Getting Started
The first thing you need to do is head on over to our clubs page to find a club nearby at a time you are available. Once you've selected a club you can get the details on time and where you need to go via this website, or give us a ring or send us an email.
Once you know where you're going and when, simply turn up in a t-shirt and tracksuit bottoms with a bottle of water, and introduce yourself! The first time you go to a club there is a little paperwork to do, so it's worth arriving 10 minutes early.
If you have any questions which are not answered on this site, or you just want a chat with one of our instructors, please don't hestitate to get in touch!
Frequently Asked Questions
These are common questions (in no particular order) asked by many of our prospective students, hopefully there will be the answer you are looking for on this page. If not please feel free to contact us and we will help.
Do I need to have done another martial art before I try Ju Jitsu?
No, there is no requirement for you to be proficient in any other martial art at all. We teach a style which has been practiced for over 2000 years and most other martial arts are derived in some way from it.
How much is a lesson?
The first lesson is free, this allows you to see if this is the kind of style you would like to progress in without having to pay out for the privilege. Each lesson after that is £7 for the Pee Wee, Junior & Senior children's classes and £10 for the adult sessions. Older children training in the adult classes pay £8.50. We also offer a discount to students and pensioners. Classes run by Sensei Ian have changed to a monthly payment scheme (discounted and payable by direct debit).
Do I need any special equipment to start?
Initially all you require is a pair of tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt, as you become more proficient a Gi (training attire) is required.
What will I learn?
There is a very comprehensive approved syllabus from white belt all the way through to 5th Dan. Apart from that there is a wealth of practical modern day scenarios we train with to enable our students to deal with all kinds of life situations.
When will I get my black belt?
There is no definitive answer to this - it totally depends on you and the effort you put into it. We can teach the techniques required for a grading, but it is up to you when you grade. As a syllabus minimum requirement it would take 3 years to complete.
I am not a child, will I be taught by a 14 year old black belt?
Not at all, the instructors section gives a brief profile of our main instructor and assistant instructors.
What does the Japanese symbol in your logo/badge mean?
This is the Kanji (Japanese script) for "family". It means a lot to us that all our pupils agree with the tenet of family across all our clubs.
Do I have to be super fit to train in Ju Jitsu?
Not at all. Students do find that their overall fitness level increases over time but there is no requirement for you to be a marathon runner or a gymnast. It is not a forced fitness camp, you do what you can and with exposure and regular training your competencies will grow.
If I bring my child to you class, what safeguards do you have?
We are members of the British Ju Jitsu Association (Governing Body) which closely monitors our clubs/ instructors. Anyone teaching adults or childen needs to gain an instructors grade, they must also hold a current DBS certificate, be first aid trained and have indemnity insurance. Finally, parents are welcome to stay and watch at their childs class.