AJJ@MIT Physical Education

Jiu-Jitsu* is the martial art from which Aikido*, Judo*, Grappling (Gracie Jiu-Jitsu) were all derived. Jiu-Jitsu is an extremely effective form of self-defensive. Jiu-Jitsu can be performed by anyone, of any age, and of any body type. Jiu-Jitsu does not rely on speed, strength, size or flexibility for proper execution of its techniques. Furthermore, the practitioner of the art has the option of controlling an attacker without inflicting permanent injury (as well as limiting the risk of self-injury), since it is not rooted in hand and foot strikes such as with Karate* and Tae-Kwon-Do* - although Jiu-Jitsu does utilize strikes in conjunction with locks, pins and chokes. The types of techniques we practice include joint locks, throws, chokes, defense from stick and knife attacks, and much more. Several aspects of the art (Aiki-Jitsu) that we practice are demonstrated by such movie stars as Steven Segal. Indeed, every technique that he has ever performed in his movies has been part of the Jiu-Jitsu art for many centuries. Other techniques you might recognize are the kinds of throws performed in Judo tournaments and the grappling moves commonly associated with Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. The Jiu-Jitsu PE course covers blocks, escapes, and basic retaliations to the most common types of attacks. We will also cover proper ways to fall, in order to ensure safety while on the mat, and also reduce the student's risk of injury while walking on unstable surfaces (ice, etc...). Time constraints do not allow the Jiu-Jitsu PE class to cover more than this. However, if students wish to continue studying Jiu-Jitsu while at MIT, the American Jiu-Jitsu Club at MIT meets five days a week during the term and currently has about 40 active members. For more information, please contact the Head Instructor, Sensei David Dunmeyer, ddunmey(at)mit.edu, 617-253-4623 [campus office phone].

*Students are encouraged to to try the many martial arts found around MIT... all of them have their own advantages and disadvantages. No single martial art is right for everyone. No martial art is better than another - each is unique, each has its own strengths and weaknesses, each its own purpose and method of study. Anyone who practices an art (martial or otherwise) with their full heart and their full spirit truly has the well-earned respect of the entire martial arts community.

Administrative matters
Blocking
Forward stance
Defensive stance (part I)
Side Fall (possible reschedule)

Class 2

Hand (fist and palm), elbow and knee strikes
Basic striking retaliations from high punches
Escapes: straight-wrist grab, cross-wrist grab, and straight-wrist grab with a threat.

Class 3

Forward roll (possible reschedule)
Cross-wrist grab defense

Class 4

Figure-four armbar from straight-wrist grab
Nidan submission from cross-wrist grab
Intro to leg-sweep off-balancing

Class 5

Leg sweep
Review of previous techniques, into leg sweep
Hammerlock, into leg sweep

Class 6

Snapping kick
Defensive stance (part II)
Defense against full-nelson

Class 7

Body drop (forward break-fall)
Defense against bear-hugs

Class 8

Defense against front and rear finger chokes

Class 9

Defense from lapel grab
Defense from headlock (both friendly and threatening approaches)

Class 10

Review techniques so far (alternate partners)
Students demonstrate techniques in gauntlet exercise

Class 11

Demonstration of Aiki Jitsu (advanced techniques)
Answer general questions about self-defense techniques
Class chooses three `advanced' techniques to go over next time
Introduction to pressure points (if time permits)

Class 12

Three techniques chosen during the previous class
Class evaluation and feedback

Proper Attire:

Students are encouraged to wear a martial arts tunic (gi) if they have one. Otherwise, normal exercise attire (long exercise pants) is recommended. A gi is not necessary for this course.

On occasion, we will hand out information about the history of Japanese martial arts, in-depth explanations of techniques, and additional documentation to assist student learning. However, the emphasis of this class is practical SELF-DEFENSE. We will do everything in our power to motivate students to learn in a fun, inviting, friendly learning environment. We ask students to come with an open mind, a healthy spirit, and the desire to learn self defense. Make-up dates for missed classes will be arranged on a case-by-case basis. Each section of the course builds upon the previous sections, so an absence from any class is ill-advised.

Sensei David Dunmeyer is the Head Instructor for the American Jiu-Jitsu club at MIT and is a certified instructor and Black Belt in the American Jiu-Jitsu System of Self-Defense, officiated by O'Sensei Joe Puleio. Sensei Dunmeyer has trained under Sensei Jason McCarthy (Sandan, founder of the American Jiu-Jitsu club at MIT, current Head Instructor of New York Jiu Jitsu (http://nyjiujitsu.com)), Sensei Tony Avila (Nidan, former Head Instructor for the American Jiu-Jitsu club at MIT, current Instructor at New York Jiu Jitsu and former Instructor for the IAP Jiu-Jitsu PE class at MIT in 1998) and Sensei Felix Dashevsky (Nidan, former Head Instructor for the American Jiu-Jitsu club at MIT). Sensei Dunmeyer is currently a fifth-year graduate student in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT (Course 6D) in the Photonic Systems Group. He has also worked at the Air Force Research Laboratory, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Hughes Space and Communications Co., and Sun Features Incorporated. Sensei Dunmeyer, outside of Jiu-Jitsu, has also had four years of teaching experience as Head TA for 6.161, Modern Optics Project Laboratory (http://mol.mit.edu), where he has received rave reviews for his knowledge, patience, teaching style, and excitement for teaching. Sensei Dunmeyer is also a Certified Instructor in First Aid, Disease Prevention, AED and CPR for the Professional Rescuer for the American Red Cross and a BLS instructor for the American Heart Association. He is also a Massachusetts certified EMT. Sensei Dunmeyer started his Jiu-Jitsu training at MIT as an undergraduate (freshman), and has been an active member of the American Jiu-Jitsu Club ever since. He hopes to share his knowledge and excitement for the art of Jiu Jitsu with other members of the MIT community who, during their busy schedules, might not otherwise get the chance. For more information of the American Jiu-Jitsu Club at MIT, and additional information on American Jiu-Jitsu, please visit http://web.mit.edu/jiu-jitsu/

Where We Practice:

We will meet in the 2nd floor of DuPont Gym (that's Building W32 on the map). If you have any questions, feel free to contact Sensei David Dunmeyer.






	Jiu-Jitsu PE Part of the MIT Physical Education Curriculum Look here for the 2004-2005 Jiu Jitsu PE Schedule during the Fall Term 2004. What is Jiu-Jitsu? Jiu-Jitsu* is the martial art from which Aikido, Judo, Grappling (Gracie Jiu-Jitsu) were all derived. Jiu-Jitsu is an extremely effective form of self-defensive. Jiu-Jitsu can be performed by anyone, of any age, and of any body type. Jiu-Jitsu does not rely on speed, strength, size or flexibility for proper execution of its techniques. Furthermore, the practitioner of the art has the option of controlling an attacker without inflicting permanent injury (as well as limiting the risk of self-injury), since it is not rooted in hand and foot strikes such as with Karate* and Tae-Kwon-Do* - although Jiu-Jitsu does utilize strikes in conjunction with locks, pins and chokes. The types of techniques we practice include joint locks, throws, chokes, defense from stick and knife attacks, and much more. Several aspects of the art (Aiki-Jitsu) that we practice are demonstrated by such movie stars as Steven Segal. Indeed, every technique that he has ever performed in his movies has been part of the Jiu-Jitsu art for many centuries. Other techniques you might recognize are the kinds of throws performed in Judo tournaments and the grappling moves commonly associated with Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. The Jiu-Jitsu PE course covers blocks, escapes, and basic retaliations to the most common types of attacks. We will also cover proper ways to fall, in order to ensure safety while on the mat, and also reduce the student's risk of injury while walking on unstable surfaces (ice, etc...). Time constraints do not allow the Jiu-Jitsu PE class to cover more than this. However, if students wish to continue studying Jiu-Jitsu while at MIT, the American Jiu-Jitsu Club at MIT meets five days a week during the term and currently has about 40 active members. For more information, please contact the Head Instructor, Sensei David Dunmeyer, ddunmey(at)mit.edu, 617-253-4623 [campus office phone]. Students are encouraged to to try the many martial arts found around MIT... all of them have their own advantages and disadvantages. No single martial art is right for everyone. No martial art is better than another - each is unique, each has its own strengths and weaknesses, each its own purpose and method of study. Anyone who practices an art (martial or otherwise) with their full heart and their full spirit truly has the well-earned respect of the entire martial arts community. Course Outline (This is a loose outline):* Class 1 Administrative matters Blocking Forward stance Defensive stance (part I) Side Fall (possible reschedule) Class 2 Hand (fist and palm), elbow and knee strikes Basic striking retaliations from high punches Escapes: straight-wrist grab, cross-wrist grab, and straight-wrist grab with a threat. Class 3 Forward roll (possible reschedule) Cross-wrist grab defense Class 4 Figure-four armbar from straight-wrist grab Nidan submission from cross-wrist grab Intro to leg-sweep off-balancing Class 5 Leg sweep Review of previous techniques, into leg sweep Hammerlock, into leg sweep Class 6 Snapping kick Defensive stance (part II) Defense against full-nelson Class 7 Body drop (forward break-fall) Defense against bear-hugs Class 8 Defense against front and rear finger chokes Class 9 Defense from lapel grab Defense from headlock (both friendly and threatening approaches) Class 10 Review techniques so far (alternate partners) Students demonstrate techniques in gauntlet exercise Class 11 Demonstration of Aiki Jitsu (advanced techniques) Answer general questions about self-defense techniques Class chooses three `advanced' techniques to go over next time Introduction to pressure points (if time permits) Class 12 Three techniques chosen during the previous class Class evaluation and feedback Proper Attire: Students are encouraged to wear a martial arts tunic (gi) if they have one. Otherwise, normal exercise attire (long exercise pants) is recommended. A gi is not necessary for this course. Course Philosophy: On occasion, we will hand out information about the history of Japanese martial arts, in-depth explanations of techniques, and additional documentation to assist student learning. However, the emphasis of this class is practical SELF-DEFENSE. We will do everything in our power to motivate students to learn in a fun, inviting, friendly learning environment. We ask students to come with an open mind, a healthy spirit, and the desire to learn self defense. Make-up dates for missed classes will be arranged on a case-by-case basis. Each section of the course builds upon the previous sections, so an absence from any class is ill-advised. Instructor's CV: Sensei David Dunmeyer is the Head Instructor for the American Jiu-Jitsu club at MIT and is a certified instructor and Black Belt in the American Jiu-Jitsu System of Self-Defense, officiated by O'Sensei Joe Puleio. Sensei Dunmeyer has trained under Sensei Jason McCarthy (Sandan, founder of the American Jiu-Jitsu club at MIT, current Head Instructor of New York Jiu Jitsu (http://nyjiujitsu.com)), Sensei Tony Avila (Nidan, former Head Instructor for the American Jiu-Jitsu club at MIT, current Instructor at New York Jiu Jitsu and former Instructor for the IAP Jiu-Jitsu PE class at MIT in 1998) and Sensei Felix Dashevsky (Nidan, former Head Instructor for the American Jiu-Jitsu club at MIT). Sensei Dunmeyer is currently a fifth-year graduate student in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT (Course 6D) in the Photonic Systems Group. He has also worked at the Air Force Research Laboratory, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Hughes Space and Communications Co., and Sun Features Incorporated. Sensei Dunmeyer, outside of Jiu-Jitsu, has also had four years of teaching experience as Head TA for 6.161, Modern Optics Project Laboratory (http://mol.mit.edu), where he has received rave reviews for his knowledge, patience, teaching style, and excitement for teaching. Sensei Dunmeyer is also a Certified Instructor in First Aid, Disease Prevention, AED and CPR for the Professional Rescuer for the American Red Cross and a BLS instructor for the American Heart Association. He is also a Massachusetts certified EMT. Sensei Dunmeyer started his Jiu-Jitsu training at MIT as an undergraduate (freshman), and has been an active member of the American Jiu-Jitsu Club ever since. He hopes to share his knowledge and excitement for the art of Jiu Jitsu with other members of the MIT community who, during their busy schedules, might not otherwise get the chance. For more information of the American Jiu-Jitsu Club at MIT, and additional information on American Jiu-Jitsu, please visit http://web.mit.edu/jiu-jitsu/ When We Practice: Fall Term 2004, 2nd Quarter PE Schedule: Not yet listed. Where We Practice: We will meet in the 2nd floor of DuPont Gym (that's Building W32 on the map). If you have any questions, feel free to contact Sensei David Dunmeyer. Return to American Jiu-Jitsu @ MIT Main Page © David Dunmeyer, 2003