Keweenaw Jiu-Jitsu A Hit

A martial arts school is quickly gaining attention in Houghton.

Jiu jitsu is a Japanese martial art and a method of close combat that uses the opponent’s force against themselves rather than confronting with one’s own force.

Keweenaw Jiu-Jitsu Owner/Head Coach Stan Myaskovskiy said, “The big thing about jiu jitsu really is that everyone has this misconception that they think it’s these big brutal guys and, you know, it couldn’t be further from the truth,” said Owner and Head Coach at Keweenaw Jiu Jitsu Stan Myaskovskiy. “We have pathologists, we have lawyers, who all do jiu jitsu within this big community all across the country. Here, we have tons of different people who come from all different backgrounds.”

Keweenaw Jiu-Jitsu began as a grappling club at Michigan Tech, which found residence at CrossFit Hakkapeliitta in Houghton.

The school officially became Keweenaw Jiu-Jitsu two years ago, but this year, after the founder and head coach left to pursue other opportunities, Myaskovskiy took over as head coach.

Within the past month, the school relocated to their own full-time facility on M-26 in Houghton, where they offer a variety of classes, including beginner and advanced classes, kids classes and a women’s self-defense class.

Myaskovskiy said “There’s no need to be afraid to try it out. Everyone is welcoming, everyone is friendly. People come in and they learn more than just a sport, they make friendships that last a lifetime and it’s a pretty fun place.”

Keweenaw Jiu-Jitsu will be hosting a grand opening and open house on July 1st and a free seminar on July 2nd.

More information can be found on their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/KeweenawJiuJitsu/).