The Maru Dojo was started September 1987.  It was established with help from Anne McCaffrey the Director of the Lifetime Sports Program and students at Loyola College.  The Maru Dojo at Loyola works to promote physical safety and mental awareness among it students.  Through our Self-Defense classes students have learned to protect themselves not only with defensive techniques but how to be more aware of  their surroundings so as to prevent the attack before it happens.  The Maru Dojo is fully certified by the American Ju-Jitsu Association and is dedicated to the teachings and standards of the American Ju-Jitsu Association. The style of Ju Jitsu taught at Loyola is Maru Ketsugo Jutsu and comes from several different styles of Ju-jitsu. Amoung them is Samuri Ryu Ju-Jutsu, Small Circle Ju-Jitsu, Taiho Jitsu (Styles before 1882), Kodokan Judo, Budoshin Ju-Jitsu,Haddo Ryu Ju-Jutsu, Ketsugo Ju-Jitsu, Seibukan Ninhon Ryiu Ju-Jutsu and Shuai Chiou a Chinese verson of Ju-jitsu. We also study Cha Qua an ancient art from the Kung Fu system. Maru is also involved in other Loyola activities.  Students participating in demonstrations and help teach at self-defense seminars held in individual dorms.  Over the years Maru has competed in area tournaments and the Maryland State Games.  Many of the participating students have done well enough to take home first, second and third place trophies.  In September of 1997 Maru and it's students celebrated it's ten year anniversary with a total of twenty-one  AJA registered students.   September 1997  Maru/Loyola Ju-Jitsu Dojo web page was up and running giving perspective and current students up to date information on all belt requirements, Dojo activities and background on Ju-Jitsu and self-defense.   The web page was the creation of Ju-Jitsu student.  Articles, information, questions and some answers etc. on the page are  submitted by the students.

The first Ju-Jitsu class taught at Loyola were taught by Sensei Donna Mathews and Sensei Nawaddh (Peter) Chhim September 1987.  Both are certified Instructors of the American Ju-Jitsu Association.  Both hold teaching certificates from the American Ju-Jitsu Association, and both studied and received their black belts from the Daitobukan Dojo at the Towson Y.M.C.A.. Kyoshi Donna Mathews is also a member of Seibukan-Kai Hombu dojo of Chubu-Shorin-Ryu and holds a Rokudan (6th Black )in this system. She also holds a Rokudan (6th Black) from the American Ju-Jitsu Association. Professor Dennis McCurdy who is also the Preasident or the AJA. is the head of the Dojo at the Towson Y.M.C.A..  Sensei Chhim holds the rank of Nidan ( second black ). and left Maru in 1991. In 2002 the Ju-Jitsu Club took over the Ju-Jitsu program.

William Frrom was the Northern Regional Director at the Towson Y.M.C.A.  Among many other black belts he also promoter Lois Wheeler .  Sensei Wheeler took over the Thursday night class.  A class unto its self.  Sensei Mathews was promoted by Sensei Lois Wheeler and the black belt board.   Sensei William Frrom left the YMCA and was replaced by Sensei Dennis McCuridy.  Sensei McCruidy took over the class in Towson and is still the head instructor of that dojo. 

Meaning of the Maru Logo

Sensei Raelene Menseses  .Nidan \ Basic open hand Self-Defense Instructor Certificate, Advanced Self-Defense
Sensei Timothy Enders  Nidan \ Basic Open hand Self-Defense Instructor Certificate
Sensei Michael Jordan Nidan \ Basic & Advanced Self-Defense Instructor Certification, Basic Self-Defense Security Defense certified
Edward Birrane Shodan 2003
Philip Browning Shodan 2003
Vincent Hayes Shodan 2003
Adam Sasso Shodan 2003
Geoff Sasso Shodan 2003