October 30, 2017
1 min read

SAC’s New Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Club Lets You Earn Belts and Rankings

Club members can practice new techniques under instructor supervision. / Jessmarie Flores / el Don

SAC’s first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu club started this semester, allowing students to gain experience and earn belts in the strenuous martial art.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a martial art and combat sport based in judo that teaches a person how to defend himself against a larger adversary. It contains stand-up maneuvers, but it is most famous for its devastating ground-fighting techniques. Gaining superior positioning so one can apply the style’s numerous chokes, holds, locks and joint manipulations on an opponent is key in BJJ.

“My goal in starting a BJJ Club was first to share the amazing benefits of jiu-jitsu with SAC students and staff. I also wanted to teach students effective self-defense techniques that could save their lives one day,” said Academic Computing Center Supervisor Mark Dearing, who is the club’s adviser.

Dearing described BJJ as a platform for people to discover their inner self as well as overcome challenges and fears, while learning practical skills that can be used for self-defense.

Students now have the opportunity to receive belts along with rankings as well.

The belt system works as far as you progress as a member, and it is used is in alignment with the International Federation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Belts are awarded based on several requirements. First, there is a time-on-the-mat requirement. Generally, after anywhere from six months to two years, a student is eligible for their blue belt. A second requirement is the person’s ability to learn and apply basic fundamental concepts and principles. A third element is the student’s character. The student must show that they are a team player that shows effort in helping other students learn.

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The final requirement is the professor’s judgement. In Brazilian jiu-jitsu, every black belt recipient that teaches is called professor, and students under the professor that teach are called coaches. It’s a unique concept to BJJ and is part of the etiquette that is expected and shown in deference to all the years a black belt has spent mastering their craft.

“The benefits for this club are for both the students and staff so that we come together within a fun, safe environment and practice an ancient art,” Dearing said.

Practices are held Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the W-Building, Room 111.

The cost to join the club is $20 for the fall semester only; however, the cost will rise to $50 in the spring.

Potential members must be enrolled in at least six units at SAC and register in A-106 by providing the $20 semester fee, student I.D. number and a signed  waiver.

Jordy Espinoza

Jordy Espinoza

Jordy Espinoza is a sophomore majoring in english literature with an associate in arts for transfer in journalism. He is the current sports editor at the el Don an award winning publication at Santa Ana College. He enjoys reading new books, outside activities and weightlifting at different 24 Hour Fitnesses.

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Author Recent Posts Jordy EspinozaSports Editor at el DonJordy Espinoza is a sophomore majoring in english literature with an associate in arts for transfer in journalism. He is the current sports editor
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