Jiu Jitsu Dojo


JIU JITSU Training

The monastery’s martial arts heritage is traditional Japanese Jiu Jitsu. Little Creek’s founder began his Jiu Jitsu studies in New York in 1990. When the Hombu (home dojo) moved to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, he also relocated. He now resides in California.

“Training keeps my mind open and my awareness expanding. I do that through personal practices, study, conversation and classes. Great River Institute provides me with ways to deepen my studies.” - Mark Walter

About Virtual Jiu Jitsu Classes

Typically classes are held in person but when COVID-19 struck, Great River Jiu Jitsu implemented virtual classes which continue to this day. A collection of virtual class notes are starting to be gathered below.

By way of context, it is important when reading these notes to understand they are geared toward active Jiu Jitsu students who are showing up for weekly training in the dojo. The notes attempt to fill in the blanks a little to overcome the disadvantage of the reader not being physically present on the training mat.

TRAINING

While Little Creek Monastery is informally associated with Great River Institute and Great River Jiu Jitsu, we do not officially represent GRI/GRJJ. Our class notes, essays and any discussion regarding Great River Jiu Jitsu are not official documents. Essays in The Center section of our website, however, include GRI/GRJJ essays which are published with permission.

TRAINING in Jiu Jitsu

Selecting a martial art can be a bit confusing. For financial reasons, most martial arts studios or dojos are focused on training children.

Which art is best aligned for your own goals?

  • Preferences: Are you interested in a competitive art or in a self-defense art? There are many choices. Some focus on competitions and grading, some on physical fitness, some on grace and balance, some on power and strength, and others on self-defense.

  • Youth-focused dojos: Do you want to train next to kids or have young teens who have earned a few belt ranks functioning as your assistant instructor?

  • Adult training: Are you primarily interested in adult-focused training? Does the senior instructor have sufficient experience to hold your attention? Is bullying or is intimidation of women kept in check?

  • Traditional Judo was founded by a Japanese Jiu Jitsu master. Along with wrestling, it is very effective. It tends to be competitive.

  • Traditional Aikido was founded by a Japanese Jiu Jitsu master. A self-defense art, Aikido is primarily adult-focused. The separate Aikido Society teaches traditional Aikido along with universal principles. Both arts are non-competitive.

  • Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: The most popular Jiu Jitsu today, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, is actually judo, brought to Brazil by a Japanese judo master. It is very effective. It is competitive.

  • Traditional Jiu Jitsu is called Japanese Jiu Jitsu. It does not have competitions nor trophies. It is a self-defense art. Due to its comprehensive nature, the path to a first degree black belt can take longer than a number of other arts.