| I believe helping to empower women is part of my purpose in life” Professor Laura Welch was quoted by the San Francisco Examiner in a multi-page feature article highlighting her women’s self-defense class http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/WOMAN-POWER-3105351.php . Professor Welch has developed a six week course in women’s self-defense that has been taught at Cahill’s Judo Academy and with 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”. Professor Welch has taught from kindergarteners to Secret Service Agents sharing her love of martial arts. And, in keeping with spirit of martial arts she cross trains with other arts at every opportunity to enhance and hone her skills. Professor 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 Black Belt Hall of Fame 2017. She served Jujitsu American as Secretary, 1st Vice President, Registration Chairman, Director and in committees. Professor Laura Welch, ranked as Shichidan 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. |