Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school opens in Ponte Vedra Beach

By Daniela Toporek

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Self-defense instructor, John Manis Jr., recently opened a martial arts school for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Ponte Vedra. The St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce Ponte Vedra Beach Division hosted a ribbon cutting Aug. 5, the first day of classes.

“I think it’s the most effective form of self defense,” he said. “I knew Ponte Vedra didn’t have jiu jitsu, I think we did a good job in finding the right area where there’s enough traffic.”

Manis started training in martial arts at the age of 4, when his mother enrolled him in classes for being so shy.

            “That’s what sparked the passion and I haven’t stopped ever since,” he recalled.

Manis hopes to spark that same passion with his younger students and build their confidence, especially his two daughters, who he wants to prepare for the real world. 

“As a father of two girls and as someone who’s done martial arts his whole life, it was a goal of mine to give them that life skill of self defense, knowing how to protect themselves,” he explained.     Manis wants to build confidence, not only for his daughters, but for the youth in the Ponte Vedra community, who may just need time away from all the screens and technology or who might be insecure or bullied at school.

“I know a lot of kids need to get away from their computers and get a ‘digital detox,’ as I like to call it,” he joked. “But also, it’s a lot about making people better people. For example, if there’s someone new in school and they’re quiet or alone, as someone who does jiu jitsu, just go up to them, smile at them and ask them how they’re doing.”

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes are available for all ages. For more information, visit www.pvbjj.com or call (917) 697-0932.