Redondo Beach jiu-jitsu “Combat Garage” shuts door after 21 years
by Garth Meyer The “Combat Garage” is closed. A space in the back of a house on Avenue D off of Prospect Avenue in Redondo Beach saw its last jiu-jitsu workout session Sunday, Jan. 18, closing on account of the house being sold. It was owned by Judith Haueter, who passed away last October. Her son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Melissa Haueter, used the garage for a martial art that originated in Japan and was modified in Brazil. Chris was one of the first 12 Americans to receive a black belt in jiu-jitsu. He has taught and hosted workouts at his mother’s garage for 21 years. “When jiu-jitsu first landed in America, it landed in Hermosa Beach,” said Eddie Cairns, a newer black belt, starting his training with Haueter in 2008. “We usually cram in pretty tight in the garage. It’s a backyard D.I.Y. martial arts space,” he said. “Super unconventional which is kind of why it’s so iconic.” The classes ran three times per week; Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Since the house went on the market, in turn, one of the Combat Garage participants, Kyle Thompson, is opening a former barber shop on Torrance Blvd. in Redondo Beach as a jiu-jitsu open mat space. “I’m a lifelong resident. The garage…
Read this story on easyreadernews.com