Military veterans launch martial arts academy in Paso Robles — with a family-friendly twist

Paso Robles’ newest martial arts academy has a family-friendly twist.

The co-founders of Virtus Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which celebrated its grand opening Saturday at 2445 Golden Hill Road, are a married couple who spar with their kids.

“There’s not enough for families to do here in Paso Robles,” co-owner Eric Franco said, so he hopes Virtus can provide a way for families to engage in the same activity. “My hope is that it continues to do for other families what it has done for mine.”

A retired U.S. Army sergeant, Franco first started doing Brazilian jiu-jitsu while in the military. He’s been practicing the martial arts form alongside his wife, retired Army Sgt. Melanie Franco, for about 17 years.

“I really got hooked on the mental aspect of this particular art and just stuck with it,” Eric Franco said.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which incorporates elements of judo, wrestling, sambo and Japanese jiu-jitsu, teaches self-defense and combat techniques focused on gaining a dominant position against one’s opponent.

Virtus offers classes for people of all ages and experience levels, with clients ranging in age from 4 to 64 years old, Franco said.

“It’s a cool collection of like-minded folks who in any other situation you might not have anything in common with,” he said. “The proverbial melting pot occurs on these mats.”

Brazilian jiu-jitsu teaches self-defense, confidence

The Francos first started Virtus at the encouragement of their friends and family members, Eric Franco said, and named it in their honor.

“We call it Virtus — Latin for ‘virtue’ — because I thought they were people of virtue, such good folks,” Franco said.

At Virtus, which had a soft opening May 30, the practice of Brazilian jiu-jitsu is about much more than fitness, he said.

“People don’t come in here just to get in shape,” Franco said. “They’re looking for something where they want to feel safe walking down the street or expand their social circle.”

Virtus focuses on many aspects of the sport, including self defense skills and confidence building.

Franco said he enjoys seeing young children who are initially timid or shy find their footing.

Melanie Franco teaches women’s-only self-defense classes on Wednesday mornings.

“A lot of women have gone through traumatic experiences or fear going through traumatic experiences,” said Franco. “So they want to gain some confidence that they have some fight in them.”

To show how easy it is for even beginners to practice Brazilian jiu-jitsu, the Francos invited a Tribune reporter to learn a series of basic self-defense techniques on the 2,220-square-foot mat while dressed in a traditional uniform, or, gi.

According to Eric Franco, the practice requires a certain amount of mental concentration.

“There’s a big mental component to this sport,” he said. “I call it physical chess because you’re always thinking two to three moves ahead of your opponent.”

“It doesn’t matter your fitness level or physical abilities,” Franco added. “The art lends itself to your restraints and constraints.”

Virtus has a variety of weekly classes including morning, mid-day and evening options.

While membership costs vary, Virtus offers discounts to military service members, law enforcement officers and families looking to join.

More about Virtus Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Virtus Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is open Monday through Saturday. While daily hours vary, the website features a schedule with class times and instructors.

For more information call 805-244-5566, email VirtusBJJ805@gmail.com or visit virtusbjj.com.