Bodies squirming, arms cranking, students flipping. At first glance, this does not look like the "gentle art". A martial art made for the person of smaller stature, Jui Jitsu is a form of combative grappling that can be traced down several centuries to Asia (although, most popularly known for being brought to the United States by the Gracie family of Brazil). "This is a very practical way of self defense," said Steven Lajda, 21, Biology Major, "it's all about leverage and a good cardio vascular workout."
Taught by Edward Martinez in PE room 64, this sport does not teach aggressive physical harm, but defensive holds, chokes, and joint manipulations to keep your opponent/ attacker from harming you and finally submitting. Martinez was the original founder and president of the class in 2001. Now he is the head instructor/coach, volunteering his time aside from his day job as a police officer in Redondo Beach. Martinez is a brown belt and also teaches classes at South Bay Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Hermosa Beach. "We run everyone through a lot of agility type drills, and then we'll run them through actual moves. But we try to gear them (the class) toward drills because they actually get a better workout and memorize the moves better," said Martinez.
The classes are already in session, but anyone is free to stop by to see if they'would be interested in signing up next semester.
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