When people think of an American martial arts instructor, they usually have an idea of some loud, angry, tough guy barking orders to a team of angry young people. If you walk into Grappling Concepts in St. Peters, and see J.W. Wright,  you might be in for a rude awakening.

Upon observing a class taught by Mr. Wright and his instructors, all I could find was a group of dedicated individuals only interested in seeing their students attain real understanding of the techniques of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was made famous by Royce Gracie in the first Ultimate Fighting Championships and to this day is used by all mixed martial arts fighters. Jiu Jitsu is also used in self defense, grappling tournaments and by law enforcement and military personnel. Techniques are designed so that a smaller person can defend themselves against a larger attacker using leverage and submission holds. Grappling Concepts is an RGDA Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu affiliate under the instruction of Royler Gracie and David Adiv.  J.W. Wright is a black belt under Royler Gracie, and also holds a black belt in the Russian martial art of sambo.

The focus of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is to design techniques that rely on leverage as opposed to strength. Instead of using brute force to subdue a person, jiu jitsu uses properly applied leverage and submission holds. This allows a small person to easily defend themselves against a larger, stronger opponent. These priciples are never better observed than in the brand new women's only class that was recently started on Tuesday nights at 6:30pm.

I got a chance to visit the academy on Tuesday to personally observe the session, and everyone there was having a great time. The class was run by J.W. personally, and there was no question unanswered and no one went without personal instruction to make sure they fully understood the techniques they were learning.  Every student was made to feel totally comfortable, and what I found most interesting was to hear all the laughing going on and seeing the fun being had by every student.

I had a chance to sit and talk with some of J.W.'s students, and the ladies were all quick to reinforce the image I had already developed.  "J.W. is always so patient and willing to help that this class is like you own private lesson", said Patricia Probst, a young lady from Brazil who has actually trained jiu jitsu in Brazil, where great martial artists abound.  She went on to say, "The biggest difference is the amount of competitors. In America, everyone wants to compete and be the best."

For some people, jiu jitsu can be a part of a relationship. For Jenna French and Tyler Bishop it's a big part of their relationship. "I love being able to train with her, it makes us closer", said Tyler. Jenna elaborated,"I don't have to get mad at him for being at practice, because I am too. It has ruined our hug life, though. Every time I want a hug, it turns into a position struggle."

One student, Margie Cooper, is actually taking a mixed martial arts fight. "It's a great way to stay in shape. I train kickboxing and jiu jitsu, and have for about a year and a half. I love all my teachers here, because they really care about making sure you get your techniques right. I am actually fighting on August 15 in St. Charles." Margie also trains with James Wade, her kickboxing instructor, who also holds a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under J.W. He told me," I currently have about 15 women I work with. I really enjoy working with the ladies to see the empowerment of mastering their techniques. I make sure they can train full power in a safe environment. Sometimes I take a little bit of punishment, but it's worth it. Shoot, Margie has almost knocked me out on a few occasions."

Overall, what I saw was a friendly, welcoming and fun academy with great programs for everyone. Whether you are looking to fight like Margie, or what to get in shape, or want something fun to do and make some new friends, Grappling Concepts RGDA Jiu Jitsu in St. Peters is a place to look into.

You can check out their website at www.grapplingconcepts.com or visit the academy at 6069 Mexico Road, St. Peters, MO.