In an exclusive interview with Joseph Sessum, a trailblazing martial artist and community advocate, we explore the remarkable trajectory of his life—from his roots in Queens to the creation of the JARIBU Martial Arts system.
Sessum shares personal anecdotes, insightful quotes, and the profound impact of his martial arts journey on both his life and the community.
Joseph Sessum vividly recounts the challenges of his youth, emphasizing the significance of his move from Queens to Hollis for a safer environment. “The only safe place was home,” he shares, reflecting on the crucial role his new community played in his formative years.
His encounters with jazz luminaries like Peck Morrison (bassist for Duke Ellington) and Milk Jackson (jazz vibraphonist for the Modern Jazz Quartet) shaped his appreciation for music, civility, and higher thinking.
“In Hollis, I found a community that nurtured my passion for music and the arts,” notes Sessum, underscoring the transformative power of positive surroundings. He goes on to say, “I encountered a community where everyone shared a common goal of progressing positively. It wasn’t solely centered around sports like football and baseball; we also engaged in activities like music, specifically band performances. Surprisingly, a significant number of people in the area were passionate musicians. I was amazed to discover that a friend’s father was Peck Morrison, a renowned upright bass player for Duke Ellington. I even had the extraordinary opportunity to meet Ellington during the 1964 World’s Fair. Another acquaintance, whom I occasionally crossed paths with, turned out to be Milk Jackson from the Modern Jazz Quartet (MJQ).”
Reflecting on his martial arts initiation, Joseph Sessum shares a poignant moment during a haircut appointment that led to his introduction to Judo. “He was a proactive teacher,” he recounts, “and I needed to know how correct it was.” This encounter marked the beginning of his martial arts odyssey.
“I accompanied my friend to a barbershop, and there was this guy captivating everyone with his conversation. As I observed the keen interest of others, I couldn’t help but wonder why they were so enamored by him. It turned out he was a karate teacher, which intrigued me, although my knowledge was limited to some extent through my experience in Judo.”
Sessum says, he invited me to attend one of his classes, and initially, I hesitated, unsure about this person. However, a nudge from my girlfriend, whose sister was dating someone from the class, persuaded me to give it a try. “She said go ahead Joey, You know it’ll be good for you and make you strong.”
The first training session was outdoors in a backyard, on hard concrete, and everyone seemed taller than my 4-foot-10 self. The two grueling hours comprised intense exercises, drills, and combat scenarios.
The training involved learning defensive moves against throws and attacks, followed by free-fighting scenarios where we had to defend ourselves and counter-attack. Overwhelmed, I quit, feeling unprepared for the physical demands. A few weeks later, a fellow trainee encouraged me to give it another shot, emphasizing that everyone faced challenges initially.
Reflecting on it, my ego pushed me to return and prove myself. Subsequently, I found myself attending classes twice a month, braving outdoor training without protective gear in parks and on beaches every Sunday from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Gradually, I began to sense a peculiar and positive transformation within myself.
Describing the initial struggles in his training, Sessum paints a vivid picture of unconventional training methods. “I got hit with some heavy shots and couldn’t breathe, I said to myself, ‘I didn’t come here for this,'” he recalls, highlighting the resilience that propelled him forward.
Sessums’ journey commenced in 1963 with Judo training under Ed McGrath in Jamaica, NY.
His martial arts exposure took a profound turn in 1964 when he encountered E-7 Sgt/Ronald Austin, a Green Beret with extensive combat experience in Cambodia and Laos. This encounter left an indelible mark on the 14-year-old Sessums, setting the stage for his lifelong martial arts commitment.
Under the tutelage of Sensei Austin, Sessums embarked on a journey that included diverse martial arts disciplines such as Chung do kwan, Shotokan Karate, Aikijujitsu, American Boxing, and Capoeira. The amalgamation of these styles laid the foundation for the Jaribu system, a martial art form created in 1968.
Sensei Austin’s tragic demise in the late 70s did not deter Sessums; instead, he took the reins, leading the Jaribu system into the 80s and beyond. Over the years, Sessums achieved significant milestones, earning a 6th-degree black belt in 1985 and garnering recognition in the East Coast Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2005 and 2007.
Beyond his martial arts prowess, Sessums emerged as a community leader and activist. He played a pivotal role in helping to establish the 100 Black Men of Douglasville, showcasing his dedication to mentorship and community service.
In 2013, Sessums attained an 8th-degree Kyoshi certification from Goju Master Teacher, Shidoshi Ronald VanClief, and Glen Perry, directors of Chinese Goju and Aikijujitsu, respectively. His exemplary martial arts journey was further acknowledged in 2019 when he received a kudan level certification from the same esteemed mentors, securing his place in “Black Heroes of the Martial Arts Vol. 2.”
Apart from his martial arts commitments, Joseph Sessums engages in public speaking and collaborates with law enforcement on issues such as Human Trafficking and Gang Violence.
His multifaceted contributions extend to organizations like the Alumni Board of Adelphi University, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., and 100 Black Men of America.
In recent years, Sessums has expanded its reach through innovative training methods. Leveraging his IT background, he initiated remote training programs, enabling students from New York City, DC, Florida, and California to partake in Jaribu system martial arts.
Presently, Sessums oversees classes at the Ike Owens Center on Gurley Rd. in Douglasville. Sessions on Saturdays from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM and Wednesdays from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM attract individuals spanning various age groups, with an average of around 40 participants.
“It’s not just a martial arts class for children; it’s a disciplined lifestyle that fosters order and peace,” he asserts. With participants ranging from 42 years old, the program aims to provide practical self-defense skills and situational awareness.
“Preparation time before training is crucial to instill a sense of consciousness,” notes Joseph Sessum, expressing his vision to secure a dedicated space for daily sessions.
Sessums envisions growth, both in numbers and impact, as he imparts not just martial arts skills but a disciplined lifestyle fostering peace and intentionality. His martial arts legacy echoes far beyond the physical confines of the dojo, encapsulating a lifetime dedicated to martial arts mastery, mentorship, and community service.
Joseph Sessum urges individuals to recognize the real-time nature of life and the need for practical self-defense training. “It’s not just about fighting; it’s about developing awareness, tactical thinking, and the ability to handle real-life situations,” he emphasizes. Reflecting on media exposure, he adds, “What you see in sports or entertainment is not enough; you need real-life skills.”
Joseph Sessum‘s journey from Queens to martial arts innovation stands as a testament to resilience, discipline, and community impact. Through insightful quotes and personal anecdotes, his story illustrates the transformative power of martial arts, echoing his belief that it’s an asset for personal safety and well-being.