Learn Japanese Jujitsu for self-defense at Brad Akins YMCA!

Why Japanese Jujitsu?

Japanese Jujitsu is a self-defense-centered martial art originating in Japan that goes back over 1000 years and predates Judo, Aikido, and Karate. Japanese Jujitsu is not a sport. It is a non-competitive martial art that emphasizes practical self-defense skills and techniques. In addition to learning self-defense, our classes help build discipline, control, self-esteem, confidence, and personal fitness. Our classes are accessible for all ages and ability levels, with no experience required. We tailor each class to the experience and ability level of our students. 

Our experienced instructors have almost 50 years of combined martial arts experience, with specialties in areas such as practical self-defense, women's self-defense, and knife/gun defense. In our dojo, you will have access to a high-quality training facility and instruction for some of the lowest prices in the county. There are only a handful of Japanese Jujitsu dojos in the state of Georgia. You can find out more about Japanese Jujitsu through Midori Yama Budokai, the governing organization for Japanese Jujitsu in America.

The Jujitsu Dojo at the Brad Akins YMCA was founded by Sensei Carole Ivie, a long-time Japanese Jujitsu instructor through Midori Yama Budokai. She has over 50 years of martial arts experience, studying Japanese Jujitsu, Judo, Aikido, Karate, Eagle Claw Kung Fu, Boxing, Kick Boxing, and Iaido. Sensei Ivie specializes in women's self-defense and has taught dozens of free women's self-defense classes over the past few decades to empower and educate women.

Sensei Ivie taught through the Brad Akins YMCA for close to 30 years before retiring at the end of 2024. Sensei Ivie has been succeeded by long-time students Warren Carlsrud, a third-degree black belt in Japanese Jujitsu, and Sam Chase, a second-degree black belt in Japanese Jujitsu. Sensei Ivie still serves in an advisory role to both Sensei Warren and Sensei Chase. 

Class Details

At the Brad Akins YMCA, the kids' jujitsu classes are on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. The cost for the kids' class is $50 per month and covers only one day a week. You may register for both days if desired. Uniforms are $35 and do not have to be purchased right away. Parents can see if their kids like it before committing to a uniform. Rank promotions costs $10. This covers the cost of the new belt. 

The adult jujitsu classes are on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. You don't need any prior experience or athletic ability to participate and learn. We will adjust to where you are.

The adult classes are an open mat format with no cost. You can come to both classes free of charge. The only requirement is that you have a membership with the Brad Akins YMCA. If you need assistance, the YMCA has a scholarship program for membership. Here is the scholarship application.

The adult uniform costs depend on size but typically range from $35 to $50. Uniforms do not have to be purchased right away. New students are always welcome to try out the class first. Rank promotions cost $30. This covers the cost of the new belt and the adult certificate with Midori Yama Budokai. 

All of our classes are held at the Brad Akins YMCA, 50 Brad Akins Dr, Winder, GA 30680. For both the kids and adult classes, Warren Carlsrud teaches on Mondays, and Sam Chase teaches on Wednesdays. To register for any of our martial arts classes, please visit the registration site here. For any questions about our classes, please email Sam Chase and Warren Carlsrud at sam.chase.band@gmail.com and carlsrud@gmail.com.

Women's Self-Defense Classes

We are also available to teach women's self-defense classes for both large and small groups, catering to all ages and abilities at no charge. Female instructors with extensive martial arts experience teach our women's self-defense classes. Please email Sam Chase at sam.chase.band@gmail.com to schedule a class. 

The instructors pictured, from left to right, are Sam Chase, Carole Ivie, and Warren Carlsrud.