"Use Only So
Much Force As Is Necessary"
Minna Jiu Jitsu
Mayfield Academy
of Self Defense
5844 Mayfield Road
Mayfield Heights, Ohio 44124 USA
(440) 449-6891
The Roots of Minna Jiu Jitsu
Minna Jiu Jitsu was developed more than 45 years ago by
Soke Frank Kovacs for the
American temperament and personality. It means "More arts" and encompasses
best practices from multiple martial arts forms.
The art of Minna Jiu Jitsu combines the throws of judo, the chokes, grabs and
flips of Jiu Jitsu, the kicks of La Savate and the chops of Karate in a
self-defense art form designed and organized to the American mentality and way
of life.
Minna Jiu Jitsu is primarily rooted in:
- Jiu Jitsu
- Judo
- Karate
- La Savate
- Muay Thai Techniques
- Grappling / Katame-Waza
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Jiu Jitsu - The ancient art of unarmed combat was brought to Japan by the Chinese monk, Chin Gendin. Its precise origins are not known. Popularity of the martial arts spread through out Japan which was beset by civil wars and clan feuds. When an 1871 ordinance abolished samurai from carrying swords, use of Jiu Jitsu increased. |
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Judo - This invigorating, exciting and enjoyable modern day sport is derived from the more deadly serious Jiu Jitsu. Formulated by Dr. Jogua Kano at the end of the 19th century, it became popular in the West and eventually gained world-wide appeal. The art of Judo lies in the ability to interpret body movements of the opponent. The practitioner skillfully applies power of the resistance and a seeming to yield in numerous techniques to overcome brute force. |
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Karate - an art of unarmed combat that simultaneously develops powers of body and mind. It strengthens and trains hands, head, knees feet and elbows as weapons and develops self-control and presence of mind that helps one handle even daily problems with confidence. Karate harmonizes subtle balance and controlled strength techniques while the mind masters self-discipline through meditation and expresses self confidence and self-awareness. Karate is 3 - 4 thousand years old. |
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La Savate - The French foot fighting was developed during the time of the French Revolution of 1849. The art of La Savate can stop virtually any attacker with techniques of foot kicks. These techniques are especially useful for women and children warding off a physically stronger opponent. |
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Muay Thai - Known as Thai Boxing or The Art of the Eight Limbs is the Thai name for a form of martial art practiced in several Asian countries including Thailand. The different styles of kickboxing in Southeast Asia are analogous to the different types of Kung Fu in China or Silat in the Malay peninsula. |
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Grappling / Katame-Waza - In Japanese referred to as katame-waza, is a martial arts term for a grip applied to an opponent. Holds are principally used to control the opponent, and to advance in points or positioning. Holds may be categorized by their function such as clinching, pinning, pain compliance or submission, while others can be classified by their anatomical effect: chokehold, joint-lock or compression lock. |