Dennis Asche - Jiu-Jitsu Lifestyle

As a child involved in Karate and other martial arts I envisioned traveling to Japan, China, the Philippines, Thailand to study the arts from their sources. When the time and opportunities in life evolved, Jiu-Jitsu became my art, Brazil the country of origin (giving due credit to Japan for bringing it here to the Gracies) became my destination. Like in my imagination as a child I meet and train with the masters and great athletes in the art. Also similar to what I imagined as a child experiencing the culture has been an equally important part of this picture. There is much more to Brazil than what many visitors would think and once again the life style that surrounds Jiu-Jitsu plays a part in my involvement in this beautiful city. As a foreigner there are many customs that are (or where) not familiar to me and where necessary to learn in order to adapt to life here in and outside the academy. From the prospective of an outsider to the best of my abilities I bring the positive, most usable aspects of my life here to blend here. Structure in training as used in the US has been of great value in the academy. Being able to relax and flow with life is something Brazil is teaching me. The balance between positive aspects of the cultures and where to apply them is the part only learned through experience…So here I am, “now” living a dream and building an experience to share and use in developing the art of Jiu-Jitsu and in society. Something once taught to me as a teenager by Steve Yerger and Cliff Tayor was to “empty your cup in” order to learn something new with an unbiased open mind. To see the new idea with a desire to learn and understand it. This has been helpful in many situations with no acceptation here. Rorian Grace, thank you for holding the Gracie Open that really did change my life. John Machado, thank you for helping me to see Jiu-Jitsu as my art.

Jimmy Tang is a good friend who was awarded his black belt this September by Jean Jacques Machado in Tarzana, California. Not only did Jimmy get his black belt but he is now representing Jean Jacques as the Chief Jiu-Jitsu instructor at the Inosanto Academy of Martial Arts in Marina del Rey. Congratulations on both getting your black belt and the position as chief instructor at the IAMA.

Jimmy Tang

Jimmy is one of a list of my training partners and friends from the days of John Machado’s academy on the Miracle Mile in LA who have received their black belts. Doug Bacik, Mike Lee and Dave Swift are three more from John Machado who all earned their black belts (last December) congratulation to all of you too!

If ever I need motivation there are many people around me who are inspiring but the one who shines brightest in my eyes is mom. Always enthusiastic and supportive of her children’s endeavours and outgoing in her own. From her crowning as prom queen in high school, her accomplishments as a professional ice skater, graduating college as a single mother, beginning aerobics at 42 - then becoming an instructor, or her current at 63, a 5am wake up to walk seven miles to work and then back again at the end of the day (not because she has to, because she enjoys it). I am very prooud of my mother, she has really helped me to see that once one sets their mind on something there are no limits…Her encouraging words have been an important factor in helping to guide me to success and attaining my goals. I am both very fortunate and greatful to have a mother like her.

Pilot Butte in the distance

(From Aubrey Butte)

It has been years since the days of running the butte but I remember it like yesterday. Literally hundreds of times those trails have taken me to the top of Pilot Butte in Bend, OR to overlook the surrounding city. The city of Bend vaguely resembles that of the city I remember as a child but of the things that remain relatively unchanged the Butte is one. This is where I began my martial arts training and began to shape myself into an athlete 3,625 feet above sea level (4138ft. at the top of the butte). Altitude and terrain combine with beautiful scenery making this city ideal ground for any athlete. Looking at photos of Pilot Butte I remember good times and look forward to a day of running the trail again…JT, hopefully you still make time to run here!

City info:Bend, OR webpage