Welcome to the Home Page of the Midwest Jiu-Jitsu Association

 

History

Dojo Listing

Active Instructors

Pictures

Videos

Activities

Patch

 

Normal Class Time - Private Jiu-Jitsu Class Sunday 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Kajukempo Dojo 7667 Mentor Ave., Mentor, Ohio 44060, http://www.mentorkarate.com, (440) 951-0463.  The Dojo is located behind the stores on the North side of Rt. 20 near Great Lakes Mall, accross from Best Buy. New Classes for Kids and Women - Summer 2008 Hugh Cassidy, Ni Dan, now has an ongoing class at: The Salvation Army Worship Center 17625 Grovewood Avenue Cleveland, Ohio  44119 216-692-1388 Call the Worship Center or contact Hugh at 440-479-5682, for more information This class is sponsored by the Salvation Army and there is no cost to participate! Kid's Class Every Monday (Except for Holidays) - 4:45 to 5:45 pm Women's Class Every Monday - 6:45 to 7:45 pm Open Gym - Anyone Welcome:  5:45 to 6:45

History

The MJJA was founded in 1972 by William Twigger who recently passed away in November, 2001, and Richard Jackson (retired). The organization started with 20 Black Belts and three Dojos with William Twigger as the first President. The style Amerika Shiki Ju Jutsu (Jiu-Jitsu) was founded in February of 1974. The main Dojo was the Garfield Academy of Self Defense, on Warner Road in Garfield Heights, Ohio.

Harvey Torok, Yo Dan (4th Degree Black Belt) has been the leading force behind the MJJA since its inception. His son Michael Torok, San Dan (3rd Degree Black Belt), is the current President of the organization.

 

We've Moved!  We now are located at the Kajukempo Dojo, 7667 Mentor Ave., Mentor, Ohio 44060, http://www.mentorkarate.com, (440) 951-0463.  The Dojo is located behind the stores on the North side of Rt. 20, accross from Best Buy.  For more information, contact Hugh Cassidy at hugh@cwcreate.com.

Mike Torok, San Dan Brian Cosner, San Dan Tim Hanacek, San Dan Pat Tomazic, Ni Dan John Ruppert, Ni Dan Bob Repas, Ni Dan Al Gall, Ni Dan Tom Difranco, Sho Dan Hugh Cassidy, Ni Dan Chris Torok, Ni Dan Tom Blechschmid, Sho Dan		George DeSantis, Jr., Sho Dan Ron Lanci, Sho Dan Beth Riha, Sho Dan Chuck Sabetta, Sho Dan MatthewTorok, Sho Dan Mark Torok, Sho Dan Ardeshir Agahi, Sho Dan
In Memory: Sensei Harvey Torok, Yon Dan, June, 2006 Sensei Joe Fink, Ni Dan Sensei Terry Jarzab, Sho Dan Sensei Robert Peto, November 2001 Sensei Bill Twigger, November 2001

 

The MJJA was developed by several people in the Cleveland area, but primarily by the efforts of Sensei Harvey Torok.  Now the tradition is being carried on by his family.  The picture below represents the five Toroks currently active, they are from Left to right standing:  Matt Torok (Sho-Dan), Harvey Torok (Yo-Dan), Mike Torok (San-Dan), and kneeling: Chris Torok (Ni-Dan), and Mark Torok (Sho-Dan).   
 

Below is a Picture of the class of Sensei Harvey Torok taken in March 2001.

Left to right Back row: Matt Torok, John Ruppert, Harvey Torok, Mike Torok, Ron Lanci
Middle Row: Hugh Cassidy, Bob Repas, Chris Torok, George DeSantis
Front Row: Ardeshir Agahi, Mark Torok, Ted Keeney, Ron Lanci, Jr., David Nyitrai, Shawn Agahi

Click here to see more pictures of our class.

 

Activities

MJJA Golf Outing - August 16, 2008 - Tee Time is 1:00 pm at:

Pleasant Hills Golf Course
13461 Aquilla Rd.
Chardon, OH  44024
440-285-2428

Contact Hugh Cassidy for more infomation - hugh@cwcreate.com

Black Belt Test Congratulations to Ardeshir Agahi for earning the rank of Sho Dan on March 28, 2003! For more information, send an email to hugh@cwcreate.com

Once or twice a year we also get out to play Paintball as a group. Check-out where we play at Pinnacle Woods in Chardon, OH. Check out the Paintball pictures we took on June 2, 2002	Paintball
MJJA Annual Picnic - Our Picnic in July 2002 was another great success with plenty of sunshine, waterslides and Celona. Click here to see Pictures of: Annual Picnic July, 2002 Annual Picnic Sept, 2000
Shihan Hillman Aiki and Bokken Clinic - Shihan Tim Hillman from Auburn, NY, has given Aiki and Bokken Clinics at the Willoughby and Lost Nation Dojos in November 2000 and June 2001. You can visit Shihan Hillman's website at http://www.auburnkarate.com	Shihan Tim Hillman

The Patch

The MJJA patch shown at right was designed by Terry Jarzab, a Shodan at our dojo in Garfield Heights.  Terry, who was a Sign Painter by trade, passed away at the age of 42 in the mid '80s.  Terry had a great sense of humor and we are glad that this patch, and the insignia at the top of this page, live on in his honor.  The Dragon and Eagle on the patch represent the integration of the Asian Martial Arts carried on in America.