Instructors

Headmaster
Danladi Whitten

Danladi Whitten, known to his students as “Master Don,” began his journey into martial arts in 1982 at the age of seven. What started as a simple childhood dream—to earn a black belt—quickly evolved into a lifelong pursuit of discipline, excellence, and service. After ten years of rigorous training, he earned his first black belt, marking the beginning of a path that would span multiple martial arts systems and decades of dedicated teaching.

In 2015, following the sudden passing of his instructor, Grand Master Dong Jin Kim, Master Don assumed the role of Head Instructor at JTR Jujutsu International. Under his leadership, the school grew from 30 members to over 100, expanding its mission through the addition of women’s self-defense and children’s programs, while remaining rooted in traditional Japanese jujutsu principles.

Committed to honoring his lineage, Master Don traveled to Seoul, South Korea, in 2016 to study the history of his late teacher—visiting training halls, meeting family members, and interviewing longtime training partners. That same journey led him to Kyoto, Japan, where he participated in the 5th World Butoku Sai International Event, joining martial artists from over 38 countries in a global demonstration of tradition, unity, and excellence.

In 2018, Master Don earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy, further uniting his martial arts foundation with advanced medical and rehabilitative science. Through his private practice, Progressive Physical Therapy Center (https://progressiveptc.com), which he has operated for over 25 years, he applies principles of movement science, injury prevention, and human performance to enhance both healing and training.

With more than 40 years of martial arts experience, Master Don has trained and taught internationally, including instructing members of a private security firm in Bogotá, Colombia. He has received honorary certificates of recognition for his instructional service at the National Defense University at Fort McNair, the U.S. State Department, and within the District of Columbia government.

Martial arts training has shaped Master Don’s character—instilling self-respect, discipline, humility, and a deep respect for humanity. His warrior spirit is reflected not in aggression, but in service: a lifelong dedication to guiding students toward confidence, balance, resilience, and inner peace. Having personally overcome significant challenges, he leads by example—helping students sharpen themselves, empower their lives, and grow stronger in mind, body, and spirit.

Combat Jujutsu, JTR Jujutsu International-6th Degree Black Belt – Washington DC
Hapkido, Korea Ki Do Hap Ki Do Association-4th Degree Black Belt – Washington DC
Tae Kwon Do, Howard University Club- 1st Degree Black Belt – Washington DC
Tang Soo Do, Moo Duk Kwan –1st Degree Black Belt – Berkeley, California
Special Weapons Training: Knife, Baton, Pistol, Cane, Sword, and Improvised weapons
Certified Member of DNBK, International Division – Title “Kyoshi” – Kyoto, Japan
JTR Jujutsu International – Martial Arts School Owner – Washington DC

Master Andrae

Master Andrae began his martial arts training in Taekwondo in 1990 at the age of six while living in Lynchburg, Virginia, under the late Master Ihara. His early development under Master Ihara laid the foundation for a lifelong dedication to martial arts. In 1996, he earned the rank of Shodan, marking a significant milestone in his formative years of training.

After graduating from high school in 2000, Master Andrae continued his private instruction with Master Ihara and pursued advanced black belt training through the internationally recognized Kukkiwon. Following ten years of dedicated practice, he was promoted to Nidan before leaving for college. From 2000 to 2002, he remained committed to his training, continuing to study under Master Ihara during visits home to Lynchburg.

In 2004, Master Andrae relocated to the Washington, D.C. area, where he began training in Combat Jujutsu, Hapkido, and Kendo under Grand Master Dong Jin Kim at JTR Jujutsu International, while simultaneously working and attending college. Through daily training and disciplined study, he rose steadily through the ranks, becoming one of the program’s top students. He ultimately assumed the role of Master Instructor, assisting Grand Master Kim and helping to shape the next generation of practitioners. His greatest strengths were developed in Combat Jujutsu, Hapkido, and specialized weapon systems.

Since 2015, Master Andrae has served as a principal instructor in the Adult Combat Jujutsu program and has earned the rank of Godan (fifth-degree black belt) in JTR Jujutsu. With over 20 years of dedicated service to JTR Jujutsu International, he has instructed members of federal, state, and local law enforcement, military branches, and federal government agencies. He is one of the few remaining disciple master instructors entrusted with preserving and carrying forward the legacy of the late Grand Master Dong Jin Kim.

A certified member of the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai (International Division), Master Andrae has performed jujutsu demonstrations before hundreds at Budokai events in Norfolk and Virginia Beach. With over 37 years of combined martial arts experience, he currently holds the rank of Godan (5th Degree Black Belt) in Combat Jujutsu, Sandan in Hapkido, Nidan in Taekwondo, and Shodan in Okinawan Kobudo.