Free Jiu-jitsu Classes Aim To Help Local First Responders

Ralph Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in Waco is giving back to those who protect and serve by offering free Sunday classes to all law enforcement and first responders. It is an opportunity to learn some skills that could create safer conditions for everyone involved in potentially dangerous situations.

A Safer Way to Do the Job

The classes focus on use of technique for controlling situations with unnecessary force. Classes are every Sunday at 4 p.m. Assistant instructor Braxton Ramos says in departments with jiu-jitsu programs, officer injuries and on-duty discharges of their weapons are greatly reduced. “We just want to make sure they have the tools they need to safely and correctly not only defend themselves but prevent injury to the person they are restraining,” Ramos said.

Why Jiu-Jitsu Works

Jiu-jitsu relies on leverage and control versus brute force. Ramos said he hopes more officers can effectively avoid dangerous encounters and possibly injuries to themselves and the other person. The goal is to make sure everyone 54 walks away in one piece.

My Own Experience Around Jiu-Jitsu Pros

I am not a police officer, but I can understand the comfort of being around trained individuals who could pull me from trouble if the need arose. When I perform at Joe Rogan’s Comedy Mothership in Austin, there are roughly fifteen guys in the room at any given time who are all trained in jiu-jitsu. If a heckler ever charged the stage, I wouldn’t have to put my drink down. That person would be folded up like a human pretzel before I even finished my punchline.

Why it Matters for First Responders

Being around trained individuals changes the atmosphere for me — it’s a signal that I can focus on telling jokes instead of doing improv defensive tactics. For officers it means they can focus on keeping everyone safe without letting a situation get out of control.

If you are a first responder in Central Texas then this Sunday might be the perfect opportunity to jump on the mats, and you might even get to leave with a couple of moves that are life saving.