The All State

Media Credit: Patrick Armstrong Students learn the basic moves of Jiu Jitsu as instructor Rn Dayley offers pointers. [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Patrick Armstrong Jiu Jitsu instructor Ron Dayley is an accomplished fighter with an impressive record. As pictured by his partners expression, he embodies the phrase "bringing the pain." [Click to enlarge]

By A.J. DUGGER

Staff Writer

Every Monday and Thursday, there are epic showdowns of muscle, strength and speed in Room 215 of the Foy Fitness and Recreation Center.

Although this sounds a little scary, it's actually just a class, demonstrating a popular form of martial arts; that's right, Jiu Jitsu has made its way to Austin Peay State University.

A gifted former professional fighter named Ron Dayley is instructing the course. Dayley has been fighting since 1993. He used to regularly grapple with other legendary professional fighters like former WWE wrestler and UFC Superfight champion Ken Shamrock in The Lion's Den.

"I'm 14-2 as a pro, and 44-2 as an amateur," said Dayley. He now lives in Clarksville and owns SSF Submission Academy on College Street. Dayley specializes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Thai boxing, catch wrestling and submission wrestling. He channels each of these different forms of mixed martial arts into his teaching.

This is the first semester that Jiu Jitsu has been taught at APSU. The class is a very friendly environment. The students execute the moves nicely, but are very cautious not to hurt one another.

"I like it," said Jennifer Placke, a senior health and human performance major who regularly attends the class. Placke also stands out by being the only female in the class. "At first it was really awkward," Placke said. "Some of the guys were uncomfortable."

As predicted, some of the guys in the class didn't quite know how to adjust to confronting a female in the class, but over time, Placke began to fit in nicely, due to her talent and sense of humor. "It's nice to have [Placke] in there," Dayley said. "It isn't just for guys."

Jiu Jitsu is difficult for a lot of people who are beginners. Dayley has observed many people who have quit after the first lesson or two.

Indeed, Dayley and his students make the eye-catching moves look smooth and easy, but it takes discipline and practice to make Brazilian Jiu Jitsu appear as if it is second nature.

"A lot of beginners quit very quickly. It's hard getting to the point where you start flowing … one move to another without thinking about it. In about six months, you'll start feeling it." Dayley said.

Depending on the size of his or her body stature, people can pick up a variety of styles. "Women and smaller men are real technical because they can't rely on the strength. They learn technique, and it's nice to see that," Dayley said. The action in the class is very inspiring. The class focuses on submission wrestling while on the mat.

Even the warm-up exercises the students do look like moves performed in a Jean-Claude Van Damme movie. Dayley has other goals as well. He'd like to start a rape prevention class that teaches women self defense.

The Jiu Jitsu class takes place on Mondays and Wednesdays in Room 215 in the Foy Center. For more information, visit Recreation.

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