Our Chief Instructor is Rokudan (6th degree) Sensei Tom Kuhne. (pictured in right) 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.

Sensei Derick Wellman (pictured 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.

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, Most Outstanding Senior Kata Practitioner, 2005, 5th place in 2009 World Masters (100kg), 4th place in Nage-No-Kata 2011 USA Judo Nationals and 3rd place at AAU 2011 Judo Nationals (Hvy Masters). He has placed 40 times in local and regional tournaments.

Assistant Instructors

Tracy Hangley:  Head Youth Instructor and coach.  Tracy was a medalist at the Junior National and Collegiate National level.  She was also a senior national competitor.  After retiring from competing in 2001 Tracy found her true passion working with young judoka.

Tara Kuhne:  Youth Instructor, coach and competitor.  Tara began judo in 1997 for the self defense aspects and fell in love with the sport.  Shortly after, she became a competitor and placed at several state and regional competitions.  She has also competed in the Senior and Masters divisions at the US Nationals.  Tara received her shodan in 2008.

Demonn Smith: Youth and private class instructor, coach and competitor. Demonn started Judo in 1995. He has competed in numerous judo competitions on the senior and masters national level. He is a 2007 US Nationals Masters Champion at 100kg. He has a BA in Economics at Truman State University and is a U.S. Army veteran. He recieved his shodan in 2007.