Master Doug Langworthy
Master Douglas C. Langworthy
Kudan 9th degree
Head Instructor
Rapid City, South Dakota
Rushmore Jukite Ju-Jitsu
After studying other types of martial arts early in his life Master Langworthy began his training in Jukite Ju-Jitsu in 1983, earning his Black Belt (Shodan) in 1987. In June 2009, he was honored by Dr. Claude Woodson, 10th degree black belt and Grand Master of Jukite Ju-jitsu, promoting him (Master Langworthy) to 9th degree black belt. He was also appointed to the board of directors of the Jukite Ju-Jitsu Federation.
The Rushmore Jukite Ju-Jitsu School is also a member of the American Ju-Jitsu Association, Dojo #2400, and Master Langworthy has been recognized through this national organization as a certified instructor.
Born and raised in Michigan, Master Langworthy and his family relocated to South Dakota in 1983. He and his wife Vicki, have one son, Edward. Edward also holds a Black Belt in Jukite Ju-Jitsu, earning his 3rd degree (Sandan) in December 2004.
Since 1988 Master Langworthy has been employed by Black Hills Power as an Engineering and GIS Technician.
When Master Langworthy began his study of Jukite Ju-Jitsu 1983 at the age of 29, he weighed over 270 lbs., had ulcers and high blood pressure and led a very sedentary life style – a trip up a flight of stairs left him winded. He now trains five days a week, teaches four days a week and has lost more than 75 lbs.
One of Master Langworthy’s most satisfying moments came in 1997 when he participated in testing of and the presenting to his son, Edward, his first degree Black Belt.
In an effort to continue the art of Jukite in a traditional and honorable manor, Master Langworthy and his son Edward started teaching a small group of college students in his home’s, garage September 2003. From those humble beginnings sprang the Rushmore Jukite Ju-jitsu dojo (school) now one of the largest in western South Dakota. He derives great pleasure in seeing all the students of the school progress, improve and grow. “As an instructor my goal has always been to help the student to become better than the instructor.”
Master Langworthy has been very active in organizing and leading demonstrations of the art of Ju-Jitsu at the local Mall, Central States Fair, Area Middle and High Schools along with many private and public organizations. He and his school also teach self-defense seminars on average three times during the year that are free to the public.
For many years he assisted his former instructor in all aspects of running open style Karate tournaments in the Rapid City area. On July 22, 2006 after three short years in existence Rushmore Ju-jitsu sponsored its first open Karate tournament. This tournament incorporated several major rule and procedure changes, innovations developed by the instructor cadre they turned out to be such a success other schools have since copied them.
Competition has been a large part of Master Langworthy’s commitment to the martial arts. He entered his first tournament as a white belt, in 1984 and through the years he has entered numerous tournaments competing in free style forms, weapons forms, musical forms, grappling and sparring. In Jukite Ju-Jitsu there is no formalized Kata so, he and his son have developed a series of open hand and weapon forms, which allow his students to compete in open style Karate tournaments.
Do to the success of the Rushmore Jukite Ju-jitsu school one of the things that Master Langworthy has been able to do is to invite to the school, various Masters in other styles of martial arts to put on seminars that are open and free to all other area martial artists and schools.
He thoroughly enjoys all aspects of the martial arts.
Master Langworthy wishes to thank all of the instructors and the students that make the Rushmore Ju-Jitsu dojo the success that it is.
Also he wishes to give a BIG THANK YOU to his wife, Vicki, without whose hard work, support and understanding this school would NOT be here.
And finally thanks to GOD from whom all blessings come.