Dedication certainly means different things to different people, and to freshman Uriah Spitler, dedication comes in the form of jiu jitsu. From academics to sports, jobs, siblings, friends, and involvement in arts, most students have a lot on their plates. 

“Learning it is cool, I think it’s a useful skill to have, and it’s fun,” Spitler said.

Last year, Uriah began learning jiu jitsu, a form of martial arts, with the Sweeps Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Sweeps BJJ) studio. The dojo, located at 480 South Townline Road in Wautoma, prides itself on strong family engagement, and Uriah’s family has certainly met those expectations.

“My dad started doing it first, and then he wanted us to try it out. My whole family does it,” Uriah said. 

Sophomore Ella Spitler, Uriah’s sister, also enjoys the many extracurricular activities the family does.

“It’s really fun, a very good and welcoming environment. I’d say if you were to join, be prepared to lose a lot in the beginning. There’s people who have been doing it for a long time,” Ella said. “Learning new things is pretty cool.”

Jiu jitsu will often rely heavily on team bonding, though it is an individualized sport specializing in grappling and ground work. The term translates literally to “gentle art,” which speaks towards the techniques a smaller person could use against a larger attacker. Despite his busy schedule, Uriah manages to be an enjoyable face at school, according to staff and fellow students.

“I’ve known him since fifth grade,” freshman Logan Rose said. “He’s funny, but also serious, and really kind. He’s involved.”