Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Justin Jacobs (left) talks with his students during the first lesson at One Oak Activity Center on June 17.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is an integral part of retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Justin Jacobs's life, and now he's looking to share his knowledge of the art form in Worland and Thermopolis.
Starting classes in mid-June at the One Oak Activity Center, Jacobs's enthusiasm and love for Brazilian jiu-jitsu is infectious and apparent the moment you meet him.
"What I love about jiu-jitsu is that it doesn't know color, language, religion or nationality. It is what it is, and that's why it's universal. I started training in the US Air Force. You'd have this eclectic mix of people, but everyone was united under one cause, jiu-jitsu," said Jacobs.
Retiring from the Air Force last year, Jacob wanted to bring his knowledge home. Graduating from Hot Springs County High School in Thermopolis in the mid-90s, he's been practicing in Brazilian jiu-jitsu for the past 24 years.
Jacobs' first Brazilian jiu-jitsu instructor was Carlos Machado, who is related to the Gracie clan. The Gracie brothers Helio, Oswaldo, Gastao Jr., George and Carlos are the founders of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Jacob's classes are affiliated under Rafael Lovato Sr.'s Vale Tudo Enterprises and Rafael Lovato Jr.'s "Lovato Brazilian Jio Jitsu".
When teaching his students, Jacobs wants to instill the same focus and discipline he's been taught.
"My instructor told me, 'I can't teach you to fight. It's inside you or not.' I can't teach you to paint. I can give you the tools you need and show you how to do certain strokes, but at the end of the day, it's your creation. That's the same with martial arts. I can show you the way, but you have to do it yourself. I'm giving you martial tools, and you are the artist.
"Jiu-Jitsu is a mindset, a discipline. It's not just about beating people up. It's a lot of hard work and time. You're going to have to earn it through great dedication and have your ego checked. At the end of the day, it's going to change you. When you've learned and grown from that, you've become a better person because you're no longer insecure. Those people who pick fights are those who are insecure," said Jacobs.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu has given Jacobs a lot, and his respect and reverence for the art and its history run deep.
A black belt, Jacobs has even competed with the best in the world, winning gold medals in his weight class at the Pan America Games in 2004 and 2008.
"When we teach our classes, and you step onto the mat, there's no cussing, and you show proper form and etiquette. Everyone is the same. There's no individual me, and we're all showing each other common courtesy for the tradition while learning humility.
"Jiu-jitsu has done a lot for me and taught me a lot about myself. What it's done for me is going to be different for you. That's what is so cool about it, too, it's unique to the user," said Jacobs. "We encourage competition because it does make you better. I used to compete a lot. I won the Pan America Games in 2004 and 2008. I just want to bring that high-level skilled jiu-jitsu to the area and I'm really excited."
Returning home and teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is something Jacobs takes great pride in. Imparting his knowledge on his students and watching them succeed, whether that's in competition or in class, means everything to him.
"This is my life. I just retired, and this is what I want to do. The greatest thing about being an instructor is not my accomplishments. When you teach somebody and see them succeed, that's the greatest feeling. When I see my students succeed using techniques I've taught them, it is the greatest feeling and makes me happy," said Jacobs.
The schedule for Worland classes is Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, the first kids class will start at 5:15 p.m., the second kids class at 6 p.m. and the adult class at 7 p.m.
Monday through Friday in Thermopolis, advace classes are 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., and night classes are 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and 6:30 to 7:30 on Thursdays. Kids classes are on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturday nights at 5:30 p.m.
