Throw down with Ramstein Jujitsu Club

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Aaron-Forrest Wainwright
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RHINE ORDNANCE BARRACKS, Germany --  Service members and civilians came together for the Ramstein Jujitsu Club, by taking part in the martial arts combative sport at an Army combative gym here.

Brazilian jujitsu focuses on grappling and ground fighting; a concept where a smaller, less powerful person will be able to defend themselves from a larger opponent, employing holds throws and paralyzing blows to submit a foe.

Along with the physical training, students here go over different self-defense techniques. Many different people have attended the class all with different skill levels. Some people practice jiujitsu for the technique, others for fitness or even just for self-defense.

"Jujitsu is known as the gentle or smooth martial art but it is also known for being technical in a very in-depth manner," said Staff. Sgt. Joshua Nicholson, 435th Construction and Training Squadron aircraft arresting system depot maintenance journeyman. "Which allows it to be played out like a chess match of the body that makes you sore like lifting weights while making you breathe like cardio."

Royce Gracie, a mixed martial arts fighter, was one of the first people who brought Brazilian jujitsu to the United States and over time the fighting style has blossomed into an entire sport, being widely used in many different grappling tournaments and mixed martial arts competitions.

Brazilian jiujitsu is an easy going spin on the martial art lifestyle, and just like any martial art it teaches discipline, self-defense techniques that Airmen could use to be a combat ready.

"I recommend Brazilian Jujitsu to everyone I meet," said Nicholson. "You can see that Brazilian Jujitsu is for anyone willing to learn."

There are classes, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Nearly all classes focus on proper form due to the nature of the sport.

When there are opportunities to participate in competitions the number of sessions may increase, and the focus of the classes can be tailored.

Whether someone would like to learn how to better defend themselves or just a love of the sport, the Ramstein Jujitsu Club is open to anyone who is willing to learn.