Gretchen “Kitty” Schultz Smith began her jujitsu training in the mid 1950’s with Professor Carl Nelson.  It was there that she met (Prof.) Chuck Smith; they were married in 1958.  When Chuck began teaching at San Lorenzo Boys Club, she moved her training there, and studied with him over the next several years.

In 1961, she took over classes at San Lorenzo and taught there until they moved to Chico in 1965.  From 1965 – 69, Kitty studied with Professor Estes at Chico Judo & Jujitsu Academy.  In 1969, Kitty, together with Bud Fuller founded the Nibukikan and taught there until after her divorce from Chuck Smith in 1971.

In 1967, Kitty was promoted to Godan and made a Professor.  From 1960 – 72, Kitty was very active in the AJJF, holding various offices from Vice-President to Director of Central Office.  In addition to teaching jujitsu, her junior judo classes were very successful in competition.

Professor (Smith) Schultz became inactive in the AJJF in 1972.  She is currently retired from teaching.

Reprinted from Danzan Ryu:  An Unbroken Tradition (1992) by permission of the author, Mary L. Boland.