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                    Yama-Tani Ryu Ju-Jitsu translates to mean, The Mountain-Valley Style of hand-to-hand self-defense. Yama-Tani Ryu Ju-Jitsu is a collaborative collection of the best techniques from many styles of self-defense. The Chief Instructor and Soke (Head founder of this style) is Dr. Michael Steward Sr. 10^th Dan. Dr. Steward Sr. has spent over half of his life training, studying, developing and adapting the 300 plus techniques found in Yama-Tani Ryu Ju-Jitsu. Dr. Steward Sr. has studied with some of the best masters in the world, both here in North America as well as in Europe. The Mountain-Valley Style’s 300 plus techniques include; Uke Waza (Blocking Techniques), Ukemi Waza (Falling Techniques), Nage Waza (Throwing Techniques), Ne-Waza (ground grappling techniques), Katame Waza (Controlling Techniques), Atemi Waza (Striking Techniques), Kansetsu Waza (Dislocating Techniques), Shime Waza (Choking Techniques), and Taisabaki Waza (Body Evasion Techniques). Included along with the empty-handed defense techniques, Yama-Tani Ryu Ju-Jitsu also utilizes Kyusho Jutsu (Pressure Point Techniques), Hojo-Jutsu (Rope Tying Techniques), Jo-Jutsu (Four Foot Staff & Cane Techniques), Oni-Bo Jutsu (Devil Stick Techniques-Hurts Like Hell) (Eda-Koppo Waza-Bone Pressure Techniques Using Oni-Bo), and Ken-Jutsu (Sword Techniques).

                    Yama-Tani Ryu Ju-Jitsu earned its name from two of Dr. Steward’s favorite techniques, YAMA-ARASHI NAGE (Mountain Storm Throw) and TANI-OTOSHI NAGE (Valley Drop Throw). Two very dangerous throws, but also two very effective techniques. Yama-Tani Ryu Ju-Jitsu has four main precepts that the students follow in a time of self-defense. The four precepts are (1.) Taisabaki- Waza/body evasion-to get out of the way of the attack, (2.) Uke-Waza/to block the attack. (3.) Katame-Waza/to control the attack, (4.) Kaeshi Waza/counter attack techniques.

                    Yama-Tani Ryu has eight kyu rank levels to black belt. The belt colors are white, yellow, orange, green, purple, brown 3^rd kyu, brown 2^nd kyu and brown 1^st kyu. Yama-Tani Ryu Ju-Jitsu currently has the following certified black belts; one 9th dan black belt, five 8th dan black belts,  three 6^th dan black belts, two 4^th dan black belts, three 3^rd dan black belts, one 2^nd dan black belt and six 1^st dan black belts. We currently have three clubs teaching this style of Ju-Jitsu. The clubs are; The Hombu Dojo-Dr. Michael Steward Sr. Soke, and the Ko-Sutemi O-Kachi Ju-Jitsu Club-Soke-Dai Patrick Albrecht. We also are proud to announce that the Butler County Police Academy Self-Defense instructor is Sensei (Officer) Terry Knox-Shodan. Also we are proud to announce the Tactical Defense Instructor for the Middletown Police Department is Soke-Dai (Officer) Patrick Albrecht-9^th Dan.

                       Dr. Steward Sr. was awarded and certified by the World Hall of Fame Sokeship Council his 9^th dan black belt in 2000 and sokeship title, and the same council awarded him his 10th dan black belt in 2001. While he feels this was a truly humbling and honorable experience, Dr. Steward Sr. still considers himself a student first. A student's mind and heart is the best one to have in Ju-Jitsu. The art of Ju-Jitsu is an ever-evolving art, and one must always continue to learn, grow and develop as the art grows and develops. Yama-Tani Ryu Ju-Jitsu like most styles of Ju-Jitsu is never stagnated and is always adapting with the times.