Zac is becoming a Gracie University Certified Instructor!
We are expanding our curriculum by adding a Jiu Jitsu Ground Technique Class.
You will learn how to defend yourself in a street fight when it moves to the ground
- a critical set of skills to round out your "street-wise" self defense.
A Note from Zac:
Self defense is a critical skill and the reason I practice Shidokan Karate and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. The combination of both arts gives me the confidence to handle myself in any situation. One is not better than the other, they are different and of equal importance.
I started training in martial arts in 2002 at Sensei Iha’s Dojo in Lansing, Michigan. I had always been an athlete, and got the recommendation to look into Sensei Iha’s dojo from a friend. As soon as I walked in the door, I was impressed by the level of expertise that I saw as well as the opportunity for students to develop their knowledge and use practical applications.
In 2004 I entered the Army putting my karate career on hold. I deployed twice to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and once to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. The lessons I had learned from karate gave me the confidence to handle myself during combat.
When I discovered Sensei Roberto’s dojo in 2016, I was so happy to continue to learn. I appreciate how Sensei Iha and Sensei Roberto have a focus on self-defense. Throughout my career I have always tried to develop my skills to ensure that I was prepared for whatever situation may arise. I am particularly interested in the practical applications that can be discovered within the kata, kumite, and bunkai.
I found Gracie Jiu-Jitsu after I was already a Black Belt in Karate. I attended a jiu-jitsu class in the Pentagon to see what it was all about. I discovered immediately that all the skills I have standing do not translate that well to the ground! This opened my eyes to a whole new world of self defense and I have been hooked ever since.
After practicing both arts I am always amazed to discover the amount of connections there are between karate and jiu-jitsu. I love that the martial arts journey never ends, and there is limitless potential to improve and learn.
Roberto's Note:
Zac holds a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Beikoku Shidokan Karate awarded by Grand Master Seikichi Iha, 10th Dan.
Classes 5 PM Tuesday & Thursday. Other times also available.
We are expanding our curriculum by adding a Jiu Jitsu Ground Technique Class.
You will learn how to defend yourself in a street fight when it moves to the ground
- a critical set of skills to round out your "street-wise" self defense.
A Note from Zac:
Self defense is a critical skill and the reason I practice Shidokan Karate and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. The combination of both arts gives me the confidence to handle myself in any situation. One is not better than the other, they are different and of equal importance.
I started training in martial arts in 2002 at Sensei Iha’s Dojo in Lansing, Michigan. I had always been an athlete, and got the recommendation to look into Sensei Iha’s dojo from a friend. As soon as I walked in the door, I was impressed by the level of expertise that I saw as well as the opportunity for students to develop their knowledge and use practical applications.
In 2004 I entered the Army putting my karate career on hold. I deployed twice to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and once to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. The lessons I had learned from karate gave me the confidence to handle myself during combat.
When I discovered Sensei Roberto’s dojo in 2016, I was so happy to continue to learn. I appreciate how Sensei Iha and Sensei Roberto have a focus on self-defense. Throughout my career I have always tried to develop my skills to ensure that I was prepared for whatever situation may arise. I am particularly interested in the practical applications that can be discovered within the kata, kumite, and bunkai.
I found Gracie Jiu-Jitsu after I was already a Black Belt in Karate. I attended a jiu-jitsu class in the Pentagon to see what it was all about. I discovered immediately that all the skills I have standing do not translate that well to the ground! This opened my eyes to a whole new world of self defense and I have been hooked ever since.
After practicing both arts I am always amazed to discover the amount of connections there are between karate and jiu-jitsu. I love that the martial arts journey never ends, and there is limitless potential to improve and learn.
Roberto's Note:
Zac holds a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Beikoku Shidokan Karate awarded by Grand Master Seikichi Iha, 10th Dan.
Classes 5 PM Tuesday & Thursday. Other times also available.
