Special Events

3rd Degree Black Belt Test - Dave Dunmeyer

Sensei Dave Dunmeyer from MIT promoted to the rank of Sandan, 3rd Degree Black Belt, on Saturday, November 3rd as part of our Grand Opening celebration. His test was an amazing demonstration of the martial arts, and we appreciate everyone who attended. Great job Sensei Dave!!!

2nd Degree Black Belt Test - Great Job Sensei Glenn!!

On Sunday, December 3rd Sensei Glenn promoted to the rank of Nidan, 2nd Degree Black Belt, in the American Jiu-Jitsu system of self-defense. The belt promotion was a great demonstration of skill and commitment to the matial arts. Great Job Sensei Glenn!

3rd Degree Black Belt Test - Sun, August 14th 11am-1pm 

Sensei Tony tested up to Sandan (3rd Degree Black Belt) at New York Jiu Jitsu. The test was a great display of skill and experience. Great job Sensei Tony!

1st Degree Black Belt Test - Great Job Sensei Steve!!

Sempai Steve Saks tested for Shodan at American Jiu Jitsu Centers Headquarters in Long Island. The test demonstrated all of Steve's hard work and accomplishments. 

Picnic - August 16, 2004

Despite the bad weather, New York Jiu Jitsu's 2004 picnic was a big success. The picnic was held in the dojo and O'Sensei Joe Puleio gave an inspirational seminar.

Shodan Test - May 23, 2004

Francie Salamone earned the rank of Shodan (1st-Degree Black Belt) on May 23, 2004. Sensei Francine demonstrated a set of very impressive techniques to earn her black belt.

Francine Salamone

NY Jiu Jitsu is proud to announce the promotion of Francine Salamone to Black Belt on Sunday May 23, 2004. Francine is the first student from New York Jiu Jitsu to achieve the rank of Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt).

Sensei Francine started training in American Jiu Jitsu in Lake Grove in April 1988 under O'Sensei Joe Puleio. She trained for four years and received the rank of 1st kyu brown belt and Instructor Certification in 1990. She was a member of the Women's and Children's Demo teams under Renshi Frank Connors. In the Summer of 2002, Sensei Francine resumed her training for Shodan at New York Jiu Jitsu, the Manhattan Dojo of American Jiu Jitsu, where she currently trains. Sensei Francine has experience in Grappling, Knife Defense, and Arnis de Mano. She also trained in Kodokan Judo for approximately 8 years and achieved the rank of green belt.

Nidan Test - February 29, 2004

Three students earned the prestigious rank of Nidan (2nd-Degree Black Belt) on February 29, 2004. These students demonstrate Jiu Jitsu at its best!

Dara Avila

Sensei Dara started training in American Jiu Jitsu at MIT under Sensei Jason McCarthy in September of 1995. She trained there for four years and achieved the rank of Shodan in June of 1999. Sensei Dara then became an instructor and taught at MIT under Sensei Tony Avila from 1999 to 2001. In the summer of 2001 she moved to Manhattan and helped Sensei Jason and Sensei Tony open New York Jiu Jitsu, the Manhattan Dojo of American Jiu Jitsu, where she currently trains.

Dave Dunmeyer

Sensei Dave

Sensei Dave is thrown by another instructor..

Sensei Dave started training in Jiu Jitsu in 1996 under the tutelage of Sensei Jason McCarthy. He subsequently trained under Senseis Tony Avila, Godfrey Inniss, Felix Dashevsky and Dara Avila. He has also trained in Judo, Danzan Ryu Jujitsu and American Taiho Jitsu. Sensei Dave is currently the head instructor of the American Jiu Jitsu Club at MIT, where he is completing his Ph.D. in Electromagnetics and Energy Systems. He is also an EMT and an instructor for the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association.