Sensei Laura Welch, ranked as Rokudan in Jujitsu and Sandan in Judo, started her training in 1974 at Cahill's Judo Academy and started additional training in 1986 at Nikko Jujitsu.

Sensei Welch has developed a six week course in women's self defense that has been featured in the San Francisco Examiner newspaper and has been taught by the Foster City Police Department through their community outreach program.  One of the unique features of this class is that no men are allowed for the first four classes.  Her philosophy is; "NO, is not enough.  When faced with the situation of defending yourself, you must be both physically and mentally prepared.  We need to be able to reach inside ourselves and exchange hysterical fear for controlled power".

In addition to teaching women's self defense, Sensei Welch teaches children with ease, using strictness and discipline combined with encouragement and love.  Her lifelong objective is to increase the involvement of both women and children in self-defense.

Sensei Welch has received numerous awards over the years including:  Jujitsu America's Presidential Award in 1991, Distinguished Service Award in 1993 and 1996 and Instructor of the Year in 1996.  She served as Secretary for Jujitsu America and is currently Registration Chairman of Jujitsu America.