Moose FM CHMT 93.1 - Timmins

The instructors at the only certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu school in Ontario, teach self defense that anyone can do. According to instructors Kris Ratte and Jonelle LaRouche, this form of martial arts is taught from the perspective of someone way smaller than their opponents. But size is not an issue in this case says LaRouche, showing a few common scenarios that women in particular face with attackers and easily tossing and subduing Ratte, easily bigger than her. The school began a women’s self defense class in April and are up to 15 students, but LaRouche would love to have more. The classes are taught along four phases of attacks, using submission as the final result.

LaRouche says statistics show that most sexual assaults happen by people they know and one in four women are likely to be sexually assaulted in North America. She adds by taking the self defence course, survivors have reported being able to better deal with healing. Interested persons can learn more about the course on their website at http://www.timminsgjj.com or call the Timmins Gracie Jiu-Jitsu school at (705) 264-7655 or visit the school at 88 Father Costello Drive, Schumacher.
Kris Ratte, a blue belt instructor says they have a fantastic program for kids, with a special emphasis on handling bullying. Called the Bully-proof, it aims to teach kids how to stop bullying, safely and if necessary control the situation effectively without hurting themselves or the offender. Ratte says there are three key steps to follow, talk, tell and tackle. Ratte added the tools they give you in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu are really “just in case.” In actuality he hopes people will never have to use it.

Ratte and LaRouche both believe Gracie Jiu-Jitsu allows you to focus, not only on the martial art, but in your entire life. It will foster, inner peace, patience, confidence and strength. Jiu-jitsu is roughly translated from Japanese as the “gentle technique.”

The school is also hosting a blackbelt seminar with Ricardo Bayona on Saturday, August 18^th. Learn more about it at their Facebook page as well at https://www.facebook.com/timminsgjj.