Local non-profit dojo continues to train the community

A former Air Force veteran is using his 20 years of jujutsu experience to help train anyone in the art for free that is willing to learn.

It requires discipline, dexterity, and mental fortitude. Heiwashinkai Sensei David Wilson has dedicated himself to teaching this skill to everyone he can.

Wilson started practicing jujitsu in 1999 as part of his personal rehabilitation as a disabled Air Force veteran. “I could barely walk. I got on the mat. I would take my cane and hobble over to the side of the mat and I would do my classes. Over time, and with successful surgeries and a lot of good nutrition and exercise and practice, I’ve gotten to the point where I have gotten most of my life back.”

Wilson originally began teaching his students in his own three-car garage. Now, he uses his knowledge and skills to train disabled veterans, special needs kids and adults, and law enforcement officers in the martial arts form of jujutsu at his very own dojo. “I have students as young as six-years-old and I have students that are 73-years-old. The techniques can be adapted based on what your limitations are, but all that I can ask you is that you try your best.”

The sensei pays all required expenses not covered by donations out of his own disability income. However, Wilson continues to offer three classes of traditional Japanese jujitsu a week to all those who are willing to better themselves physically and mentally. “The real world is a dangerous place and we want them to learn how to use the technique against people who don’t necessarily want the techniques to work.”

To learn more or to donate visit msjujutsu.org.