By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
For more than a decade, Nick Taylor has conducted martial arts training at the Central Kansas Dream Center, 2100 Broadway Ave., in Great Bend. For the remainder of this year, he's offering those classes free of charge to first responders, including medical professionals and correctional facility workers. Taylor explained why Jiu-Jitsu can be a valuable tool for frontline workers.
"Jiu-Jitsu is more of a grappling art," he said. "There are no kicks, no punches. It’s all based on leverage and control, so it’s more suitable for smaller people using it to defend against bigger people."
Taylor and a friend first attended Jiu-Jitsu training in Hutchinson, then Taylor earned his brown belt in the art 18 months ago. His classes at the Dream Center include participants from 7-49 years of age, but he sees particular importance in the martial arts skills when dealing with confrontational subjects who may not want to be apprehended or are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
"We find that Jiu-Jitsu can eliminate excessive use of force because it teaches you how to close distance, how to control somebody with minimum force necessary, then adjust as needed."
Taylor said his November Tango studio can meet all Jiu-Jitsu needs, from learning basic self-defense and building cardiovascular health, to competing in the sport. Many current and former wrestlers practice the art, but Taylor said his classes are open to anyone.
"There’s no entry-level fitness barrier because most things you will do can’t prepare you for that kind of dynamic resistance," he said. "I used to run a lot. No matter how much I ran, nothing got me into better shape for grappling than grappling. I actually prefer people coming in with no experience, no fitness. It’s easier to build up than to break habits."
November Tango Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes begin at 6 or 6:45 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday inside the Dream Center. First responders inquiring about the free classes, or anyone from the public, can call Taylor at (620) 792-9567, or visit novembertangobjj.com for more information.