Midtown Jiu Jitsu Empowers People Through Self-Defense Classes

Welcome Hudson Valley! This is Conor Walsh, host of In Touch, Townsquare Media of the Hudson Valley’s Award-Winning Public Affairs and Issues program.   

This week on In Touch, we speak with Malachy Silva, Head Coach and Owner of Midtown Jiu Jitsu in Kingston. Malachy and I discuss what sets Jiu Jitsu apart from other popular forms of martial arts, why it is an important practical skill to learn for self-defense, and how the sport fosters an encouraging and comPetitive community. 

We invite you to listen to a previously recorded conversation between Malachy and myself here on In Touch.

Malachy Silva - Head Coach

Malachy began his training in New York City in 2016. He received his purple belt and started teaching under the acclaimed teacher and commentator Shawn Williams at 5 Star Martial Arts/Renzo Gracie LA in Los Angeles. He quickly ascended to the role of head coach for Renzo Gracie LA’s children’s program and went on to spearhead the adult fundamentals program, eventually co-managing the gym. He received his black belt from one of Shawn’s top students, Dane Molina, in 2023 and opened Renzo Gracie LA’s first satellite gym, Renzo Gracie East LA, where he served as manager and head coach.

Malachy has an extensive comPetition record and has nurtured a number of outstanding youth and adult comPetitors during his tenure in Los Angeles. He maintains a high standard of excellence for all his students, leading with intensity and compassion. His teaching approach is clear and holistic, merging a solid foundation of traditional and modern Jiu Jitsu techniques with a focus on longevity in the training room. He is excited to have established his own school in Ulster County, where he was born and raised, and to continue sharing the benefits of Jiu Jitsu with others.

More of Midtown Jiu Jitsu

This has been this week’s edition of IN TOUCH, the award-winning public affairs and issues program that runs across Townsquare Media of the Hudson Valley radio stations. We want to thank Malachy Silva. For more on Midtown Jiu Jitsu, visit midtownjj.com 

In Touch Receives 2 Excellence in Broadcasting Awards for 2024  

I am so proud to announce that In Touch has received another two Excellence in Broadcasting Awards from the New York State Broadcasting Association for 2024. In Touch received the award for “Outstanding Public Affairs Program or Series” for the second year in a row. Not just that, but In Touch also received the award for “Outstanding Editorial/Commentary.” This recognition would not be possible without all our phenomenal guests that we learn from and grow with every single week, and of course you, the listener! Whether you’ve been listening for a while, or you just found us, thank you for taking part in the conversation and staying In Touch with what’s going on in the Hudson Valley.   

Townsquare Spotlight 

Because of the awesome success of In Touch over the last year, we are expanding! We are launching a new spin-off series under the In Touch umbrella called Townsquare Spotlights. These Spotlights focus on amazing celebrities and leaders passing through the Hudson Valley who are making an impact in pop culture. You can check out our latest spotlights wherever you listen to In Touch. 

MORE OF IN TOUCH 

Whether you’ve been listening for a while or you have just joined us, thank you! You can find In Touch episodes new and old on your favorite streaming services like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher and more! That, and listen On Demand with your Townsquare Radio Station Mobile App. Of course, you can still find all articles and audio under the In Touch Tab on this radio station’s app and website. And don’t forget, we are also on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram @intouch_hv.  

I’ve been your host, Conor Walsh. Until next time, stay curious, keep an open mind, and as always, I’m glad we get to Spend Some Time.