JONESBORO, Ark. – He has several belts in several disciplines of jiu jitsu and he’s looking to help two good causes with one event Saturday, Oct. 8.
Known as “LandShark,” Dan Paige trains Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu students at Hilltop Fitness, 1712 Old Greensboro Road in Jonesboro. A former NAGA World Champion, Paige is a purple belt in both Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and a black belt in Japanese Jiu Jitsu. While rolling on the mats at the gym, Paige is often seen escaping and submitting men twice his size.
He wants to share that same capability with those in the area who have been targeted by the criminal element – teens, elderly, or women.
“Confidence to defend themselves will usually make an attacker look for an easier target,” Paige said. “A coward won’t attack someone they view can defend themselves. They want an easy mark.”
This is one of the inspirations for a seminar aimed at women, children or the elderly. From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, at Hilltop Fitness on Old Greensboro Road, a women’s self defense seminar will be hosted by Paige. Comfortable gym attire is needed, along with an RVSP (870-819-7255) and a $25 fee.
However, the $25 fee is part of the second inspiration Paige had to host this event.
Alan Shebaro is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt and was a member of the U.S. Special Forces. He has spent much of his time since leaving the Army with charity work. However, his father, “Z” Shebaro, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, Paige said. The treatments will cost $60,000 – and that is the portion the insurance won’t cover. This is why LandShark is donating 100 percent of proceeds to the cancer fund.
“The jiu jitsu community has come together and just about raised that amount already,” Paige said.
And he hopes to help the community finish the job.
As for the course itself, Paige plans to show smaller or weaker defenders how they can utilize leverage to control an attacker.
“The first thing they’ll learn is how a smaller, weaker person can overcome a stronger, more aggressive person by using small joint manipulation,” Paige said. “Within the two hour time period, they’ll be more effective in learning how to escape an attackers grabs and how to eliminate the threat.”
Paige said the rising violence in Jonesboro against the elderly and women inspired him to want to help and he looks at the event as how to help the community of Jonesboro and how to help the Jiu Jitsu community at the same time.
“The main thing is to observe, recognize, escape and evade and neutralize the threat,” Paige said.
The event can be located on Facebook here.
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