By Alex Greenfield

REXBURG — During the initial lockdown, I was teaching for the public schools from home and felt a very strong spiritual prompting to open the dojo. I realized that because of the lockdown people needed more exercise. So, I opened Memorial Martial Arts last June. Mamoru means “protect” in Japanese, and our aim is to protect a person’s health, safety, and ethics.

Our emphasis is Judo, but we also teach Brazilian jujitsu (which has its roots in Judo), Japanese karate, and wrestling. When not doing this, I am a special education department head and teach adjunct for BYUI. I’m also in a doctoral program and run a free soccer program so any family who has a problem affording club fees can join. 

Judo is one of the most popular sports in the world because it is so varied; its core fundamentals are mutual benefit and welfare to all, and minimum effort for maximum output. It’s ideal for becoming an ethical person and athlete. Because of our focus on standup work, like throws, trips, and falls, it’s an ideal cross-training for almost every other sport. 

It’s also an Olympic sport. It was the first martial art to become an Olympic sport and now is one of only two, with taekwondo in the other.

I grew up doing pretty much every sport under the sun, except for golf, (though I’m not bad at mini :-)). But hands-down, Judo is the sport I love the most. I’ve been doing it since I was about eight years old. I am 50 and healthy now, thanks in large part to Judo. I have competed throughout the country as well as in Europe and have been coached by Olympians and Olympic coaches. I am a former East Coast Champion (Brown Belt), State-Championship wrestling team co-captain, have 2 black belts, and enjoy triathlons (I won my age group at the Rigby triathlon last year).

We’re in a private residence within walking distance from the fairgrounds. We ask people to text us to set up an appointment: 208-557-3207. We’re in the infancy of the business so we are offering an extremely affordable rate: $50 a month for unlimited classes. If people only want to come twice a week, it’s $40. Those that join this summer lock in the $50 rate. 

The first two weeks are free, and for BYU-I students, the first month is free. And local missionaries are always free!

Below is our website, and a short video showing the fundaments of Judo: 

Martial Arts | Mamoru Martial Arts | Rexburg