 "Photo: Anthony Labor")
Bill Blanchette, a senior here at UNH, has been practicing jiu-jitsu for about seven years. He enjoys being involved in jiu-jitsu so much he has started teaching friends here at UNH techniques once a week.
“The meetings we have about once a week are really informal,” Blanchette said. “It’s a great opportunity for other students to come and learn techniques about jiu-jitsu, as well as get a great work out.”
Every Saturday, Blanchette and friends take the top floor of the Whittemore Center to learn and practice jiu-jitsu.
“My friend in high school practiced jiu-jitsu so I was always interested in it,” said freshman Max Cooper. “I didn’t have anywhere to practice back home and teach me, so when I found out that Bill knew jiu-jitsu and taught other people I thought it was great.”
Blanchette practices what is known as No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu.
“No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu is different than Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that many people practice,” said Blanchette. “There is no ranking system as you gain more experience where karate uses belts as a ranking system; No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu doesn’t have that.”
Blanchette started practicing jiu-jitsu when he was 15 years old. He also has a black belt in Kenpo Karate, which he started when he was only 4 years old.
“My dad is the one who really started pushing me to start karate and jiu-jitsu,” he said. “Ever since then I have always loved learning more and more about the art of jiu-jitsu and karate. I still am learning to this day.”
Blanchette has shown interest in possibly starting a club that practices jiu-jitsu here at UNH.
“I have seen flyers for the UNH karate club and thought it would be interesting in possibly starting a jiu-jitsu club,” said Blanchette. “Right now there is only a small group that gets together every week, but I encourage anybody who wants to learn some techniques or if they are just interested and want to watch to come to the classes sometime, and hopefully if we get enough people interested we can start the process of getting a club recognized here at UNH.”
According to the Student Organization Services website, there are five steps required in order to gain initial recognition as a club at UNH. These include a meeting with the SOS Coordinator, submitting an online application, completing important sections of the application, and awaiting confirmation of the organization’s status.
Blanchette has been teaching Jiu-jitsu for the past year.
“It all started last year when I had a couple of friends wanting to learn jiu-jitsu,” said Blanchette. “At first there were a couple of people and lately there have been more people I know showing interest.”
People who have taken Blanchette’s class said they were impressed by what he can do.
“He is a great teacher,” said Andreycak. “It’s a very safe environment where people can learn how to do these moves, and not worry about getting really hurt.”
Cooper has only taken one of Blanchette’s classes so far but he said he was impressed with Blanchette’s knowledge and skill.
“He breaks every move down so it is really easy to learn,” he said. “After seeing him break down every move in parts, all it takes is one or two practice runs and you will have the move down. He makes it extremely easy to learn.”
Meetings are from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Saturdays on the top floor of the Whittemore Centerand are open to all students interested.
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