Brazilian Jiu-jitsu club

Members practicing during the first meeting for BJJ. Photo by Eno Lomo-Mainoo

By Eno Lomo-Mainoo

For the first time at Waldorf College, a martial arts club, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, has been established by Dustin Samudio. Its main goal is to help students learn some self-defense.

“This particular martial arts tends to assist people to defend themselves if they are found in a negative situation,” Samudio said. He also said he has heard of instances where Jiu-Jitsu has helped people.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu, also known as BJJ, is a form of martial art that teaches a smaller person defense against a larger adversary using proper technique and grip. The fight is taken to the ground and joint-locks and choke holds are applied to defeat the opponent.

Akram Keshad said he wrestles and wants to participate in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in the future. He also wants to have fun with BJJ and learn more from the club.

“I did something like Jiu-jitsu in high school. I’m here for personal reasons, to learn some self defense,” Asmita KC, a freshman from Nepal said. “I hope it’s fun, fruitful, and not painful.”

Hope Cordoviz said it’s  a great transition from wrestling and she hopes to learn better techniques from the club.

“I’ve always wanted to learn marshal arts and I have the chance to learn it for free,” Erisha L. Menon said. She also said she joined the club to learn more about self defense.

Fourteen people attended the first meeting and a few techniques were learned. The next meeting will be on October 2 at 8 P.M. in the field house. Some professional MMA trainers are expected to make an appearance at one of the meetings.