Martial arts experts train adults, children, and first responders at our Zionsville studio. • Current publications

John Parson has spent most of his life practicing Jiu-Jitsu. Now a Zionsville resident, he is combining his professional knowledge with his business skills after opening a new instruction gym in Zionsville.

In October 2023, Parson acquired the business formerly known as Endurance BJJ and renamed it Bushido Jiu-Jitsu, a training facility for adults and children interested in learning martial arts.

“I taught (at Endurance) for about three years,” Parson said. “I didn't create the curriculum because it wasn't my academy, but the curriculum was significantly modified by me. I created a curriculum where students had to learn the basics of Gracie. This is how students start and end Jiu-Jitsu. That's how I learned and carried over that curriculum.”

Bushido Jiu-Jitsu, located at 5078 W. 106th St. in Zionsville, offers training Monday through Friday, with open mat time on Saturdays. Parson said the biggest change he's made to the gym, which is undergoing renovations but remains open for business, is the addition of new training equipment.

“The biggest investment was in the Fuji spring subfloor,” Person said. “When you do a takedown, you're standing on the ground, and now the mats are much more helpful in preventing injuries. We spent a lot of money redoing the entire façade of the room with mats. ”

To commemorate the completion of renovation work, Bushido Jiu-Jitsu will hold a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on April 13th at 10am.

“After the grocery ribbon cutting, we’re going to have some first responder and jiu-jitsu seminars,” Parson said. “We're also going to be working with the town and some local departments in Indianapolis. It's a pretty big event so we're looking forward to it.”

Parson said his depth of knowledge and experience in Jiu-Jitsu is what sets his training facility apart from other facilities in the area.

“My experience is unlike anyone else's around here,” Parson said. “Most people only trained in Indiana and only trained in Jiu-Jitsu. First I trained in self-defense, then mixed martial arts, then Jiu-Jitsu. I have traveled extensively nationally and internationally. I’ve traveled, practiced and played in games, so it’s a lot different than anywhere else within 400 miles of here.”

Part of Parson's goal with Bushido Jiu-Jitsu is to train military personnel and first responders.

“I've been trained as a first responder all the way up to the highest ranks of the military,” Parson said. “My goal is to bring that full circle to Zionsville and teach first responders like police officers. It would be much easier if we had better trained police officers, without having to resort to some kind of bad encounter first.” They will be able to control the situation with their words and body. We teach you how to de-escalate the situation.”

Daniel Wallace, who has worked for the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office for five years, has been practicing Jiu-Jitsu at the Zionsville facility for three years. He said the training has helped him with his work and mental health.

“I started Jiu-Jitsu after getting into a fight at work,” Wallace said. “At that point, (the training) was necessary not only to protect myself, but also to protect the people I was interacting with. If I could successfully execute the techniques I learned, I was less likely to get injured. It gives me confidence and is great for my spirit when I'm working under stress. Bushido Jiu-Jitsu is a great community with a lot of great people.”

Drew Warner, a Carmel resident who trained at the facility for two years, said practicing jiu-jitsu has also benefited him in several areas of his life.

“I played basketball from a young age, but I forgot what it was like to have a sense of camaraderie and practice teamwork with a group of people,” Warner said. “It’s a game changer compared to working out alone.”

Parson, who lived in Massachusetts and Connecticut before moving to Zionsville, added children's programs to the curriculum when he bought the company. His three children, Dean, Jane, and Gus, all receive Jiu-Jitsu training at this facility.

“All of my children have been training in jiu-jitsu with me since they were young,” Parson said. “Teaching children jiu-jitsu is an important part of the curriculum. At the academy we currently have a fairly extensive children's program where we train children to become what we call 'bully-proof'. It can be empowering. It gives them confidence and teaches them to take responsibility for their actions. ”

Parson eventually hopes to visit local elementary schools and offer programs and opportunities for children to participate in the academy.

Parson, a former college runner, hopes Zionsville and the surrounding area can foster the same “sense of belonging” he found in Jiu-Jitsu.

“You are admired in the Jiu-Jitsu world. No matter how big or small you are, whether you are slow or fast, nothing holds you back,” Parson said. “You can be a great person no matter your size or athletic ability. I'm into it. It's become a way of life for me.”

For more information about Bushido Jiu-Jitsu, please visit bjjbushido.com.

if you go

what: Bushido Jiu-Jitsu will hold a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by first responder and Jiu-Jitsu seminars.

when: April 13th 10am

where: 5078 W. 106th St., Zionsville