Louisville Dojo News
Steve Schaffner earns his Yellow Belt
Steve Schaffner is Louisville Ju Jitsu's newest Yellow Belt, after having successfully completed his examination on Saturday, March 28th.
Steve banged his way through his ukis and in the end was victorious. He has a newfound respect for what it's like to be able to breath, and now knows what it takes to hold rank in Niseido Ju Jitsu.
We are proud of you Steve. You brought honor to our dojo in your performance.
Click here for a slide show...
Rob Fulk makes Yellow Belt
We'd like to congratulate Rob Fulk on his successful test for Gokyu Yellow Belt. As Rob beat and banged his way through the test, we're certain he learned a few new things about Niseido Ju Jitsu (like that these tests are harder than they look), and a few things about himself (like it's not wise to go for a three-mile run before your test).
In the end, however, he was victorious and smiling as Sempai tied his belt around his waist. Being the first student from the Louisville Dojo to test, Rob set the bar fairly high for those who will follow him through the ranks.
All of us are proud of you Rob!!!
Check out some of the guys training.
The pics are posted here.
Welcome Matthew Hill Mahanes
The Louisville Niseido Jujitsu club would like to congratulate club facilitator Jim Mahanes (Nikyu), his wife, Missy and their daughter Hana on the recent birth of their son and brother, Matthew Hill Mahanes. Matthew came into the world weighing 5 lbs, 8 ounces, but Jim assures everyone, "he's built for Niseido. He's been doing front rolls in my wife's belly for the past three months." We look forward to seeing him on the mats in a few years.
Trip to Murfreesboro
August 3 & 4 - Our first trip to Murfreesboro, Tennessee was a "smashing" success (pun intended). Those who made the trip included Jim Mahanes, Nikyu, Eric Horine, Rokyu, Rob Fulk, Rokyu, and Steve Schaffner, Rokyu. The Murfreesboro dojo is Jim's original dojo and is run by Niseido Sensei Lane Womack. Being the closest Niseido Black Belt to Louisville, it is Sensei Lane who will oversee quality control of the Louisville Dojo.
Sensei Lane and the rest of the guys took great care of us. On Friday we watched Justin Lewis test for his Yellow Belt (and did a great job). Saturday found us working through curriculum-specific techniques, as well as ground fighting, and some escrima stick work.
After two-days, and more then 10 hours of training, alas, it was time to head home....back to Louisville, but not before Sensei awarded a couple of tips. Eric Horine received his second Yellow tip (meaning Yellow belt will soon be screaming), and Jim received his first black tip (which means, hopefully, that Ikyu is not far off).
We'd like to thank Sensei Lane and the guys from the BSK Niseido Ju Jitsu Club, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee for their wonderful hospitality, budo knowledge and for taking time away from their families to spend with us.
We can't wait to host a group here in Louisville.
Oooosssssssss,
Jim
Sensei Gus Zavos
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| Sensei Gus demonstrates Hadaka Jime Ichi on Rob Fulk. |
The Louisville Niseido Ju Jitsu Club recently welcomed its first out-of-town visitor. Sensei Gus Zavos, 3rd Dan, from the Bay Ridge Dojo travels to Louisville several times a year for business. On his most recent trip, he packed his gi and joined us on the mat.
The instruction we received from Sensei Gus went a long way in lighting the Niseido fire and we appreciate the time he spent with us. We look forward to your next visit Sensei !!!!!
Congratulations Rob
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Rob Fulk, Rokyu White belt from the Louisville Niseido Ju Jitsu Club, placed 2nd at a recent North American Grappling Association (NAGA) tournament in Clarksville, Tennessee. Rob entered the tournament's Gi division and worked his way to the finals. His loss came at the hands of a much more experienced judo brown belt. Rob has some grappling experience outside Nisiedo Ju Jitsu. Rob is a local high school wrestling coach, as well as having previous jujitsu grappling training.
Congratulations Rob !!!!
Prof. Celebrates 50 years in the Martial Arts
May 25, 2007 - Approximatley 175 people gathered this past weekend to help celebrate Professor Riccardi's 50th year in the martial arts. Almost every dojo in the federation was represented by the dojo head, with many of their students in tow.
As was said many times throughout the evening, the event was a celebration of the family Professor has created through his half-century of teaching martial arts.
Being the newset members of the Niseido fold, the Louisville Dojo is proud to be part of that family.