http://www.tmnews.com/stories/2012/09/08/health.071695.

tms

More than fighting: www.tmnews.com

Brazilian jiu jitsu offers mental, physical exercise
BY MIKE RICKETTS miker@tmnews.com 9/8/2012

BEDFORD While the popularity of mixed martial arts has put a focus on the various types of martial arts, learning the disciplines is much more than about fighting. Timothy Sledd, who has opened a Brazilian jiu jitsu studio downtown, puts the emphasis on three things for his students: Have fun, learn and get good exercise. Those are my three levels of success. If all three of those arent met by 100 percent of the class, I havent done my job, added Sledd who began studying the martial art form in 1998 and received his black belt in 2011. Small Axe Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Sledds studio, offers only Brazilian jiu jitsu, which focuses on grappling techniques and submission holds, differing from the other martial arts such as tae kwon do and hapkido. The premise of the art is to defend oneself and force an end to the match as quickly as possible with a submission, Sledd added. The concept is that mastering these moves levels the playing ground for people of different sizes. To learn and become adept in these moves requires a high level of training that will increase the students agility, flexibility and general physical fitness, Sledd said. Ive seen a lot of guys lose 100 pounds just training in Brazilian jiu jitsu, he added. But Sledd added that his curriculum puts the focus on much more than the physical portion of the martial art. One beauty of Brazilian jiu jitsu is it requires as much mental toughness as physical toughness. Its often referred to as human chess, Sledd said. Sledd offers classes for all ages and experience levels, beginning at age 6. For the youngest age group, Mat Monsters, ages 6-9, Sledd teaches one self-defense move a lesson that would derive from a real situation such as a bully or a possible abductor. Also, he puts the youngsters through a 45-minute workout that includes exercises that focus on moves that are incorporated into Brazilian jiu jitsu. Also, the class includes some Ginastica Natural, which is strength exercises using the bodys weight, and stretching and breathing techniques. The youth class, ages 9 to 12, works to make students stronger, more agile and flexible and begins introducing them to techniques that will be studied more in-depth in the level one and two classes. Level two classes are geared to linking techniques in a strategy. Drills are used to sharpen the techniques and sparring. But Sledd emphasized there is a place in his classes for a student of any skill or desire, whether it be to compete or just learn the discipline. Somebody who is out of shape can ease his way into it, Sledd said. Times-Mail Assistant Managing Editor Mike Ricketts welcomes comments at 277-7255 or by email at miker@tmnews.com.

Small Axe Jiu Jitsu Bedford Location: 815 16th St. About: Small Axe Jiu Jitsu Bedford opened this month. There is a Small Axe Jiu Jitsu location in Martinsville. Founder, head instructor: Timothy Sledd, who is Lawrence County deputy prosecutor Motivation: Students are encouraged to challenge themselves physically and mentally honing and developing their character along the way. Levels: Mat Monsters (ages 6-9); Youths (ages 9-12); and Levels One and Two. Class days: Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. Cost: Varies, depending on commitment. Single sessions up through a year are available. The longer commitment, the cheaper the price. About the name: A small axe can fall a big tree. About Brazilian jiu jitsu: A self-defense martial art that puts the focus on grappling and submission holds. Sledd said of jiu jitsu no magic, its all mechanics. To find out more: Go online to www.smallaxebjj.com or call 329-3434.

-1-

http://www.tmnews.com/stories/2012/09/08/health.071695.tms

BEDFORD Small Axe Jiu Jitsu Studio owner and instructor Tim Sledd imparts information to the level one jiu jitsu class on a recent evening. (Times-Mail photos / GARET COBB)

-2-

http://www.tmnews.com/stories/2012/09/08/health.071695.tms

BEDFORD Instructor Tim Sledd, left, and Ben Johnson demonstrate a technique to the level one jiu jitsu class at Small Axe Jiu Jitsu.

-3-

http://www.tmnews.com/stories/2012/09/08/health.071695.tms

BEDFORD Small Axe Jiu Jitsu Studio owner/instructor Tim Sledd explains to Lily Sledd how to grab one hand with the other hand if an assailant pulls on one arm. Cole Baker is at left.

-4-

http://www.tmnews.com/stories/2012/09/08/health.071695.tms

BEDFORD Karter West performs a stretch.

-5-