Jiu jitsu is coming soon to Small Town Fitness

Small Town Fitness was recently taken over by Toby and Dana Clary and the Weiser couple have begun to add a jiu jitsu academy to the gym. The gym itself has been in Weiser for nearly four years, and Toby Clary said he is very excited to reignite his passion for the martial art and coaching and to pass his knowledge onto youth.
 “I’ve been coaching for probably the last 14 years,” said Clary. “Jiu jitsu is my passion. I’ve been doing jiu jitsu for a long time and I specifically love working with the youth on it.”
 After closing his original jiu jitsu academy in Weiser three years ago, Clary said he was missing being active and involved. When the opportunity arose to take over the Small Town Fitness gym, he said he knew immediately that he wanted to take on the challenge. His original academy ran for three years before its closing and Clary said it had been a great coaching experience.
 The new jiu jitsu academy is projected to be open at the beginning of 2021 and sign-ups for children between the ages of five to teenage years will begin in mid-Dec. He said he has a heart for working with children, previously working as a youth pastor and a youth group leader.
 “I had this hole that I knew something was missing and I wanted to get back into something,” said Clary. “This is kind of what opened up.”
 For Clary, jiu jitsu presents a form of self-defense that does not call for violence but rather a way to divert an opponent.
 He began his martial arts journey with practicing mixed martial arts cage fighting. He began coaching however he decided to change focus as the sport was no longer feasible for him. He said he turned to jiu jitsu and has loved every moment.
 “It’s an allegory of life where you have the ability to face struggles and turmoil,” said Clary. “And find ways to not only survive but escape and to turn the tides and be able to succeed and thrive.”
 Growing up, Clary said he had serious claustrophobia, and taking on jiu jitsu has allowed him to face fears and overcome struggles.  
 While not a violent person himself, he said the skill has allowed him to have the confidence to avoid conflict. The martial art allows for the neutralization of an opponent rather than cause or proceed into a physical dispute, and jiu jitsu has taught him many life lessons.
 “I found jiu jitsu, put a gi on, fell in love with that and haven’t looked back since.”
 After receiving his purple belt at an academy in Boise, Clary said he decided to bring his knowledge and love to Weiser for both himself and to share with others.
 He said something inside told him coaching was something he was meant to do and he was looking to begin coaching again before the opportunity of Small Town Fitness presented itself. While the academy will first cater to youth and youth classes, adult classes are expected to begin eventually.
 “This is definitely a passion of mine so it’s been pretty exciting to see these opportunities show up,” said Clary.
 The academy will be focused on traditional Brazilian jiu jitsu two to three days a week and will teach children self-defense, confidence and the martial art. Students in Weiser are already looking to partner with Clary and help coach. He said he wishes to share the experience and knowledge he has gained through jiu jitsu.
 “I think it’s just this invaluable skill especially for kids to learn to help them feel confidence, help them feel encouraged and empowered to be able to face anything that life may throw at them,” said Clary.
 Small Town Fitness is located at 340 W. Commercial St. It is open between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and can be reached at (208) 550-9862.