Bringing a new option for Kingston’s martial arts enthusiasts is Midtown Jiu Jitsu. Located at 635 Broadway, MJJ opened its doors last month with the goal of teaching jiu jitsu at an affordable price.

Malachy Silva, owner and head coach of Midtown Jiu Jitsu, has eight years of training under his black belt and previously ran the acclaimed Renzo Gracie Los Angeles martial arts gym, where he fell in love with the sport. Silva, who grew up in Stone Ridge, has returned from the West Coast to give back some of what he has learned in his last eight years with his home community.

“Jiu jitsu has done quite a lot for me personally, and I've seen it positively impact hundreds and hundreds of people that I've taught and trained with. It's becoming a very popular sport and with that popularity, it can become a little bit exclusive,” said Silva. “I want everybody to be able to experience it, and especially young people who may need discipline and guidance in a sports aspect.”

In the name of getting as many people out on the mat as possible to learn the popular martial arts form founded in ancient Japan, Midtown Jiu Jitsu also provides a scholarship program for youth students, ages 4 to 18, with financial need. “There's no paperwork necessary. They just need to tell me and we'll have a brief conversation. It's an honor system, basically.”

Although it’s a combat sport, jiu jitsu can also be incredibly meditative and helpful in providing discipline and structure, and is phenomenal in exercising team building, Silva said. Midtown Jiu Jitsu is available to all ages, young and old, regardless of athletic ability or experience.

“Jiu jitsu can really appeal to not just athletes because it's such a mental activity. You know, you have to be aware of what's happening with your body and the other person's body,” said Silva. “It can appeal as a form of exercise to a wide audience. I encourage people who may not see themselves as athletes to check it out because they could really find an interesting exercise outlet for themselves.”

In terms of future goals for the business, Silva hopes to create a strong team of dedicated jiu jitsu students and a strong competition team for those interested in competing. This activity is open to ages 5 to 60, according to Silva.

He also plans to implement an apprenticeship program in the future to employ local young people interested in honing their craft. This program will be available to students ages 14 to 18 who are invested in growing their skills and want to teach classes to younger groups. Depending on dedication, the apprenticeship will develop into paid positions for interested students.

Visit https://midtownjj.com/schedule/ for more information on class schedule and rates.