A lifelong commitment to practising and teaching karate was the stepping stone for the establishment of two full-blown jiujitsu studios in Somerset West – one focused on pure Brazilian jiujitsu and the other mixed martial arts (MMA) based for the more brave and combative.
Today, well over 260 students learn and practice the art at Apex Brazilian Jiujitsu studio almost daily, and the natural progression of well-groomed students is starting to take the spotlight.
The owner of the studios is fourth-degree black-belt and professional instructor Jerome Petersen, who recently moved the dojos into a revamped studio in Paardevlei and recalled growing up practising karate before turning professional at age 18.
He successfully competed in a host of international competitions until age 30 and became curious in the grappling aspect of karate, so he joined one of the first Brazilian jiujitsu studios in Cape Town, Combat Jiujitsu Academy.
“While karate is more focused on stand-up kicking and punching, jiujitsu starts with the feet and takedown techniques, evolving into grappling until submission,” Petersen explained.
During his days learning jiujitsu, he taught karate along with his wife Terry Lynn for more than 15 years, and soon progressed from the jiujitsu white to purple belt, which allowed him to open a gym under the guidance of a black belt instructor in 2015. That’s when he started the two Apex Brazilian Jiujitsu gyms in Somerset West.
Petersen has since progressed to black belt and is loving every moment of teaching and sharing all the skills he has learnt. “The sport is addictive, especially with the rise of Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), many want to get involved, others just want to keep fit and build self-confidence. The advantages are numerous.”
Beginners start with the fundamentals of technique and timing before moving on towards more advanced classes. With the correct attitude it’s up to the student to take it further. “There’s been several highlights, including my black belt graduation. My students have performed consistently well at international competitions and, for many, it has turned their life around, whether battling weight loss for health reasons or mental health, the success stories continue to bring a deeper meaning for what we do here.”
Students may be nervous initially as there’s a stigma that the sport is violent, but Petersen pointed out students are taken in as part of the family and learning the fundamentals provides for zero chance of injury. “We slowly build self-confidence and internal strength, and build increased fitness and strength before pushing a little further. Progress of individuals is never compared and we take it at your pace. For some, this is a social club. Yes, in the long-run injuries may occur, but that’s the same for any contact sport. Here we help and care for each other.”
Many forget their problems on the mat, Petersen added. “The sport forces you to be in the moment – kind of like meditation. I left the karate world and embraced this; we are all different people with different religions and races, but our common interest is this sport. We help each other, figure out escapes and celebrate our achievements. It’s about building the human soul. Many parents and teachers give us such positive feedback on how the sport has positively affected their children.”
The studios’ new premises in Paardevlei was established to accommodate membership growth and continue providing opportunities to students of all ages.
To get in touch with Apex Brazilian Jiujitsu Somerset West, follow it on Facebook or call Petersen on 083 462 9089.
