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Black Sheep Jiu-Jitsu
Jiu-Jitsu gym teaches something for everyone
Story & Photos by J. Eric Eckard
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Ryan McGee said he heard about the Black Sheep Jiu-Jitsu gym from his wife, and he thought his two children might be interested.
After about a month of training in “the gentle art,” both Ryan McGee Jr., 12, and Rayna McGee, 5, are hooked.
“The kids definitely love it,” the elder McGee said.
Black Sheep opened in February with classes in jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, wrestling and judo. Since then, Mark Bryant, co-owner of the gym, has added a children’s program in jiujitsu, as well as cardio and yoga classes.
“We offer a variety of martial arts classes and fitness programs to address all levels of fitness and training,” Bryant said.
But students get more out of the classes than just fitness and new physical skill sets, he added.
“You can see big changes in their social skills and coordination,” Bryant said of the 16 younger students he teaches.
The younger McGee said Bryant has taught him plenty of jiu-jitsu techniques, which has led to positive changes.
“My confidence level is higher than ever before,” he said. “The professor is a great guy. Everyone here is nice.”
Bryant, and his partner, Tim Smith, started Black Sheep earlier this year. The two black belts have 26 years of jiu-jitsu training between them, and they say there are big differences in all forms of martial arts. Karate and Kung Fu feature elaborate moves and powerful punches and kicks. Taekwondo employs blocks, kicks and openhanded strikes.
Even judo, which begat modern-day jiu-jitsu, varies in style, Bryant said.
“Judo primarily focuses on throws, while jiu-jitsu focuses on ground fighting,” the 48-year-old Bryant said. “Jiu-jitsu is a grappling martial art, meaning you don't kick or punch.
“You learn how to safely put your opponent on the ground and control their actions once there. Then, you work towards a submission hold.”
Rebecca Johnson also has two children in the youth program – Lilly Johnson, 7, and Walker Johnson, 6.
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Walker Johnson was the first to join, and when his sister saw how much fun he was having, she decided to start training, too.
“Lilly didn’t want to do it at first,” her mother said. “But then she said it looked like a good time, so she changed her mind.”
Rebecca Johnson, whose husband also trains with Bryant, said her two children are homeschooled, so jiu-jitsu helps them in social settings with other kids.
“Plus Mark is fantastic,” she said. “He’s great with the kids.
“Some of the kids have big personalities, and he always keeps them on track.”
Ryan McGee agreed, adding that you can tell that Bryant knows what he’s doing.
Bryant has been teaching martial arts since 2011 at various schools and gyms in eastern North Carolina. He also has trained in kickboxing and studied Muay Thai, a separate form of kickboxing from Thailand.
“Being a native of Nash County, I want to give back to my community,” Bryant said. “I just want to teach my style of jiu-jitsu that I’ve learned over the past 16 years.”
All skill levels are welcome at Black Sheep Jiu-Jitsu, where “everyone fits in,” Bryant said. Inexperienced students can enroll in a beginners class, where they will learn a series of basic moves over the first few weeks before they start sparring, or “rolling.”
“We want to teach people self-respect and self-discipline,” Bryant said. “Jiujitsu also teaches them how to deal with negative situations and how to listen to instructions and instructors.
“It’s not just about teaching them how to fight, but when to fight, as well.”
Jiu-jitsu also can be a part of a healthier lifestyle, too. Studies have shown that it can lead to better mental health, weight loss, increased mobility and flexibility and better conditioning.
Former President Teddy Roosevelt was an avid jiu-jitsu practitioner, and he used it to lose 20 pounds before one of his elections, Bryant said.
Smith, a 42-year-old Nash County deputy, is certified to teach Gracie Survival Tactics to first responders. Smith is a former Army cavalry scout, where he also boxed. He’s been helping teach jiu-jitsu for the past few years.
With a variety of martial arts schools in eastern North Carolina, Black Sheep is expected to offer different disciplines, while staying true to its jiu-jitsu name.
Black Sheep offers jiu-jitsu classes five days a week. Chris Duke, a fifth-degree black belt in Isshinryu karate, teaches kickboxing/ mixed martial arts two or three times a week. Kenyon Whaley, a second-degree black belt in Kodokan judo, teaches a judo class once a month. Michael Rodriguez, who has been wrestling and coaching since high school, teaches an Olympic-style wrestling class once a month. Robin Sellers offers a yoga class, and Kay Sykes oversees a cardio class for students.
“People learn in different ways, and they can pick and choose where they want to be,” Smith said. “With our knowledge and what we can bring to the table, they can find a different atmosphere here.
“We are giving people an opportunity to search for a different environment.”
The youth program has blossomed at Black Sheep, thanks in part to Bryant’s approach to training the younger students. He incorporates games and drills into the training to keep the kids’ attention.
“But all of those games and drills have jiu-jitsu-based movements in them,” Bryant said. “Kids (also) will be taught a bullyproof program, in which we teach a child how to respond appropriately to bullies.
“First, you talk to the bully. Second, you tell the teacher. And third, you defend yourself.”
