origins are traced to Buddhist monks of India, in its modern form Jujutsu
comes from Japan and was used on the battlefield by Samurai. Jujutsu was developed to allow them to fight effectively in the event they were disarmed and on foot. They found it difficult to fight hand to hand due to restrictions in mobility caused by their armor, Jujutsu evolved to include throwing, joint-locks and strangles, along with striking. By the mid-1800’s Jujutsu split into different styles. Their techniques varied from style to style and incorporated aspects of hand to hand combat including strikes, grappling and weapon-based attacks and disarms. In the 1880’s, Judo had evolved and is now one of the most widely practiced sports in the world. Judo was developed by Jigoro Kano, who developed Judo as his own ryu which was based around ‘randori’ and was a deviation from the partner practice.
Then came…
(BJJ; Portuguese: jiu-jitsu brasileiro) is a self-defense system, martial art, and combat sport system that focuses on grappling with particular emphasis on ground fighting. Brazilian jiu-jitsu was developed from Kodokan judo ground fighting (newaza) fundamentals that were taught by a number of Japanese individuals including Takeo Yano, Mitsuyo Maeda, Soshihiro Satake, and Isao Okano. Brazilian jiu-jitsu eventually came to be its own defined combat sport through the innovations, practices, and adaptation of judo.
BJJ teaches that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend themself against a bigger, stronger, heavier opponent by using leverage and weight distribution to take the fight to the ground, and then applying joint locks and chokeholds to defeat the opponent. BJJ training can be used for sport grappling tournaments and in self-defense situations.
Sparring (commonly referred to as “rolling” within the BJJ community) and live drilling play a major role in training and the practitioner’s development. BJJ is considered a martial art, a sport, a method for promoting physical fitness and building character, and a way of life
Geo Omori opened the first Jiu-Jitsu / judo school in Brazil in 1925
As you progress in your Martial Arts journey, you'll gain confidence in your own abilities and feel more self-assured in your daily life. You will be part of the greatest Martial Arts community in Utah, where everyone is like-minded and supports each other.
Not only will you learn an effective Martial Arts System to enable you to no longer have a victim mentality and therefore be able to stand up to bullies and if needed you will even be able to defend yourself/your loved ones. In addition to that, you will also develop strength, flexibility and endurance.
Our classes develop discipline, focus, and physical and mental toughness. You will learn how to control your emotions and concentrate on your goals and your self-esteem will soar!
A Hapkido kids’ program blending self-defense and grappling skills. Hapkido teaches kids balance, awareness, and discipline while helping them grow in confidence and fitness through playful, structured martial arts drills.
A powerful hybrid martial arts system combining striking and self-defense. Bokajitsu challenges the mind and body, helping teens and adults develop confidence, awareness, and tactical skills for real-world situations.
Focused on boxing, kickboxing, and striking drills, this class helps teens and adults build power, speed, and coordination. Learn technique, footwork, and combos in a dynamic and high-energy martial arts setting.
Hapkido blends traditional techniques with modern self-defense. Ideal for teens and adults who want a practical, effective martial art that enhances awareness, control, and skill through hands-on practice.
This class focuses on leverage, throws, and takedowns in a safe, respectful environment. Teens and adults gain confidence, improve fitness, and build a solid foundation in classic Judo skills and techniques.
We find that our students become more confident in standing up to bullies and have more humility and kindness toward others through their Martial Arts lessons.
We encourage parents to watch their children in their kid's martial arts lessons. We love parents getting involved! And so do their kids. Even better… join into some of our martial arts classes for adults. Your kids will love that you have something in common. It will build a strong family bond!
Additionally, if you want some ‘me-time’? Simply drop them off, and go grab a coffee. They will greet you with a huge smile when you return because they had SO much fun!
The modern world presents many problems for concentration and focus, with distractions everywhere. Each session of Martial Arts will improve your child's focus incrementally as they are motivated to learn something new and different - this will require lengthy concentration.
Yes, we understand that social skills are a crucial aspect of childhood and a lack of them can show and affect the child as they grow older. Martial Arts, with its teamwork and skill sharing, is one of the activities that encourages and promotes this in a healthy way.
Absolutely! Everyone is welcome at our school, regardless of their skill level or physical shape!
Martial Arts training is a fun way of staying in shape - adults who take up our training have less body fat than those with a more sedentary lifestyle.
Martial Arts training is an excellent form of exercise - scientific studies have proven that adults who take part have better stamina, strength, flexibility and muscle endurance.
Forget social networks and text messaging - training in Martial Arts develops focus and improves levels of concentration through its set tempo and exercises in-cooperating focus and breath control.
I consent to be contacted by Top Defense and Fitness through the information provided in this form.