By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Northwest Kansas Jiu Jitsu hopes people will feel empowered at its seminar in Hays, where you’ll learn various martial arts techniques and strategies.
Two Jiu-Jitsu seminars will take place on Sept. 14 at the Hays High Wrestling Room, 2300 E 13th St., for anyone interested in learning Jiu-Jitsu and its practical application in self-defense.
Coaches Amy and Anthony Dovidio own Hays, and the married couple considers it a potential new location as they test the waters with upcoming seminars.
"We just want to make sure that it's something the community wants," Amy said.
Youth ages 4 to 14 can attend the seminar at 10 a.m., while adults 15 and older can participate at 11 a.m. in regular workout attire. The seminars are free, and you can sign up online here.
NWKS Jiu Jitsu has been operating in Colby, 1035 Taylor Ave., and Goodland, 602 Caldwell Avenue, since its opening in 2021.
Amy said this martial art stands out from others as it is a self-defense combat sport focused on grappling, ground fighting and submission holds.
"It's more closely related to wrestling," she said. "You can go for choke holds, joint manipulation, arm bars, knee bars, leg locks, heel hooks, and there's a bunch of different wrist locks."
Amy said the seminars aim to gauge the community's interest in Jiu-Jitsu, potentially leading to a new location in Hays, while providing lessons to those interested.
NWKS Jiu Jitsu offers a range of classes for anyone age 4 and older who wants to become a competitive fighter, learn the gentle art, master self-defense, pursue MMA, get a great workout or simply have fun.
Amy said individuals travel to Colby and Goodland for quality training and classes, and they want to provide a more convenient opportunity to learn through the seminars.
"Jiu-Jitsu is a good avenue to explore different activities that have applications to their life. It's a fun, addicting and challenging martial art that is always evolving."
The sport was introduced to the United States in the 1900s and uses leverage and various techniques to allow a smaller and weaker individual to overcome a larger and stronger opponent.
This self-defense art is valuable for everyone, including children facing bullying, serving as a last resort for safety, and both men and women.
"You can get somebody into a hold until the police come," Amy said.
In the last two years, NWKS Jiu Jitsu has worked with the Sherman County Sheriff's Office, providing training and demonstrating techniques applicable to their work, such as self-defense and safely arresting individuals.
Amy has been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for five years and coaches the Women's Only program and other regular classes. She also offers private lessons and special sessions for schools and other organizations.
Amy and Anthony relocated to Goodland to be closer to family when Anthony was encouraged to start Jiu-Jitsu classes. Their locations now have a combined enrollment of 150 students.
"If somebody is really interested in having Jiu Jitsu in Hays, let us know because we're researching to make sure it's something that everybody wants," Amy said.
You can find more information at the Northwest Kansas Jiu Jitsu website and follow their Goodland and Colby Facebook pages.
