Here are just some of the most common questions. If you can’t find the answer to your question just contact us:
Am I strong enough?
Don’t worry. One of Jitsu biggest advantages is that it
uses the opponent’s strength against them. As you train, your strength,
flexibility and fitness will improve anyway, usually without your even noticing
it. (back)
Do I need experience in martial arts?
No. We make sure that you learn everything you need step by
step at your own pace. (back)
How much does it cost?
Your first session is free. After that each session costs
£5 for adults, and £3 for members of the SPACe gym, students, the unwaged and
the under 18s. You will also need to become a member of the Jitsu Foundation
(link), which means you are insured when on the mat, can train in other clubs
and obtain your next belt. The licence costs £20 annually if you are over 18
and £12.50 if you are under 18. You don’t need to become a member straight
away. Our insurance covers you for two weeks, so you have a couple of sessions
to make up your mind. At one point you will also want to get yourself a gi (aka
judo uniform). These cost around £20 and last for a good few years. Courses and
gradings are about £10-15. (back)
Are there any age restrictions?
Everybody can do Jitsu. In our style we have people
regularly training from about 6 to over 60. Shoreditch Jitsu is an adult club,
but we will generally take anyone over 12 years old. Anybody under the age of 18 will need the
consent of a parent or a guardian to start. (back)
Will I be the only female?
Generally about half of the beginners are female. This
ratio drops slightly the more advanced you become. There will be sessions when
you may be the only female on the mat (apart from your instructor) but that
shouldn’t stop you from coming. In the end, it is quite likely that you are
doing Jitsu to be able to defend yourself. There is no better way to learn it
than practice your techniques on men who are more likely to attack you in real
life anyway. (back)
Will I be the only beginner?
Generally no. We don't run special beginners sessions, so there are always a few people starting. Jitsu welcomes newcomers
- we were all novices at one stage. Bring a friend if you feel more comfortable training with somebody you know. (back)
What kind of techniques will I learn?
Jiu-Jitsu teaches a broad range
of techniques including strikes, locks, throws, grappling, and break-Falling.
You will learn to defend yourself against single or multiple armed and unarmed
attackers, and learn to defend yourself both standing up or on the ground. You
will also learn to control a situation without resorting to violence. (back)
Is sparring part of Jitsu?
Generally we do not spar. You usually work in partners to
practice a particular technique. Everybody takes turns in attacking so the other
person can defend themselves using the technique that was just taught. We do a
limited amount of groundfighting and grappling. (back)
Do I have to break any boards or
bricks?
No. Jitsu is a self-defence martial art against armed or unarmed attackers and
boards or bricks do not tend to attack by themselves. (back)
Is it a good form of self-defence?
It’s what the SAS and marines learn, it was invented by an instructor at the Tokyo police
unarmed combat academy and it’s really popular with bodyguards and doormen.
So, probably yes, but if you want to make up your own mind here is a list of most common attacks and how Jitsu deals with them. (back)
How long will it take
me to get my black belt?
That depends on your background, your ability and the time
you spent training. If you train regularly you will get your first belt (yellow)
in three months. The fastest to get to brown belt which is the first teaching
grade is just under 3 years. You will need to be a brown belt for 2 years and
teach a club for one year before you can take your Dan grading (ie get your
black belt). That may seem excessively long when compared to other martial arts,
but those are the rules. (back)