Professor Tom Ball, Kudan, began jujitsu in 1957 with Bud Odom and received his Shodan in 1958. Professor Ball has experience in other martial arts including Kempo Karate, Shotokan Karate, Taiji Chuan, Sansu Kung Fu, and Kali.
In 1964, as a Yodan, he taught at U.C. Davis, where hundreds of students from around the world got to study with him during the years from 1964 to 1972.
Professor Ball was awarded the title of Professor in February of 1967.
Professor Ball helped establish the AJJF Okazaki Restorative Massage Program, and sits on its Standards Committee.
Professor Tom Ball is the CEO of the American Judo and Jujitsu Federation (AJJF), is ranked as a 9th Degree Black Belt, and is a retired high school teacher.
He and his wife, Jan, have operated Camp Kodenkan at their ranch at Ft. Jones since 1973.
Professor Tom Ball is currently Sensei of Shingi Kan in Fort Jones, CA.
