Instructors
Diane Wallander
Diane Wallander has walked the martial arts path for 40+ years, instructing thousands of people to defend themselves.
She is a Shihan, or Master Teacher, with an 8th-degree Black Belt in Miyama Ryu Combat Ju Jutsu.
Driven by a passion to inspire her students, Shihan Diane’s approach to teaching jujutsu aims to deliver sharp, reality-based self-defense skills, and to equip students with powerful and practical self-defense strategies.
Some of our classes
Traditional Jujutsu
Our Jujutsu classes instruct the strategic form of Miyama Ryu Combat Jujutsu, an incredibly effective self-defense style focused on leverage and strategy.
Cardio Kickboxing
Our kickboxing classes offer an intense full-body workout for teens and adults that arm the fighter with practical self-defense skills. Master essential techniques such as blocking and hand/foot strikes while improving your agility and core strength.
Our Partners!
Elite Sports Kids BJJ Gis
Getting a kid’s BJJ Gi is never a bad decision. Jiu Jitsu and BJJ have proved themselves to be more than just combat sports. Even if we don’t consider them sacred lifestyles, we need to consider it more than just a fighting style for entertainment. This “gentle” art isn’t just limited to adults so we’ve also created the very best BJJ armor for your little fighter. With Elite Sports kids BJJ gis, you can depend on the rugged exoskeleton to maintain functionality, durability, and aesthetic that your child will love. Our kid’s jiu jitsu gi’s are carefully constructed with the same amount of quality as our adult gi’s. Elite Sports’ kids’ gi fitting ranges will fit children from 3’4”- 5’ (sizes C000-C3) so that children of various sizes and weights can enjoy the premium quality of our BJJ kimonos. Fitting is true to size so that any looseness on the sleeves and collars are eliminated.
Our History
We are committed to preserving the core principles of traditional Jujutsu, honoring the spirit of the ancient Japanese Dojo. The rigorous training program at the Chicago Minami Dojo inspires students to develop body, mind and spirit in their personal journey of empowerment.
