KANSAN.COM / THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN / WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2010 / NEWS
BUSINESS
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KU grad teaches Jiu-Jitsu benefits
Robert Riley, owner of Lawrence Jiu-Jitsu, poses in his martial arts gear. Jiu Jets sui is an ancient martial art originating from Japan and Brazil that can help students defend themselves from potential attackers. Ryan Waggoner/KANSAN
BY ALISON CUMBOW alisonc@kansan.com
The mount and the throwdown two moves that could save you during an attack are both Jiu-Jitsu techniques that instructor Robert Riley teaches in his new school. Riley has become the go-to guy in Lawrence to practice Jiu-Jitsu since first studying the, art eight years ago while attending the University.
Riley, a 2006 University graduate, recently opened Lawrence Jiu-Jitsu. 315 N. 2nd St. The ancient martial art is based on submission — it's not for attacking, but for reversing the roles should someone be attacked. Jiu-Jitsu originated in Japan and Brazil.
Riley said if a victim was being attacked, knowing Jiu-Jitsu moves could help him or her escape or fight back.
"You could choke them out or break them."
break one or their arms and legs," he said. "I would say that it is the best thing you could possibly learn to defend yourself in a situation where you would need to do so."
Given the frequency of violent assaults in Lawrence, Riley
Riley said that defending yourself
"The best thing to do is continue to fight back and make a lot of noise to get help and escape the situation." Riley said.
said it was important to know how to defend yourself in the event of an attack.
ROBER RILEY
Lawrence Jiu-Jitsu owner
The Kansan met with Riley to learn more about Jiu-Jitsu and how students can use its various techniques. Check out Kansan.com to see a video demonstration of Riley's Jiu-Jitsu in action and other ways to defend yourself against attackers.
"I would say that it is the best thing you could possibly learn to defend yourself in a situation where you would need to do so."
is awlays the right thing to do.
"In the end, if you don't fight back, you will have a mountain of regret," he said.
Riley teaches 16 students enrolled in his classes how to defend themselves.
Mark Sears, a mixed martial arts fighter, has been studying under Riley for the past three years.
"I started taking private lessons from him," Sears said. "He would teach people in his backyard."
Sears is also a cage fighter, but he started with Jiu-jitsu, which he
said is the backbone of any kind of fighting. He said it taught him how to throw punches, kicks and a dozen ways to cut off an attacker's blood supply to their brain.