Gene Dunn - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu PDF Print E-mail
 

 altNAME: GENE DUNN
AGE: 39
BIRTH PLACE: ATLANTA G.A
FAVORITE FOOD: STEAK
FAVORITE MUSIC: ROCK-N-ROLL

Gene Dunn is one of the first Americans to reach the level of 2nd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Renzo Gracie. He also holds a Black Belt in Judo under Sensei Shiina, 8th Dan, and a Shotokan Karate Black Belt under renowned instructor Sensei Kai Leung.

Mr. Dunn is a six-time national champion and won the North American heavy-weight championship in 1993. Other impressive credits include four New York State Championships, three East Coast Regional Championships, and a Pan American Bronze Medal. Noted for his ability to train and coach students of all ages, Mr. Dunn has been instrumental in helping many of them become successful martial artists (his Shotokan Karate Dojo has produced over 100 Black Belts) and leaders in their community. 

 

 

Interview with Gene Dunn

What was the occasion for you to start training on Martial Arts and how did you begin with Brazilian Jiu Jiutsu?
 
I BEGAN SHOTOKAN KARATE IN 1981 AFTER MY BROTHER GOT HIS BROWN BELT. I TOOK MY FIRST CLASS IN BRAZILIAN JIUJITSU IN 1994 AFTER SEEING ROYCE GRACIE IN THE FIRST 2 UFC'S

What is the most important for you and what do you want to emphasize on training for your students via BJJ?

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING FOR IS USING THE MARTIAL ARTS AS A METHOD OF SELF DEVELOPMENT. THAT THROUGH HARD TRAINING THE STUDENT CAN MAKE THE INTERNAL CHANGES NECESSARY TO BECOME A BETTER PERSON IN EVERY AREA OF THEIR LIVES.

How often are you working with and without gi?

MASTER RENZO TAUGHT ME EARLY ON THAT WE MUST TRAIN BOTH GI AND NO GI TO TRULY UNDERSTAND THE DEPTH OF JIUJITSU SO I SPEND MY TIME DOING BOTH REGULARLY.

What do you think about the MMA games?

I THINK THEY ARE A GOOD EXAMPLE OF HOW A REAL FIGHT CAN GO. BUT I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE CULTURE THAT SURROUNDS THE MMA SCENE THESE DAYS. IT TEND TO BE OVERLY VIOLENT AND TO QUITE FRANK RIDICULOUS AT TIMES. I WORRY THAT THE AVERAGE JIUJITSU STUDENT BELIEVES THAT THIS IS THE WAY A PERSON SHOULD CONDUCT THEMSELVES IN THEIR EVERYDAY LIVES.

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What do you think is the proper training for someone who wants to participate on MMA?

WHETHER ITS MMA OR ANY OTHER TYPE OF MARTIAL ARTS I BELIEVE IT IS GOOD FOR THE PRACTITIONER TO CROSS TRAIN. IF SOMEONE ASPIRES TO ENTER THE RING THEN THEIR SHOULD BE A HEAVY EMPHASIS ON SPORT SPECIFIC CONDITIONING.

I'd like to know your opinion about traditional martial arts and their effectiveness nowadays.

I AM A HUGE BELIEVER IN THE THE TRADITIONAL JAPANESE PARADIGM OF MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING. IF WE CAN USE THEIR METHODS AND COUPLE IT WITH THE EFFECTIVENESS OF JIUJITSU I THINK WE CAN ACHIEVE SUSTAINABILITY. AS IT STANDS I THINK MMA WILL EVENTUALLY TURN INTO WHAT BOXING IS RIGHT NOW. JUST A BRUTAL SPORT WITH A LOT OF NEGATIVE/CRIMINAL ACTIVITY BEHIND THE SCENES.

What are the differences between mma (submission sports generally) with real fight out there?

I HEARD A GREAT QUOTE ONCE. " REAL SELF DEFENSE IS NOT ABOUT SENDING YOUR PARTNER TO THE HOSPITAL, IT'S ABOUT NOT GOING TO THE HOSPITAL YOURSELF." SO WHAT EVER ITS GOING TO TAKE SO THAT YOU NOT GET INJURED IN A STREET FIGHT.

What is the purpose for you to start training somebody in martial arts generally and especially Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

TO TRANSFORM THEIR LIVES TO HEALTHIER MORE SELF CONFIDENT PERSON.

How do you feel about coming for a seminar and teaching in Greece?

I WOULD LOVE THAT! I COMPETED TRADITIONAL KARATE IN GREECE IN THE EARLY 90'S WITH THE US TEAM. IT IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE PLACES IN THE WORLD. I CANT WAIT TO GO BACK.

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