Being smaller and weaker should never be equated with vulnerable.  With knowledge and practice of the proper techniques, almost everyone can be trained to defend themselves.  These are the principals of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and are being introduced locally by Jack Montgomery at a new studio on Bridge St. in early December.

“Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a form of self-defense geared to a smaller person being attacked by a bigger person,” Montgomery explained.  Training will be offered for people of all ages and all levels of physical fitness.  “I take students from five-years-old to no upper age limit.”

 “You do not have to be super athletic to do this.  I recommend it because it is a great way to get in shape.  If you’re burned out on going to the gym, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is something different.  It’s new and it’s a great way to learn self defense.”  Because it is also a martial art there’s the added benefit of promoting discipline and self control.

Montgomery said he is currently in the process of setting prices and schedules for the lessons because he wants to make sure the new business fits in well with the community.  “I want it to make sense for the community,” he said.  “I know a lot of people work in mining, and I want to make sure people can take classes even though they do shift work.”

Montgomery describes himself as being between an Intermediate and Advanced Practitioner of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  “I’ve studied Jiu Jitsu for three years.  Currently, I am a four stripe blue belt and by the time the gym gets open I should be promoted to purple belt,” he said.  Montgomery has also been involved in other sports such as wrestling and boxing for the past 14 years.  He added Jiu Jitsu can be beneficial for practicing those sports.

According to the official wbsite of the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation, many historians believed they can trace the development of the sport back to India, where it was developed by Buddhist monks seeking to defend themselves without using weapons or physical strength.  Brazilian Jiu Jitsu spread along with Buddhism to China and Japan, earning its name from a Jiu Jitsu master named Esai Maeda Koma who arrived in Brazil in 1915 and began to pass his knowledge on to others.  These gentler aspects of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can still be found in the sport the way it is practiced today.

“It’s a peaceful sport,” Montgomery said.  “You don’t have to be aggressive.  It’s just a good way to come and train and get in shape.”

Montgomery plans to open his studio at 316 Bridge St. and can be contacted at 775-230-5904. Additional information on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can be obtained from the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation:  www.ibjjf.org.