an art that anyone could do, regardless of age, physical stature or disability.  He found that aiki jujutsu was that art.  Sensei dedicated himself to training and to learning from the best.  He trained in Daito ryu under John Denora, the head of Daito Ryu United States of America, and helped in the first phases of that organization.  Sensei loved that art and worked hard to learn all that he could.  The more he trained, the more the principles of aiki stood out.  He sought out teachers who understood the principles in order to learn more.  He knew that Daito ryu was the art.

 

Because Nippon Goshin is not part of any Daito ryu organization, the name was chosen because our art is rooted in the principles of the Daito ryu.  "no Koryu" means the old school system which is the Daito ryu.

Joe Cress Sensei - Chief instructor of the Saishyo-Enkei dojo, Abilene, TX. holds a Sandan in Nippon Goshin Aiki Jujutsu, Shodan in Shosho ryu Jujutsu, Judo and Aikido.  Sensei teaches a self-defense class at McMurry University.  While in college, he trained in Tae Kwon Do.  Cress sensei is a District Director for the Texas Railroad Commission in Abilene.  He is also an avid golfer.  When not on the on the mat, behind the desk or at the links, he can be found with his wife, Terri, and two sons - Ben and Sam.

 

Bill Whitley Sensei - Kancho of Shiro Kawa Dojo - Tampa, FL. holds a Nidan in Nippon Goshin Aiki Jujutsu no Koryu. He also has a Shodan in Shosho Ryu Jujutsu as well as Aikido.  He has also trained in Kenpo Karate and Mu Duk Kwan Tae Kwon Do.  Whitley sensei is married to Miseon with two sons - Niko and Carl.