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What is Jiu Jitsu?

The word “jiu jitsu” derives from the Japanese “Jū” meaning “gentle” and “Jutsu” meaning “art”; essentially, jiu jitsu is the “gentle art”.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ or Jiu Jitsu) is predominantly a ground-based martial art, using the principals of leverage, angles, pressure and timing, as well as knowledge of human anatomy to control or submit another human being. Jiu Jitsu approaches self-defense first by creating distance and avoidance. When distance or avoidance are not an option then Brazilian Jiu Jitsu teaches to manage the closed space. This is when we take the aggressor to the ground, gain a dominant position, and use proven techniques to force them into submission via joint lock or chokehold.

Meet Professor Larry

Larry is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, with about 14 years training. Born and raised in Arizona, Larry left to serve in the United State Air Force in the security forces. His exemplary performance earned him a position as a technical instructor in advanced tactics and weaponry for the Department of Defense. After his service Larry pursued his life long passion for art opening a commercial art studio.
 
Larry is married to his best friend of 36 years, Teresa. They have five children, thirteen grandchildren and one great grandchild. 
 
Retiring from the coaching staff at Legion MMA in Phoenix, Larry, Teresa and their youngest Rosie settled in Williams. Larry’s passion for Jiu Jitsu and Williams lack of activities for the youth drew him from retirement to start the Route 66 Jiu Jitsu Club. Now the next chapter begins!
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Career Highlights
  • Nogi World Championship Title
  • Pan American Championship Title
  • Multiple State Championship Titles
Route 66 Jiu Jitsu champions
Route 66 jiu jitsu goals
Route 66 Jiu Jitsu one family
Route 66 Jiu Jitsu family
Professor Larry and his two sons, route 66 jiu jitsu

My two sons and I

“Professor Larry completly changed my outlook on physical fitness at the age of 51, now 53. His commitment to fundamentals has given me the confidence to train and compete with others guys half my age.”

Bob Bello,  training and competing actively at 53 with his son

important things you should know

Questions About Route 66 Jiu Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is for anyone. Seriously.

A student can modify their game according to their strengths and weaknesses and is very beginner friendly. 

There are many accomplished competitor with disabilities.

 

Short answer, as much as you can. Everyday would be awesome, but we understand you have other obligations as well. So train as often as you can, at least two days a week.

Yes, our primary uniform will be the Jiu Jitsu GI with a rash guard beneath. We will be offering our own custom club GI’s and rash guards, but you can wear the Gi of your favorite flavor as well.

You can purchase Jiu Jitsu GI’s from several businesses online or order one of ours.

Absolutely YES!!! If you wait till you are in shape, you’ll never start. Our classes are designed to meet you where you are physically.

Yes, Jiu Jitsu is physically challenging and requires you work within your personal space.

If you have concerns please address them with Professor Larry. Together he will help formulate a plan easing you into this very intimidating Sport/Martial Art.

No. While there is a versions of “Combat Jiu Jitsu,” which uses palm strikes and slaps to open up submissions, it is not common to practice. As part of self defense training you will be equipped to counter a striking aggressor.

With regular attendance 3+ times per week and actively competing, and adult may earn their black belt in 9-15 years. This dependent on how consistently you attend and whether or not you’re helping or contributing to your academy’s success. Its worth noting that children cannot earn a black belt, they have their own belt system. A child that has earned the rank of yellow belt may receive the rank of an adult blue belt at the age of 16.

The structure of the class is the same as the others, but with no live rolling. Structured more on techniques and chained movements.

Bowing is an expression of respect and gratitude. It is customary to bow when entering/exiting the mat as well as at certain moments during the class, such as at the beginning of training. Again, this is a sign of gratitude and respect so it can be applied in many contexts but will always occur when crossing the threshold to the mat area as well as at the beginning/end of a training session.

It is customary to bow whenever one crosses the threshold to the mat area. When doing so, you are showing respect to the training area as well as gratitude for the opportunity to refine your understanding of the art. Should you be forced to enter the training area after class has begun, you should wait at the threshold to the mat for the professor to acknowledge you before stepping into the mat area. Not doing so is considered a sign of disrespect and can be disruptive to others by distracting from the technique which the instructor is covering. Once the instructor has granted you permission to enter and you have “bowed in”, you should immediately walk to the instructor, greet them, and thank them. At that time you may join the class in session, giving special consideration to performing any necessary warm-up exercises which may have been missed.

Congratulations, your child is one of the fortunate ones.  You recognize the importance of Jiu Jitsu disciplines in their life at an early age.

Your child must be 4 years of age and capable of sitting, listening and taking direction. Prior to signing up 4 year old children must meet with a coach to confirm eligibility.

4 & 5 year olds will workout and drill with the older children. They will be bowed out at the 30 minute mark.

The Buckaroo (3-6) program will begin once there is enough interest. (see next question)

The Buckaroo program, ages 3-6 focuses on coordination, balance, control, listening skills, interaction with other children, eye contact and Jiu Jitsu positions & terms. All rolled up into a stimulating 30 minute class.

This class will begin when we have enough interest. The class time frame will likely be 3:30pm when the program start.

Short answer No! Children that train understand the consequences of fights and unnecessary aggression, so they’re more equipped to diffuse confrontations. Yet if someone were to provoke a fight with them, they are well prepared to defend themselves appropriately by controlling the situation.

The better question is why wouldn’t you want to be the best version of yourself. Its not uncommon for people in their 50’s to start training.

We have no expectation for you to go toe to toe with a 30 year old. Professor Larry is keenly aware of the challenges an aging body deals with and will help you adapt and modify movements.

Classes run about 55 minutes. Class starts with a series of warmup exercises that will end with drills with your training partner.

Once  completed will explore two or three techniques. Then drill the heck out of them. Repetition is your new best friend.

Finally, depending on the class we will end with a few live roll.

The only one benefiting from this is a business. Unlike other Martial Art, Jiu Jitsu requires regular mat time with training partners. This is not something easily replicated at home.

Your knowledge and skills suffer if you are not regularly  attending classes.

We offer monthly memberships and encourage you to attend as much as you are able.