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

History

Dojos

Active Instructors

Pictures

Videos

Activities

Patch

Video of the MJJA giving a demonstration for the Chinese New Year celebration at the Asia Town Market in Cleveland, OH on January 21, 2012   Video of the MJJA students participating in a demonstration at the Better in Mentor Days on September 17, 2011   Video of Sensei Mike Torok with the students of he and John Ruppert participating in the Asian Festival in Cleveland on May 22, 2011   Video of the MJJA participating in the Millennium Tournament at Orange HS on May 15, 2011.  Congratulations to the Kyu ranks that came in 1st, 2nd and 3rd in both their Divisions!  Sensei Mike Torok also competed in Weapons Kata and Self Defense.   Congratulations to Kevin, Mark and Marc who finished 1st, 2nd and 3rd in their division at the Karate Institute Tournament at Orange HS in Beachwood on December 5, 2010!   Normal Class Time - 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.

History

The MJJA was founded in 1972 by William Twigger who 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, Yon 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.

Dojos

We 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 Kevin Ensinger, Sho Dan
In Memory: Sensei Tom DeSantis, July, 2011 Sensei Harvey Torok, Yon Dan, June, 2006 Sensei Robert Peto, November 2001 Sensei Bill Twigger, November 2001 Sensei Joe Fink, Ni Dan Sensei Terry Jarzab, July 1986

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 Picnic

Golf Outing

Join us for the Harvey Torok Open Golf Outing Pleasant Hills Golf Course on Aquilla Rd. in Chardon.  Check Back for the 2012 date.  For more information, call Chris Torok at 216-392-9358.

 

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

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

The MJJA 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 1986.  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.