Ju-Jitsu Dojo of Columbia founder Pat Raphael Sensei (Yoshitsune Waza godan, Hepi Ryu sandan) developed the original self-defense package taught at Ju-Jitsu Dojo of Columbia, which continues to be added to and refined. The majority of the techniques are based on those he learned from Michael DePasquale, Sr. Shihan. Other techniques come from the system of Combato developed by British Army Colonel William Fairbairn in the early 20th century. Fairbairn had some 600 unarmed encounters while stationed with the Shanghai police, and was brought out of retirement during WWII to teach the system to Allied Special Operations Forces.

Raphael Sensei grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and graduated from Rutgers University. He spent many years studying several Ju-Jitsu styles, including Yoshitsune Waza, Hakko Ryu and Sekiguchi Ryu, as well as Hepi Ryu hanbo-jitsu, Goshindo Kempo, Judo and grappling. He earned his rank from Michael DePasquale, Sr. Shihan.

Raphael Sensei began teaching in Columbia, Maryland in 1988, and founded the dojo in 1990.