Frequently Asked Questions

It's a traditional Japanese martial art that uses joint locks, throws and strikes to defend against different attacks. We teach a modern form, adapted to today's self-defence situations rather than armour and horses.

Find your local club, check their training times and turn up to any convenient class to meet the instructor - try to arrive five minutes early. Fill out the form and take it along with you.

Yes - our classes cater for all abilities, shapes and experience. Progress is continuous and there are no novice classes, so just turn up and join in. Your first class is free.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing you can move around in, such as tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt. Remove or secure jewellery and tie back long hair for safety. After a few weeks you might buy a training suit (gi), though this isn't essential at first.

Just yourself and a willingness to try new and exciting things.

Almost certainly, but you'll only know if you try. Jiu Jitsu redirects an attacker's force and momentum against them using minimum effort, so you don't need to be big, strong or fit to start - though you will get fitter.

As a not-for-profit organisation, clubs charge only the minimum necessary to cover hall fees and running costs. Instructors take no money, and everything collected goes back into the club, so rates vary by club.

Regular training improves fitness, coordination, flexibility, balance and your capacity to deal with aggression, as well as building self-awareness, mental toughness and confidence.