Lehi Jujitsu was established on Historic Lehi Main Street on September 1, 2010, and is dedicated to the preservation and promulgation of the Danzan Ryu system of Jujitsu. The traditional name of the school in Japanese is Sanyu Kai (Interpreted as School of the Mountain Spring).

About Us

Danzan Ryu Jujitsu is a traditional Japanese martial art. Training begins with basic stretching and strengthening exercises. Next, students learn rolls and falls that allow them to be thrown safely. The system is arranged into eleven lists of techniques, which teach the basics of balance, leverage and inertia. The first five lists are taught below Black Belt level: Yawara (basic holds and escapes), Nage (basic throwing arts), Shime (grappling arts), Oku (advanced combination arts) and Goshin Jitsu (self-defense techniques). The remaining six lists, which are primarily taught to advanced students and Black belts, include advanced combination techniques, defenses against gun, knife, staff and sword, demonstration arts, iron fan and Yawara stick arts, kicks, strikes and a system of resuscitation and restorative massage techniques.

Instructors

Sensei

Duane Sheely

Rank: Sandan (3rd Degree Black Belt)

Sensei Duane Sheely began training in Danzan Ryu Jujitsu in 1983 at the Bushido Jutsu Kan under Sensei Dennis Estes in Lehi, Utah. He holds the rank of Sandan (3rd Degree Black Belt) in Danzan Ryu Jujitsu, recognized by the Shin Gan Budo Kai, and Nidan (2nd Degree Black Belt) recognized by the American Judo and Jujitsu Federation.

Sensei Sheely is a Gow Lin ("Black Belt" Instructor) in Wing Chun Kung Fu and holds the rank of Blue Belt in Taekwondo. He also currently studies Kali-Silat and Ba Gua Zhang Kung Fu.

Sensei Sheely, a retired Major in the US Army, has trained Soldiers in self-defense tactics in Iraq, Afghanistan, and stateside.

Sempai

Dan Harper

Rank: Ikkyu (1st Degree Brown Belt)

Dan Harper began training in Danzan Ryu jujitsu in 2019 at Lehi Jujitsu under Sensei Duane Sheely in Lehi, Utah. Dan holds the rank of Nikyu (2nd Degree Brown Belt). Dan has also studied Brazilian Jujitsu and American Kenpo Karate.

Dan has two wonderful children, both of which are junior warriors. He thoroughly enjoys being able to help others grow and reach their potential. When not at the dojo, Dan enjoys several hobbies, including reading, model painting, games of all kinds, and most of all spending quality time with his family.

The word "Sempai" is interpreted as "Senior," and as the senior student, Sempai Harper is responsible for the training of the junior students. He is also personally responsible for student etiquette and for setting the tone during training.

Instructor

Keith Bell

Rank: Sankyu (2nd Degree Brown Belt)

Keith started his martial journey at the age of 6 with Isshin Ryu Karate and Tae Kwon Do; however, he really didn’t fully apply himself to the martial ways until the age of 14. He studied Danzan Ryu Jujitsu and Shorin Ryu Karate from Sensei Jim Kelton of the Kodenkan Yudanshakai in Long Beach, CA achieving the rank of Gokyu in both arts before leaving to serve in the Navy. There he studied Judo, earning the rank of Nikyu, while also studying Escrima under Guro Timothy Kashino, founder of the Cadenilla Eskrima Group.

After a break in service, Keith enlisted in the US Army as an Infantryman where he certified as a Level 2 Modern Army Combatives Program instructor (utilizing parts of Wrestling, Gracie Jujitsu and Muay Thai), teaching and certifying countless US and foreign service members in hand-to-hand as well as tactical combat. After leaving Active Duty he joined the Utah Army National Guard, and in 2021 restarted his journey in Danzan Ryu with Sensei Duane Sheely, founder of the Sanyu Kai and Warrior Mountain Academy. While studying DZR Jujitsu, Keith also studies Muso Jikiden Enshin Ryu Iaido under Sensei Jason Hankins and Sensei Dick Beckstead of the Zen Bu Kan.

As his military unit's senior Combatives instructor, Keith has re-introduced an older Army Combatives curriculum to the current that was originally based off of DZR Jujitsu while adding more combat focus to the way soldiers are trained.

Keith also assists Sensei Sheely in the women’s self defense program, and Brigette Swensen in overseeing our youth program, and he shares the responsibility for the development and advancement of the “Junior Warriors.”

When not on the tatami you can find Keith back country camping, shooting, at the gym or cooking a delicious meal.

Instructor

Kimberly Christensen

Rank: Yonkyu (Green Belt)

Kimberly practiced Judo for 4 years as a teenager then took a 17 year break from martial arts to get married, graduate college, and have 5 children (3 girls, 2 boys). Most of her time is spent caring for her kids, spending time with family and friends, and trying to squeeze in hobbies. Kimberly enjoys sewing, painting/drawing, singing, playing games, and is learning to play the piano.

Some of Kimberly's kids are junior warriors (her oldest, Claire, is also an instructor in the kids class).

Kimberly loves practicing Jujitsu and is excited to keep learning and teaching.

Kimberly assists Brigette Swensen in overseeing our youth program, and she shares the responsibility for the development and advancement of the “Junior Warriors.”

Instructor

Ryan Cluff

Rank: Ikkyu (1st Degree Brown Belt)

Ryan Cluff began training in Danzan Ryu jujitsu in 2013 at Lehi Jujitsu under Sensei Duane Sheely in Lehi, Utah, and holds the rank of Ikkyu (1st Degree Brown Belt).

Ryan assists Sempai Dan Harper and Brigette Swensen in overseeing our Jujitsu programs, and he shares the responsibility for the development and advancement of the “Junior Warriors.”

Ryan is currently serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Colorado.

Instructor

Brigette Swensen

Rank: Sankyu (3rd Degree Brown Belt)

Brigette “Kioshi” Swensen began training in Danzan Ryu jujitsu in 2017 at Lehi Jujitsu under Sensei Duane Sheely in Lehi, Utah, and holds the rank of Sankyu (3rd Degree Brown Belt). Brigette oversees our youth program and is responsible for the development and advancement of the “Junior Warriors.”

The word "Kioshi," interpreted as "Expert Teacher," exemplifies Brigette's passion and effectiveness as a teacher of Danzan Ryu Jujtitsu. She especially enjoys working with the kids class! She believes deeply in helping people reach their fullest potential. Brigette has a bachelor's degree in mild/moderate special education from Brigham Young University. This fueled her enthusiasm for helping others, especially those who may have extra challenges.

She is an amazing wife and adoring mother of five wonderful children. She has three sons and two daughters under the age of nine years old. (One daughter passed away shortly after birth.) In her home, you'll often find a bunch of kids, both related and not related to her, having fun with preschool activities, playing, or learning other life skills. When she's not teaching, she loves to read, her favorite genre being historical fiction. (Yes, she is JUST THAT AWESOME!)

Classes

Adult Classes

Tue & Thu, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Individuals
• One class/week - $50/month
• Two classes/week - $75/month
Family
• One class/week - $50/month (first member), $35/month (each additional member)
• Two classes/week - $75/month (first member), $50/month (each additional member)

Youth Classes

Tue & Thu, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Individuals
• One class/week - $50/month
• Two classes/week - $75/month
Family
• One class/week - $50/month (first member), $35/month (each additional member)
• Two classes/week - $75/month (first member), $50/month (each additional member)

Discounts available for Warrior Mountain Academy members

Testimonials

I discovered Warrior Mountain Academy a couple of years ago, and it quickly became my favorite Jujitsu School. As someone who has trained in various martial arts schools across the globe, including in Japan, I can confidently say that this school is one of the best.

The teacher provides personalized instruction, which is invaluable in helping me improve my technique. But what sets this school apart is that the teacher doesn't just teach techniques, but also concepts that give me a deeper understanding of the art. Sheely Sensei has a deep respect for tradition, and also teaches how to use the techniques in practical scenarios.

What I appreciate most about this school is that the teacher helps cultivate not just martial skills, but also a mindset that has helped me in various ways throughout my daily life. I highly recommend Warrior Mountain Academy to both beginners and experienced practitioners. It's a fantastic place to learn and grow in Jujitsu.

Remmington Campbell

Throughout multiple styles and lineages, Sheely Sensei is hands down the best martial arts instructor I have ever had the pleasure of learning from. He has a deep knowledge of Jujitsu and blends in other concepts extremely well. This dojo has probably the single most “complete” curriculums you will ever see. From escapes and holds to strikes, throws, ground work, and even basic weapons. This style of Jujitsu has a strong esoteric core and also has healing arts woven into the curriculum. The childrens class is made to be a fun and exciting learning environment and many students eventually transition over to the adult class and continue their martial journeys. If you’re looking for a school that’ll teach you self defense as well as strengthen your mind body and spirit, check this dojo out and become part of the Ohana!

Keith Bell

This place is incredible!!!!!
My son started going to Lehi Jujitsu a few years ago and we love it!! Its the perfect mix of Martial art and fun. The dojo is very clean and organized. Sensei Duane is very good with the kids, he's not only so good at teaching jujitsu but he also teaches discipline and respect. Its also very affordable!!!

Larissa Dudley

The sensei is great and works with the kids phenomenally. Nice location right on main street Lehi and, most importantly, the quality program and low cost were why we chose this place over other, more costly, contract required places.

Jonathan Love

Such an awesome dojo to train at. No egos here. Just kindness and acceptance. I am so glad that I stumbled across this truly great place. I look forward to my continued learning to take place here! Sensei Duane is great. Highly recommend this place!

Drew White

Duane is phenomenal. He know what he's teaching, and he knows how to teach. I recommend this Dojo to everyone!

David Vogt

Beyond amazing and recommend for the whole family!

Quenton Bennett

Lehi jujitsu's application of danzan ryu jujitsu is simply superb. Sensei Sheely does an excellent job of taking the art's formal teaching and showing how those principles are applied for real life situations.

The art is focused on self defense and you learn control to apply any degree of force necessary for the situation at hand. Whether that's just control or all the way to taking a life is that's what the situation requires.

The esoteric teaching are excellent as professor okazaki says that jujitsu is for "the perfection of character". Coming here will definitely help you mold yourself into the kind of person you want to be. I couldn't recommend it highly enough.

Dan Harper

This is the place to go if you, your child, or even your toddler want martial arts classes. You can learn various disciplines in a fun, structured environment. Sensei Sheely is an excellent teacher. I highly recommend it here 🙂

Kimberly Christensen

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