White Dragon Judo Club

Senior Sensei

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

Our Assistant Instructor is Rokudan (6th degree) Sensei Tom Kuhne, who was an Olympic alternate in 1980 and a national competitor and brings his 45 years of judo experience to our dojo. (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.