Rough Hands JJJ

04/14/2026

A tradition I began - I think - 12 years (or so) ago. Everyone gets to throw Sensei for his birthday. Plan to keep it up as long as I can but …. at 59 … this tradition does have a shelf life. 😬

04/02/2026

This happened THIS WEEK, right here in Louisville. Ladies, don't be a victim. Rough Hands BJJ is offering "SHIELD: A Women’s Self-Defense Series" starting May 23. Take the whole series, or individual classes. Go to www.roughhandsbjj.com for details. Or inquire about BJJ, Japanese Ju Jjitsu, or our Yoga classes.

04/02/2026

Slung around some color tonight in class. Couple of folks hit that important 3rd tip meaning the mind needs to shift to test prep mode! Gonna be a good (busy) summer ….

03/31/2026

Left some sweat on the mats tonight. Got lots of good stuff covered. Come join us! www.roughhandsjjj.com

03/20/2026

Oh man ….. 🙏

“Walker, Texas Ranger” star Chuck Norris has been hospitalized.

03/19/2026

🫵

03/19/2026

Er’body puttin’ in some good work on a Wednesday night! 💪

03/10/2026

This 👇👇👇👇

Basic of karate 💯 🥋
Ranking System
Kyu – Student ranks (colored belts)
Kyu ranks represent the levels a student progresses through before reaching black belt. These ranks are usually shown by colored belts such as white, yellow, orange, green, blue, brown, and others depending on the style. Each Kyu level reflects improvement in technique, discipline, and understanding of martial arts fundamentals.
Dan – Black belt ranks
Dan ranks begin after a practitioner earns a black belt. They indicate advanced levels of mastery and experience in the martial art. The ranks usually start from 1st Dan (Shodan) and can progress to higher levels such as 5th Dan, 7th Dan, or even 10th Dan, recognizing deeper knowledge, skill, and contribution to the art.
Yudansha – Black belt holder
Yudansha refers to martial artists who have achieved a Dan rank, meaning they hold a black belt. These practitioners are considered advanced students and often assist in teaching, mentoring juniors, and helping maintain the standards and traditions of the dojo.
Mudansha – Non-black belt student
Mudansha are students who have not yet earned a black belt. They are still progressing through the Kyu ranking system, focusing on learning the fundamentals, building discipline, and developing their skills before reaching the advanced Dan levels.
Obi – Belt
Obi is the Japanese word for the belt worn with a martial arts uniform. The belt represents a practitioner’s rank and progress in training. Beyond showing rank, the Obi also symbolizes dedication, effort, and the journey of learning within martial arts. 🥋

02/26/2026

Welcome Nate and Will to .

12/23/2025

Had a great last class of 2025 tonight. Thanks everyone for making it another great year for the Japanese Ju Jitsu program at Rough Hands. Have a Merry Christmas and a safe New Year and we'll see everyone back in the dojo on Jan. 5. Domo Arigato !!!!!!

While the JJJ takes a holiday hiatus, the BJJ folks are still at it. Check the holiday schedule at Rough Hands BJJ and go get your holiday rolls on! 💪