Practice - and lots of it - is essential. To become a true expert in Ju-Jitsu requires many years hard, dedicated of training. However, one of the advantages of Ju Jitsu is that many of the simpler techniques, taught in the early stages, may be adapted to an emergency situation. These are usually enough to put mastery in the hands of the average person who may find it necessary to defend him or herself against an assailant who has superior strength, or indeed, who may be armed. Ju-Jitsu is not a sport and is practiced under strict supervision to ensure that training remains, as far as can be achieved, injury free. The techniques must be practised with care and consideration for your training partner in order to ensure the safety of all parties.

In Judo, a modified derivation from Ju-Jitsu, friends can compete because dangerous techniques have been removed and because certain rules and prohibitions are imposed in order to avoid injury to the participants. For instance; strikes, kicks and punches are forbidden; wrist and ankle locks are also not allowed. This is not the case with Ju Jitsu, which is designed for self-defence. Training is strictly supervised to prevent unnecessary injuries. Strength is not a major factor in Ju-Jitsu; rather balance, leverage, speed, skill and knowledge are required to enable the available strength to be applied to the greatest advantage.

There is a sport side to Ju Jitsu, and some of our members compete, and have won medals, at Jikishin Competitions, BJJA (GB) British Championships, Ju Jitsu International Federation Competitions, and even the World Games. The various categories for competition include sparring, ground-fighting, random attacks, duos, and open hand and weapons Kata. There is truly something for everyone in Ju Jitsu.