Practicing The Art Of 'Rolling'

Choking, throwing, kicking and punching — these are not necessarily the components of a relaxing hobby. Yet, this is exactly how Michael Kauffman spends his Saturday mornings. Michael, located in Atlanta, is an eastern regional manager for the Canton, Mass.-based jan/san buying group Pro-Link Inc. Every Saturday, he practices Danzan-Ryu, a style of Jujitsu developed by Professor Henry Okazaki that incorporates techniques of Akido, Judo, Chinese Kung-Fu, Ishinryr Karate, Kempo Karate and other martial arts. The vernacular term for this fighting is "rolling."

"My involvement in Danzan-Ryu helps me stay in shape," says Michael. "I lost 40 pounds in the last two years. I also run 20 miles a week in order to be able to handle my Saturday workouts. [Danzan-Ryu] is very intense and tiring. I do a lot of rolling while practicing."

Michael had been a brown belt in karate, practicing three days a week before going to work, but he put his activities on hold when his son Michael Jr. was born. However, when Michael Jr. turned five years old, both father and son got involved with martial arts and began learning Kung Fu together. Eventually, Michael Jr. switched to Tae Kwon Do, and Michael to Danzan-Ryu.

Currently, Michael is preparing for his Danzan-Ryu blue belt exam, which requires extensive proficiency in falls, rolls, hand techniques, throws, kicks, punches and wrestling. Practicing can be challenging because it requires a lot of trust and confidence in your partners. People tend to get hurt when practicing with those new to the sport and still inexperienced in proper techniques such as how to throw an opponent.

"We refer to it as 'white belt speed' because inexperienced people usually go too fast, use too much strength and don't control themselves," says Michael. "The martial arts require that participants practice a lot of control."

Michael's goal is to eventually earn his black belt in Danzan-Ryu. He enjoys the competitiveness of the sport and the ability to "blow off some steam." He is most energized right after a competitive match gets started and especially if he throws his opponent and wins. But best of all is when he "submits" his opponent, which means the opponent admits defeat.

But martial arts isn't solely about winning. Michael says he also participates because he enjoys the benefits of the discipline, protection and self-confidence that the sport provides.

"It's more than just physical fighting. It involves lots of planning, and the really good competitors are very intellectual in their approach," he says. "Judo is like a chess game performed on the ground in order to get your opponent into a certain position. The really talented people strategically plan their martial arts moves well in advance. Knowing how to protect yourself is really important, because the sport is all about protection and control."

Gretchen Roufs, an 18-year janitorial supply industry veteran, owns a marketing and public relations company in San Antonio. To suggest someone you think should be featured in “Freetime,” contact her at Gretchen@GretchenRoufs.com.