What Makes Our Jujitsu Program Stand Out?
At Florida Karate Academy (founded 1994), jujitsu forms a crucial part of our integrated martial arts system under Sensei Dave Roth (2nd-degree black belt in Niseido Jujitsu, trained under Professor Rick Riccardi, founder of Niseido® Ju Jitsu – a street-focused evolution of Vee Jitsu Ryu Ju Jitsu).
Niseido Jujitsu emphasizes practical, real-world defense: no sport rules, just effective control and survival skills. We blend:
Judo standup throwing and takedowns
-
Joint locks, submissions, and escapes
-
Ground fighting and positional control.
-
Grappling fundamentals with emphasis on discipline, respect, and safety.
Unlike other schools, FKA's teaches grappling from a self-defense perspective, teaching both standing and ground techniques. Niseido Jujitsu is taught in a safe, progressive way at the intermediate and advanced levels to integrate seamlessly with Karate striking and Filipino Arnis weapons techniques.
Our Niseido Jujitsu Curriculum
Jujitsu is taught at the intermediate and advanced levels and often overlap with family or youth programs for inclusive participation. Core components include:
-
Ukemi (Breakfalls & Rolls): Safe falling to prevent injury during throws.
-
Nage-waza (Throwing Techniques): Judo-style hip throws, shoulder throws, foot sweeps for quick takedowns.
-
Kansetsu-waza (Joint Locks): Wrist, elbow, shoulder controls to neutralize threats without excessive force.
-
Ne-waza (Ground Techniques): Pins, escapes, submissions, and transitions for ground defense.
-
Self-Defense Applications: Scenario training (standing grabs, clinch, multiple attackers, weaopns) focusing on awareness, de-escalation, and efficient control.
-
Philosophy & Discipline: Respect (rei), perseverance, humility – core to mastery and character building.
Progression is safe and age-appropriate: kids/youth build fundamentals, adults gain practical fitness and confidence. Families train together, with parents modeling techniques and kids learning resilience.
Benefits :
-
Develops close-range self-defense for real-life situations.
-
Improves balance, coordination, flexibility, and core strength.
-
Boosts mental toughness, problem-solving, and anti-bullying skills.
-
Complements karate striking for complete martial capability.
-
Prepares for advanced training or AAU competition paths.
Guided by Sensei Dave Roth – Niseido Jujitsu Black Belt
Sensei Roth's credentials include:
-
2nd-degree black belt in Niseido Jujitsu (under Professor Rick Riccardi, Grandmaster and founder of Niseido® Ju Jitsu).
-
Extensive training in related arts (1st-degree black belt in Judo, 3rd-degree in Hand-to-Hand Combat).
-
Over 40 years of martial arts experience, blending styles into FKA's unique system.
-
Proven results: producing champions and a supportive community (over 5000 students trained, top-20 club for 20+ years).
His leadership ensures authentic, street-effective instruction that's welcoming and progressive.
Ideal for Families, Beginners, and Self-Defense Seekers
Our jujitsu suits:
-
Families training together (any age, with discounts).
-
Beginners/women preferring controlled, non-dominant grappling.
-
Kids/youth building confidence and practical skills.
-
Adults wanting fitness, stress relief, and self defense training.
Compared to local competitors, FKA offers integrated multi-style training, true family co-participation, younger starters (Pre-K path), and a balanced curriculum that focuses on character development and practical self defense.