Dragon Budo Jujutsu Martial Arts Academy

Dragon Budo Jujutsu Martial Arts Academy offers training in Gyawn Atiko Jujutsu, Jujutsu, boxing, yoga, and a Progressive Karate Program. The academy also runs a self-defense program, including Senior Men & Women Self-Defense Training, and hosts community events such as a Family Dinner & Nerf Wars with supervised Nerf battles. A $10 trial class is available as a 60-minute introductory lesson.

• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Schedule: General hours include weekday and weekend class options, with many activities offered in 60-minute sessions
• Price: $10, 60-minute introductory lesson; Family Dinner & Nerf Wars: $15 for children ages 3–11 and $25 for ages 12 and up; Progressive Karate Program: $100 monthly / $150 one-time registration

Headmaster Grand Master Darryl L. Starks Sr. leads the academy as CEO and Founder and is Soke of Gyawn Atiko Jujutsu, with forty-eight-plus years of martial arts training and multiple national and international recognitions, including the 2024 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President J. Biden Jr., a 2017 Global Peace Award, and induction into the 2017 United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame, the 2024 Black Belt Hall of Fame, and the 2023 Action Martial Arts Magazine Hall of Honors. Assistant Instructor Endiah M. has practiced martial arts since age 6, holds a Yellow belt in GYAWN ATIKO Ju-Jutsu, studied under Grand Master Darryl Starks, and leads classes for youth, while Assistant Instructor Nicolas H. has studied Gyawn Atiko for 5 years, plays soccer and baseball, and is an aspiring pilot for the United States Airforce. Sensei Williams is associated with the DBJ Progressive Karate Program.

Dragon Budo Jujutsu Martial Arts Academy holds an International Black Belt certification and an Internationally Accredited Martial Arts School Charter and was voted 2024's best Martial Arts School in Chicago by Distinguishedteaching.com. The academy’s mission states that it is committed to helping students reach their full potential through the art of Jujutsu (Gyawn Atiko Jujutsu) and that it believes anyone can improve their body, mind, and spirit through the power of martial arts. The academy hosts the Family Dinner & Nerf Wars: The Ultimate Community Game Night as a chance for the Englewood and Greater Chicago community to come together for food, fun, and friendly competition, and it is collaborating with the International Combat Organisation (ICO) Martial Arts Combat Organization on a National Tournament that has been upgraded to an Illinois State Qualifier for the ICO-USA 2026 World Championships in France, with Chicago named the official host for the ICO-USA Nationwide Training Event at the academy.

Last updated April 18, 2026.