Betty J. Maillette began her jujitsu training at Professor Laws’ American Judo & Jujitsu School in Oakland, California around 1958. Receiving her Shodan in 1962, she was referred by Professor Ray Law to teach a class in women’s self defense at the Oakland YWCA. These classes soon became the focus of her teaching.
In 1964, she was promoted to Nidan and by 1965 received her Sandan and started the Oakland YWCA Judo Club, where she taught for several years. In 1968, she was promoted to Yodan. She received the title of Professor and Godan rank in February of 1972.
A talent for photography led Betty to hold the post of AJJF photographer for many years. She was active in the Federation’s fund raising programs and has held regional and national posts including Vice-President and President of the Federation. She was also instrumental in the production of the National Kata Operations Manual, and has served on the Board of Professors.
In 1972, Betty began organizing a school specializing in classes of self defense for women. She named this school The Dojo and operated it from 1972 through 1982 when she retired.
Currently ranked Rokudan (1980), Professor Maillette lives in Oakland, California.
Reprinted from Danzan Ryu: An Unbroken Tradition (1992) by permission of the author, Mary L. Boland.