Next Move Jiu Jitsu opened up its doors on Nov. 1, 2022, and four months later it already has a full house.

“We are packed. Kids want to come, adults want to come in and learn,” Professor Jason Howells said. “Jiu Jitsu is a good self-defense martial art that you can train at full speed.”

Next Move Jiu Jitsu, which is an affiliate of EDJ School of Jiu Jitsu, strives to cultivate a mindset that empowers students to be “two moves ahead” in all areas of life.

“The big thing that we center our gym around is the chess-theme; this is all very strategic,” Howells said. “Here, you learn how to use problem-solving skills under pressure.”

Howells believes that the problem-solving skills that a jiu jitsu practitioner learns can be applied to all aspects of life.

“I think problem-solving skills are one of the most under-appreciated parts of jiu jitsu and can help in every aspect of life,” Howells said.

According to The Next Move Jiu Jitsu website, The Next Move Jiu Jitsu team includes professor and head instructor for Gi Jason Howells, instructor and head instructor for No Gi Barry Booher, coach and program director Jayson Cardon, coach Yvonne Cardon, coach Nora Howells, and coach Chris Dibble.

From left to right: Coach Yvonne Cardon, Professor Jason Howells, Coach Barry Booher, Coach Chris Dibble and Coach Jayson Cardon. NMJJ opened up its doors on Nov. 1, 2022. (Photo courtesy of Next Move Jiu Jitsu)

“[Through jiu jitsu training], you really develop your physical fitness, your mental strength, your problem-solving skills, and at the same time you’re having fun, and a positive benefit is the self-defense aspect of it,” Howells said.

Coaches Jayson and Yvonne Cardon started off as parents watching their kids in jiu jitsu class, and are now heavily involved with Next Move Jiu Jitsu.

“We were watching the kids do this for a while, and my wife and I were like, ‘Hey, why don’t we do this as a family?’” J. Cardon said. “Now, it’s a family affair!” he jokingly added.

Regardless of confidence or skill level, Next Move Jiu Jitsu wants to help any student who walks in the door because they know the positive outcomes it could bring.

“There’s nothing more comforting than knowing that I can walk with confidence, knowing I can protect myself and my children,” Y. Cardon said.

The atmosphere is tailored to any person in any aspect or stage of life, and their clientele is reflective of that.

“We’re just trying to create an atmosphere where the average joe can come in and realize that they don’t have to be a world champion, and that it’s not about win-lose … you’re sharing the art with others,” Booher said.

Next Move Jiu Jitsu is located at 3301 Southern Blvd. SE, Suite 501, Rio Rancho.