Jujitsu and Newaza

Jujitsu and Newaza

As a Jujitsu instructor I get alot of questions from students and friends about what is the difference between Judo, Jujitsu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  There is a long and intertwined history of these three closely related arts.  So closely related that the unitiated...
History of Belts & Ranks

History of Belts & Ranks

I am a 7th Dan Blackbelt. Question: What the heck does that mean? Answer: Oh, I know, it means you are better than a 4th Dan Blackbelt and worse than a 8th Dan Blackbelt. Right? Well – yes and no. How did all this belt ranking get started? The answer is simple, it is...
History of Jujitsu

History of Jujitsu

ANCIENT JAPAN Grappling styles have existed for eons. Early Egyptian and Greek art show the grappling arts in tombs, on pottery and in statuary. Grappling was known as far back as 2300 B.C. Over the centuries the grappling martial arts spread throughout the world,...
Being Sempai

Being Sempai

What does it mean to be a Sempai.  The simple meaning is to understand the definition. Sempai translates as “Senior” and can be applied in any situation where someone is senior to you.  The Japanese term is used in school, business, the arts, and...
The Traditional Dojo

The Traditional Dojo

What is a Traditional Dojo?  What should one expect when entering a traditional dojo? Does attending a Traditional Dojo mean you will learn old and outdated techniques that wont work in the modern world?  Is it even important to train at a Traditional Dojo?  If so...