Sensei Laurie Sawtelle was born & raised in Colorado. She became interested
in the martial arts while attending the University of Colorado. She
briefly tried Tae Kwon Do at the local rec center, before discovering
the Ninpiden Dojo. She began her martial arts studies
in earnest with the Chinese art of Tai Chi Chuan. While at the dojo she
began watching the Ninpo classes and became interested in participating.
She began Ninpo in February of 2001 and achieved the rank of black belt
in the summer of 2004.
"Ninpo Tai Jutsu intrigues me because of its versatility, and the emphasis
on useability. Not only is it a beautiful art form, but it is a highly
effective form of self defense as well. I would encourage anyone to participate,
and
anyone can."- Sensei Laurie Sawtelle