Instructor Bio

Derek DiManno, Black Belt Instructor

Before discovering Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) in 1996, Derek was a stand-out wrestler in high school, finishing third at the CIF State Championships. Instead of wrestling in college, he decided to focus his energy on his studies, where he obtained a Bachelor's degree from UC Davis, and masters degree in urban planning from Cal Poly, SLO. After obtaining his degree, he began his Jiu Jitsu training with Cesar and Ralph Gracie and Nino Schiembri.

In 1998 Derek began training under 2003 World Jiu Jitsu Champion, Cassio Werneck and his brother Marcel. Derek had a successful competition career in BJJ, judo, and grappling tournaments that spanned eight years. He captured gold and/or silver medals at the 2004 and 2005 Pan American Championships, Grappler's Quest, US Open, Gracie Open, California State Championships, American International Championships, as well as several other major tournaments.

Derek eventually became the first American-born black belt under Cassio Werneck and the third BJJ black belt in the Sacramento metropolitan area. Derek has over 25 years of combined experience in BJJ, Judo, and wrestling.

Derek has deep roots in Elk Grove, having lived there for over 20 years. In 2010, he opened Waza Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in his neighborhood of 12 years, Laguna West. Derek chose the name "Waza" because it means "technique" in Japanese, which he felt is an appropriate name given Jiu Jitsu's subtle, yet highly technical nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

  Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) was originally derived from the Japanese martial art of Kodokan Judo and introduced to Brazil in the early part of the 20th Century. BJJ promotes the principle that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend themself against a bigger, stronger assailant by using leverage and proper technique—most notably by applying joint locks and chokeholds. BJJ practitioners can train for recreation, health/physical fitness, sport grappling tournaments, mixed martial arts (MMA) competition, and/or self-defense.

  BJJ has risen from an obscure martial art to a mainstream sport/activity due to the popularity of MMA competitions, such as the UFC. BJJ has been an essential part of any MMA competitor's arsenal and most fighters have a strong background in BJJ. Many past and present UFC Champions have a black belt in BJJ, including BJ Penn, George St. Pierre, Anderson Silva, and Lyoto Machida.

• How is BJJ different from other martial arts?

  While many martial arts (e.g., Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu) emphasize striking (i.e., punches and kicks), BJJ is a form of grappling that places a heavy emphasis on what happens when a fight ends up in a clinch or on the ground. Although striking can be incorporated into BJJ, the heart of Jiu Jitsu involves forcing an adversary or opponent to tap out (i.e., give up) using a wide array of submissions (i.e., joint locks and chokeholds).

• What are the benefits of BJJ?

  The benefits of BJJ are numerous. BJJ provides a great way to keep in great physical condition and lose weight while having fun and learning something new and challenging. Consistent training in BJJ leads to significant gains in flexibility, strength, muscle endurance, cardiovascular conditioning, and agility. BJJ is one of the few sports/activities, where you work out nearly every muscle in your body.

  BJJ is also perfect for cross training for mixed martial arts competitions as well as other traditional martial arts systems. Because of its effectiveness it has been incorporated into many law enforcement and military weaponless self defense programs.

• Who can benefit from BJJ?

  Anyone, regardless of age, gender, or physical ability can benefit from BJJ. Because of BJJ's emphasis on technique and leverage, anyone from the accomplished athlete to the "coach potato" can learn and excel in the sport/art. In addition, people can develop techniques to fit their particular height, weight, and frame. Therefore, you can never say "I'm too tall," "too thin," or "too short" to try BJJ.

• Is training in BJJ safe?

  Jiu Jitsu involves forcing an adversary or opponent to tap out (i.e., give up) using a wide array of submissions (i.e., joint locks and chokeholds). Although these techniques sound dangerous and painful, they are always executed slowing and with control to avoid injuring your opponent. They offer a safe and humane alternative to using strikes.

• What do I need for the first class?

  You'll need to show up a couple minutes early to introduce yourself to the instructor and check out the school (if you haven't visited already). You'll need to fill out an application and sign a waiver.

  Although you will eventually need to have a gi to wear during class, you don't need one for the first couple of classes. If you don't already own a jiu jitsu or judo gi, you can show up in a t-shirt or rash guard and shorts (preferably board shorts) or sweat pants. If you decide to sign up and don't have a gi, you can purchase a gi on your own or get one from the instructor.

• How many belts are there in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

  There are four belts for children (under 16 years old) and five belts for adults. Each belt can have four degrees (represented by black stripes). Children cannot obtain the rank of blue belt until they reach the age of 16 years old.

  Adults:

  • White
  • Blue
  • Purple
  • Brown
  • Black

  Children (under 16 years old):

  • White
  • Yellow
  • Orange
  • Green
• Can Brazilian Jiu Jitsu help me with my job?

  Due to its effectiveness and ability to control level of violence, military and law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, and local level including, but not limited to,: the Navy Seals, Army Special Forces, major police department (e.g. Cities of San Diego and Los Angeles), Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Agency, and Secret Service, have incorporated Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instruction into their training.

  Since the moves are based on leverage and technique, rather than strikes (i.e., punches and kicks), the physical damage to the suspect is drastically reduced. Lawsuits and charges of police brutality, major concerns of department chiefs nationwide, also go down significantly as a result of using Brazilian Jiu Jitsu techniques. A direct result is an increase in officer morale, as well as an improved public image for the department.

• Who teaches the classes?

  All classes are taught by Derek DiManno. Derek has been training in BJJ since 1996 and is the first American-born black belt under World Jiu Jitsu Champion, Cassio Werneck, and the third BJJ black belt in the Sacramento metropolitan area. Derek is an experienced competitor and instructor with a passion for teaching. Derek's teaching philosophy centers around teaching very technical jiu jitsu in a safe, friendly, and ego-free environment.

• What is the format of a typical class?

  A typical class is approximately one hour and twenty minutes long and broken down into the following three parts:

  1. Warm-ups. Classes start with a 10- to 15-minute warm up, including running laps and doing jiu jitsu specific drills and exercises.
  2. Techniques. After warm-ups, the instructor will demonstrate technique for about 40 minutes. The instructor will show two to three techniques, providing step-by-step instructions on how to properly execute the technique. You'll be partnered with someone and practice each technique several times on both the left and right sides of the body.
  3. Sparring. The last 30 minutes involve free sparring, also known as "rolling." You may be assigned a sparring partner(s), and usually you'll change partners after every round. At the start of each round, you'll begin by facing your partner on your knees. When you're both ready shake hands and start to "roll": try out your techniques, stopping whenever one of you taps and restarting from knees.

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