FAQ
If you are new?
You are welcome to watch and ask question or just come along and have a go. We will take things at your pace. You do not need to be fit but your fitness and flexibility will improve. We will take you through some basic techniques.
Experienced people?
We practice gi and no gi styles (jacket and no jacket styles). We mix standing, striking, takedown and ground fighting techniques. We are open to pass on our skills and techniques and welcome other people to share their skills.
What should I wear?
Wear loose fitting clothes (tracksuit bottoms/shorts and T-shirt) and bear feet. When you are ready you can buy a ju jitsu or judo uniform. Also, we ask that jewellery (rings, necklaces, pierced bits) be removed or taped up during the class.
What happens in a typical class?
We start by putting the mats out, then a warm up, gentle stretches, falling practice, syllabus work, skill development, combination work, sparring, cool down stretches and then put the mats away.
What about insurance?
The first time you come along to the club you’ll need to complete a form. This allows you to train twice and be fully insured. This gives you the opportunity to see if you like the club. After your second session you must decide if you want to join.
The Techniques of Ju Jitsu
Break falls - ways to fall.
Blocks – Protection from strikes and throws.
Kicks – Foot, shin and leg techniques.
Throws – Dropping someone to the ground as a defense or an attack.
Punches – Fist techniques.
Strikes – Impacting techniques using body parts e.g. elbows, knee.
Escapes – Escaping from locks holds and clinches.
Locks – Techniques to immobilize joints.
Ground holds – Holding techniques used to control an opponent.
Choke and strangles – Pressure points around the neck used to immobilize an opponent.
Takedowns – Technical movements to reduce someone to the ground.
What is Ju Jitsu?
Ju jitsu is a highly practical “hands on” martial art which applies ancient combat techniques to modern self-defence scenarios.
Does it hurt?
From the beginning safety is stressed in ju jitsu. From time to time you might get bumps or brazes but this will depend on how hard you practice. We make the practice of martial arts as safe as possible using the correct safety equipment. We use tapping strategies to give up when you wish to stop. You will not be expected to do anything you do not want to do, it is supposed to be fun.
How fit do I have to be?
To start you do not have to be fit at all. As you become move experienced and your skill levels rise you will naturally become more active in the sessions and you will become fitter.
Do women practice ju jitsu?
They certainly do! In recent years it has become a very popular activity for women. Many women start Ju jitsu in order to learn some self-defence. Then soon find the benefits of becoming fitter and moor physically confident.
Is Ju Jitsu a complete self-defence?
There is no such thing as a complete self-defence system and it would be foolish to claim that Ju Jitsu is. It is however, due to it’s vast repertoire, the best system available to the general public. Remember that Ju Jitsu is an unarmed combat system deployed at close quarters and is only as good as the person using it.
Is a black belt autumnally a teacher?
No, not necessarily. His or her experience would be useful and certainly the higher grades tend to be more experienced. However to be licensed to teach, one would have to complete coach award. Every accredited Coach is registered with their governing body.
What’s the difference between jitsu, ju jitsu and jiu jitsu?
Jitsu, ju jitsu and jiu jitsu are essentially the same name. As with many things, Westernisation has led to another abbreviation (“Jitsu”) and there isn’t necessarily a correct way to spell Japanese words in an ‘English’ way.
What about competitions?
We hold both judo and ju jitsu competitions for juniors and seniors. We also attend other national competition.
Is it the same as Brazilian jiu jitsu?
Brazilian jiu jitsu is a descendent of ju jitsu and lots of techniques are similar. However Brazilian jiu jitsu focuses mainly on ground fighting and Japanese ju jitsu has as much standing as ground fighting.