Jiu Jitsu is a Japanese martial art developed by the samurai warriors over centuries of battle.

Today we use it as a method of self-defence that allows smaller people to use practical techniques to defend against larger and stronger attackers.

Anyone can learn Jiu Jitsu no matter what size, shape, age, or gender.

The style we practice is Seishin Mizu Ryu (SMR), which translates from Japanese as ‘water mind school’, founded by Dr. Richard Catterick in the 1990s.

So, what techniques are taught in jiu jitsu?

 

Locking

The human body is comprised of bones and joints all along the skeleton.

In jiu jitsu we exploit the fact these joints don’t bend in every direction and only go so far.

You will be taught how to apply locks to immobilise your opponent at every major joint from neck to ankle.

 

Striking

We use strikes to weaken attackers to set them up for further techniques (like locks and throws).

Punching isn’t the only option for weakening an attacker. We practice a range of different strikes including palms, elbows, knees, and kicks.

 

Throwing

Throws allow a jitsuka (jiu jitsu student) to take much bigger attackers to the ground with very little effort.

There’s many different types throws jitsukas can use depending on the situation.

White belts start with simple yet effective throws, and learn progressively more complex ones as they advance to each belt level.

 

Breakfalling

Safety is our first priority! We use a variety of breakfalling techniques in order to fall safely and not get injured.

 

Groundwork

Ever seen a UFC fight on TV? Or fight scene in a movie? Then you’ve probably seen some grappling being done on the floor and ending in some armbar.

That originated from Japanese jiu jitsu! It’s actually great fun to do with your classmates.

 

Grab releases

It’s not always possible to keep away from attackers. They may grab you (pick you up, strangle, pull hair, etc.).

This is where grab releases and defences come in. Your attacker will regret grabbing you!

 

 

Weapon defence

We try to train for all possible scenarios, and sometimes that includes weapons.

Our more experienced students train how to safely defend against common weapons such as glass bottles, knives, baseball bats, etc.

In session we practice these techniques with plastic water bottles, wooden knives, foam bats, etc.