Ju-Jitsu loosely translated means "science of softness" or "gentle art" and is applied to many schools of unarmed and hand-to-hand combat. The soft grappling style was intended to help unarmed soldiers to fight against armed enemies in any way possible, using the least amount of force necessary. Ju-Jitsu was the primary unarmed combat method of the Samurai. Aikido and Judo are both modern day descendents of Ju-Jitsu. Several techniques used are similar to Karate, Aikido and Judo.
Ju-Jitsu emphasizes turning an attacker's own force against him or herself, putting them off balance. Ju-Jitsu also emphasizes certain grappling moves and strikes to vital areas. A Ju-Jitsu student is expected to learn how to gauge the force of an opponent's attack and use it against him, evade attacks, use leverage against an opponent and how to attack nerves and pressure points.

Theodorou Academy Jiu-Jitsu has been offering instruction and training in Ju-Jitsu since 1994. Located in Selden, NY, Theodorou Academy Jiu-Jitsu has produced champions in life as well as in the martial arts.
Headed by Phil Theodorou (5th degree black belt/Master) and a staff of expert instructors, Theodorou Academy Jiu-Jitsu offers a number of programs for physical fitness and instruction in Ju-Jitsu.

How to Contact Us
We invite you to come and visit our facilities located at:
1245 Middle Country Road P.O.BOX 1187, Selden, NY 11784
3512 Veternas Memorial Highway, Bohemia, NY 11716
4462 Middle Country Rd, Calverton, NY 11933
1008 Grand Blvd, Deer Park, NY 11729

I began his martial arts training in the early 1980's practicing Shotokan karate, Chinese Kenpo and kickboxing. In 1985,I began training in American Jiu Jitsu (Hakko Ryu) directly under O'Sensei Joe Puleio, achieving the rank of Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt) in 1989, Nidan (2nd Degree) in 1992, Sandan (3rd Degree) in 1995, Yodan (4th degree) in Jan 2002 and Godan (5th degree) in September 2005. During my 24 years of martial arts training, he has studied American Jiu Jitsu (Hakko Ryu), Philippine stick and knife fighting, aikido, judo, grappling and karate.

Our Instructors have spent many years devoted to training in the art of Jiu-Jitsu and other martial arts and have attained a certain level of expertise to qualify them as teachers and also mentors.

Through extensive testing, certification and tournament level competition, our staff has attained mastery in this martial art and now enjoy sharing their skill and passing it on to their students. Here are a few of Theodorou Academy Jiu-Jitsu's instructors and other staff members, starting with Phil Theodorou:

Martial Arts
Phil Theodorou - Head Instructor/Owner (5th degree black belt)
Greg Fusco - Jiu-Jitsu Instructor / Owner of Bohemia and Deer Park (Black Belt)
Steve Doell - Jiu Jitsu Instructor / Owner of Bohemia and Deer Park
Vinny Doell - Jiu Jitsu Instructor / Owner of Bohemia and Deer Park
Paul Brodowsky - Head Instructor / Owner of Calverton
Dominic Carro - Head Instructor / Owner of Calverton
Sal Garcia - Jiu Jitsu Instructor (2nd Degree Black Belt)
Tim Beyer - Jiu Jitsu Instructor (2nd Degree Black Belt)
Ron Cabrera - Tai Kickboxing & Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Sara Bonilla - Kids Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Debbie Hartmann - Kids Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Total Body Shaping
Joyce Cancelleri - Total Body Shaping Challenge Instructor
Sara Galitto - Total Body Shaping Challenge Instructor
Kimberly Levy - Total Body Shaping Challenge Instructor / Bohemia Office Manager
Kelly Leath - Total Body Shaping Challenge Instructor
Debbie Valenti - Total Body Shaping Challenge Instructor
Angela Zeibig - Total Body Shaping Challenge Instructor / Kids Jiu-jitsu Instructor
Our Administration
Tracey Bennett - Calverton Office Manager / Dietician
Gina Gentile - Selden Office Manager
Eleonora Grasso - Program Director
Cheryl Greene - Calverton Assistant Office Manager & Assistant Instructor

The main goal in Ju-Jitsu practice is to cultivate a person's mind and body: not to use it as a means to vent one's anger, frustration or emotional problems. The use of force is condoned only in self-defense or in the defense of those who are defenseless.