New Jiu-Jitsu Academy for Martial Arts, Self-Defense Training Comes to Clinton Township

Offering martial arts and self-defense training, Motor City Jiu-Jitsu Academy is one of the first centers of its kind in Clinton Township.

Located at 40793 Garfield, the academy opened in late July and celebrated its arrival with a ribbon cutting in November.

John Walus, owner and lead instructor at Motor City Jiu-Jitsu, said he has been training in martial arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for more than 10 years.

“I’ve been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for a little over 12 years,” he said. “It took me 10 years to get my black belt. But, I’m still training to be the best; it’s always the goal.”

Walus also instructs at Detroit Jiu-Jitsu in Dearborn. He said he chose to open a facility in Clinton Township because he grew up in the area and noticed a lack of Jiu-Jitsu training facilities nearby.

“I graduated from Mount Clemens High School, plus none of our (Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu Association) members were on this side,” he said. “So, I took the initiative to come over here and I like the area.”

As owner and lead instructor, Walus teaches Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, an intense cardio workout that teaches the understanding of body control and defense, according to the Motor City Jiu-Jitsu website. He said Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is similar to the Ultimate Fighting Championship, but without the striking.

“Jiu-Jitsu is practical in everyday life,” Walus added. “Jiu-Jitsu is good for a lot of things, not just grappling.”

Walus also offers self-defense training in his “Bully Proof” program for children ages 7-13. A $40 startup cost includes a uniform.

“No matter what kind of altercation you get into, we have an answer to defend yourself,” he said.

Classes are also offered for adults 14 years and older. A $125 startup cost includes an adult uniform and one month of unlimited training. Every student’s first class is free, he noted.

Walus offers a 10 percent discount to high school and college students, law enforcement, firefighters, and active and retired military members.

Classes begin with calisthenics and stretching. Basic techniques are taught for 20 minutes, followed by 20 minutes of intermediate or advanced training.

“Beginners to Jiu-Jitsu should expect at least three to five months of solid training before seeing significant returns in their technique and physical conditioning, and at least 12 months of training to get a solid grasp of the basics,” reads the academy’s website.

Walus said, “Most other academies teach a lot of other things, but I pride myself on only teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu; that’s what I’ve done my whole career. I’m always striving to be a better instructor and competitor.”

To find out more about Motor City Jiu-Jitsu, visit to motorcityjiujitsu.com or call 586-864-8284.