White Dragon Judo Club

Senior Sensei

Our senior sensei is Kodokan Shihan (8th degree) Sensei Paul Tanabe. (pictured far right)

Our Chief Instructor is Rokudan (6th degree) Sensei Tom Kuhne. During his competitive years he competed against many of the top Judo players in the nation and the world. He was a team member representing the United States against teams from Japan, Germany, and Korea. He has competed in two Olympic Festivals and was an alternate for the 1980 Olympic team. He won a gold medal in 1993 at the U.S. Nationals, and was the sports coordinator for Judo in the 1994 Olympic Festival held here in St. Louis. (pictured in middle)

The owner, Sensei Derick Wellman (pictured far left) has been studying Judo since 1973. Since then he has thrived as a national and regional competitor and coach in the Saint Louis area. White Dragon Judo was founded by Mr. Wellman as a way to proliferate this dynamic sport to serious students willing to learn. He has earned a coaching certificate through the USJA and USJI . Mr. Wellman's passion for his sport and dedication to his students is evident through his teaching and his energy is admirable and contagious.

Mr. Wellman has trained under many fine Judo Sensei including; Chuck Rothman (San Dan), Bonnie-Morris (Placed in national competition 11 times and British Champion), Tom Kuhne (Olympic Alternate), George Stanich, and Eiko Shepard (7th Dan).

Mr. Wellman earned 2nd place in the USJI Nationals 2001 (100kg plus masters) , and 2nd place in the USJA 2003 (100kg plus Seniors), 1st place USJA nationals, 2003 (100kg plus masters), 1st place Missouri State Show Me Games in  2005  (100kg ), 2nd place in the 2007 AAU Nationals, and Most Outstanding Senior Kata Practitioner, 2005. He has placed 40 times in local and regional tournaments.  

Assistant Instructors

Tracy Hangley: Head Children Instructor, coach and competitor.