us jiu jitsu / Kokoro Karate

U.S. Jiu Jitsu / Kokoro Karate in Upper Sandusky blends Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Shotokan Karate under a single roof, guided by instructors with deep ties to both arts. Rodney Peterson, who holds a second-degree black belt in Shotokan and a brown belt in BJJ, draws from his extensive experience and his training under Tyler Beckley, a multi-time world Jiu-Jitsu champion. His father, Roger Peterson, brings over five decades of Shotokan expertise as a fourth-degree black belt, anchoring the karate instruction with traditional roots tracing back to Master Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of modern karate-do. The academy’s curriculum is structured around age-specific classes that emphasize fundamental techniques and practical self-defense. Kids engage in both Jiu-Jitsu and karate programs designed to develop discipline and confidence, while adults can attend gi-based Jiu-Jitsu sessions and karate classes tailored to their skill levels. The schedule includes multiple weekly classes for each art, with adult Jiu-Jitsu offered Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and karate classes held Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Located at 224 West Johnson Street, the school maintains a wheelchair-accessible facility and welcomes drop-in students for adult and kids’ Jiu-Jitsu classes. While the primary focus remains on traditional gi training, the school’s mission extends beyond technique, aiming to foster physical fitness and mental resilience across all ages. Their programming also supports local law enforcement with complimentary BJJ training, reflecting a broader commitment to community engagement through martial arts.

Amenities