The Jikishin Ju Jitsu Association Head - Hanshi Brian Herbert 9th Dan
Hanshi Brian Herbert started his Ju Jitsu career in 1976 training with the brothers Roy & Ray Huggins, after starting in Karate, Brian saw a demonstration of Ju Jitsu, and felt that the Art would be better suited to Self Defence, as there are more the skills are wider and more rounded than simply kicks, punches and take downs.
Brian started his first club in Corringham, East Essex in 1981 after receiving his 1st Dan, and due to his dedication, diligence and personality, the club has built a dedicated and loyal following.
Hanshi
Brian's philosophy in Ju Jitsu is simple - because of the methods of training, the sport is suitable for people of all ages, and has no limits with regard to size. Women and men train in the same techniques, and the use of the aggressors weight and momentum is utilise to level the playing field. Ju Jitsu caters for all, helps build self confidence and encourages friendship and cooperation.
Hanshi Brian's ambition for Jikishin is to encourage a competitive spirit, particularly within the juniors. Jikishin has seen considerable success in the International arena, and with the young Jujitsuka coming through, well trained for competition and eager to perform - further success is sure to follow.
Brian Herbert is a founder member and Chairman of the Board of the United Kingdom Martial Arts Governing Body (UKMAGB). The other Committee members are made up of 5th Dan Grades and above.
Hanshi Brian hopes to promote the UKMAGB as the leading Martial Arts Governing Body in the UK, and Ju Jitsu through Jikishin. "I want to see improvements in the syllabus and teaching of the syllabus - concentrating on the Ju Jitsu / self defence aspects and the needs for the modern world. It is imperative that I carry the senior grades along with me in getting these improvements in place, and I know I can rely on our instructors to assist in this goal. I also feel that there is a need to improve the overall level of Groundfighting skills, in particular with the youngsters, and this means getting our coaches up to speed so that we can pass along these essential skills. You can expect Groundfighting to be more prominent in the syllabus in the future."
In 2011 there was be comprehensive update of the Jikishin syllabus which is being completed with input from instructors and the Technical Committee - which consists of 5th Dan grades and above. In 2012 we successfully took part compete in the new Euro-Budo International Random Attack European Championships in Belgium and in 2013 attended the Euro-Budo International European Sport Fighting Championship in Spain.
Hanshi Herbert says "We have seen the recent introduction of a new Nun Chaku Kata, into the high grades Ko Budo (weapons) syllabus, however I do not intend to continue to introduce more and more weapons Kata, I would rather like to see old Kata replaced by the new giving the opportunity to improve the overall weapons standard.
"It is important that the high grades do not concentrate too much on weapons, I want to drive improvements in the syllabus and teaching of the syllabus - concentrating on the Ju Jitsu / self defence aspects. It is imperative that I carry the senior grades along with me in getting these improvements in place, and I know I can rely on our instructors to assist in this goal. I also feel that there is a need to improve the overall level of Groundfighting skills, in particular with the youngsters, and this means getting our coaches up to speed so that we can pass along these essential skills. You can expect Groundfighting to be more prominent in the syllabus in the future."