Thrust. Lock. Takedown.

The man in white goes down to the man in blue, hitting the mat with a resounding thud.

The man in the blue gi, or uniform, is Marion resident Jim Manning, who has competed in numerous jiu jitsu contests over the past year and is preparing for an international competition on August 27.

"He took silver in the New York Open," said Stephen Whittier, owner and chief instructor at Nexus Martial Arts and Fitness on Kendrick Road, where Manning trains. "That's an international competition. It wasn't an easy thing to win."

Manning originally came to Nexus three years ago looking to make some positive mental and physical changes to his life through the discipline of a martial arts regimen.

"When he came in he was looking for a positive change," said Whittier. "A way to funnel all of his energy."

Two years later, Manning took his training to the next level and began competing, winning a variety of medals.

"He's competed probably more than any other student of mine," said Whittier. Gesturing to the massive display case of medals in Nexus' foyer, he said: "Many in that grouping of medals, they belong to the Manning family."

Manning's family not only supports his passion for martial arts, they train at Nexus as well. Manning credits his training and competing with improving the rest of his life.

"If I'm giving passionately here, it will carry over into every aspect of what I do," said Manning.

That passion is preparing him now for the Boston Open on August 27 with, he hopes, more competitions to follow.