MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- The martial art of Jujitsu is an ancient art form requiring dedication and effort. Jujitsu classes are offered at Building 39 to whoever can attend, and the classes offer opportunities to build flexibility, strength, discipline and self-control.
Classes average around six people. The class runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m., and on Sundays from 5 to 7 p.m. Jujitsu classes are intense and can be very painful if all techniques are not executed properly. During class time, the learning process is not fast paced. Each student must work with the instructor so the instructor knows for sure they are performing each move and technique correctly and with the right amount of force. This is different from most martial arts programs.
"When I feel the pain of the moves and techniques from the students, I know they are doing it correctly," said Wayne E. Nelson, head instructor of the Jujitsu class here.
To ensure safety, the class begins with an average of 30 minutes of stretching exercises to limber up all the areas that will be used. Being more limber and able to perform each exercise helps Nelson to be able to teach the students correctly. Nelson, a fifth degree black belt in Shobado Bujitsu Jujitsu, has more than 25 years of experience. Three years after beginning Jujitsu, Nelson began teaching.
"We train with all types of weapons, from wooden sticks to real kitchen knives," said Nelson. "If you train with real weapons, you will be ready for the real thing."
Once the students reach a white belt or higher, they will usually begin instructing the junior students. This enables the main instructor to work with a new batch of students from the beginning.
Not everyone makes it through the class. Sometimes deployments come up and Marines have to leave class.
"Other students can't take the pain and end up leaving the class," said Nelson. "To make a long story short, anything goes in Jujitsu."
Much can be gained from pushing the limits and going beyond them. For some, just getting started helps out.
"If the students decide not to continue after a months worth of training, they will at least have a great 30 minute exercise to help keep them in shape and flexible," said Nelson.
For more information contact Nelson at (910) 451-4724.