VIDEO They've Got Moves: New Jiu Jitsu Studio Opens

Working clean, precise moves in near slow-motion, Claudio Franco demonstrated self-defense jiu jitsu moves against his friend and fellow instructor, Gary Casey.

The two are working out in Watsonville's latest martial arts arena, Claudio Franco Brazilian Jui Jitsu, at 1933 Main St.

There, students learn throws, how to strike with punches and kicks, and self defense when attacked from behind or threatened with a gun or a knife.

"You have all the levels here," Franco said, explaining there are guys training who are competitive and strive to go pro, as well as beginners looking for a workout, self defense or discipline. "It's great. Jiu jitsu, it's great for all ages."

The studio opened Nov. 1, the third Claudio Franco Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training facility in the region. Franco's flagship facility is in Santa Cruz and he also has a studio in San Jose. The Brazilian immigrant who moved to Santa Cruz in 1995 said he plans to open more facilities in the future.

Already, there are about 40 regulars in the Watsonville studio, which is in the Crossroads Shopping Center on Main Street at Green Valley Road.

"It's amazing to see the growth," Franco said.

Gary Casey, a black belted instructor who teaches most of the classes, said he has a lot of beginning students in Watsonville as well as a core group he used to work with in Santa Cruz who live closer to the new studio.

"It's good for them to teach because then they have to go through all the moves," Casey said.

The student mix at the new Watsonville studio is about half adult, half youth. Many of them have practices other martial arts before finding jiu jitsu. They train in a storefront converted to a clean, simple gym. Mats cover most of the floor space and some of the walls, and a sense of calm prevails in the space.

The facility is the second jiu jitsu studio in Watsonville. Watsonville Brazilian Jiu Jitsu opened on East Lake Avenue last year.

Franco said jiu jitsu can be a lifelong activity—a rarity in sports. Many people come to train at the studio looking for a fight but find something else. Martial arts training improves diet and self-esteem, helps people make friends and increases fitness.

"You improve yourself so much as a person," Franco said. "It's a lifestyle."