Sean Kotz | Special to The Roanoke Times

Mixed martial arts and Brazilian jujitsu master Renzo Gracie (left) talks with his former student Paul Creighton, who is the world jiujitsu champion.

Students practice grappling techniques and holds during the annual Karate College, which took place at the Radford Recreation Center from Thursday to Sunday.

Jerry Beasley

| Sean Kotz

Special to The Roanoke Times

RADFORD -- Jerry Beasley, a ninth-degree black belt and Radford University professor of martial arts, is considered one of the country's foremost educators in karate and was the first to open a New River Valley karate dojo.

Now, more than 40 years later, Beasley is known across the continent for his annual Karate College, which took place at the Radford Recreation Center from Thursday to Sunday.

"I don't know how many people locally even know about this," Beasley said with a chuckle.

More than 200 participants from throughout the U.S. and Canada attended the event that featured instruction from more than 30 masters of mixed martial arts, Brazilian jiujitsu, kickboxing, karate, kung fu and other martial arts.

The camp wrapped up Sunday and on Monday, Beasley and his wife, Gina, opened the new Beasley Martial Arts and Fitness Center at 3360 N. Franklin St. in Christiansburg.

"We teach the skills you see" in Ultimate Fighting Championship and mixed martial arts, Beasley said, "without the actual fighting, using dummies."

"You can get a real workout," he added.

Beasley said youth karate courses also will be available.

He said parents often worry about bullies and bring their kids to karate classes to learn self-defense, but the real key is learning self-discipline and self-confidence.

"If you have self-confidence, you can go a long way in the world," Beasley said. "But if you lack self-confidence, a lot of times you get left in the back seat."

One of those at the weekend camp was Jimmy Miller, owner of Gymme's Taekwondo & Fitness Center in Petal, Miss., who brought a large group of kids more than 700 miles for the event.

"We bring a group of 15 to 20 every year," Miller said. "Training with 30 of the highest ranking black belts in the world is something they don't get in Petal."

On Friday, participants were treated to appearances from three world champions.

One of those world champions is MMA legend Renzo Gracie, whose gentle demeanor was evident despite his power and prestige as a fighter.

"This is my 13th year," Gracie said, "and it has been unbelievable, and every time is a unique experience."

Gracie, who comes from a family of famous Brazilian jiujitsu fighters, now runs an academy in New York and has written two books on Brazilian martial arts.

Gracie said one of the big appeals of the camp is that it drew in people from all walks of life to learn from one another -- and he especially likes working with the kids.

"I have 1,100 students in my school," he said. "But most of them are grown-ups, so I enjoy the chance to work with the younger people."

Also on hand was world jiujitsu champion Paul Creighton, who studied under Gracie for martial arts and under Beasley at Radford University, where Creighton earned a master's degree in health and physical education.

He now runs his own school in Atlanta but makes the trip to Karate College each year.

"There are so many styles here," Creighton said. "Every instructor here is at the top of his game, and it's good for cross-training because you get to see other techniques."

Additionally, UFC champion Matt Serra was scheduled to arrive later on Friday.

Hollywood stuntman and actor Anthony De Longis was also on hand to instruct students in the art of weapons use, including the bull whip.

De Longis has worked with both Harrison Ford and Michelle Pfeiffer and has starred alongside Jackie Chan and Jet Li

"I am always happy to come here and help out Dr. Beasley," said De Longis, who was returning for the first time since 2006. "He does a heck of a job here raising awareness of the benefits of martial arts, which goes beyond the physical and into the mental and spiritual."

Besides leading classes and demonstrations, the stars were signing autographs.

All proceeds benefited the International Brain Research Foundation, which assists returning war veterans and others with debilitating brain injuries.

The city of Radford is a beneficiary, as well.

Ken Goodyear, director of the Radford parks and recreation department, said the program was important to the community, especially for local hotels and restaurants.

"As you can see, there are several hundred people in here that would not be in Radford if it were not for Dr. Beasley's karate camp," Goodyear said.