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FAQs - Jiu-Jitsu
What are the origins of Jiu-Jitsu?
Jiu-Jitsu is originally a Japanese martial art, and was developed by the Samurai over thousands of years in feudal Japan.
For more detailed information on the history of Jiu-Jitsu, see Here.
What makes Jiu-Jitsu different from other martial arts?
Jiu-Jitsu was the pre-cursor of modern Japanese martial arts; Karate, Judo and Aikido. These were all adapted from Jiu-Jitsu as the sporting aspects of the art. Other martial arts from the orient such as Tae Kwon Do and Kick Boxing
are similar to Judo and Karate in that they are sports by nature and so focus on a particular aspect of combat,
be it striking or throwing. Jiu-Jitsu is taught as a self-defence system rather
than a sport, and so while we teach techniques that may be familiar to
practitioners of Judo or Karate, we teach you to use them in very unsporting
situations involving (for example) armed assailants, multiple attackers and
surprise attacks.
What style of Jiu-Jitsu do you teach?
The style of Jiu-Jitsu taught at Archway Jiu-Jitsu club is called Shorinji Kan Jiu-Jitsu. This style is regulated
and co-ordinated by the Jitsu Foundation.
So is it Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
No. Most Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu styles teach that since most fights end up wrestling on the floor, groundwork is the most important
aspect of self defence. While we agree that groundwork is important and we do teach it, it is not the focus of our training.
We teach that it is not always sensible to take a fight to the floor - In a crowded or hostile environment, or if a fight
involves weapons or more than one assailant, it is often best to stay on your feet.
What techniques does Jiu-Jitsu involve?
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. See Here for more information.
Will I get hurt?
Yes, although it is important to differentiate between 'pain' and 'injury'. A lot of the techniques you will
be practicing are intended to be painful - That is what makes Jiu-Jitsu so effective,
whereas injuries are never intended and if the techniques are applied correctly, then they shouldn't result in injury.
However, if you do any contact sport for long enough, you will inevitably pick up cuts and bruises and pulled muscles.
More serious injuries such as broken bones, joint dislocations and other trauma are less common although they can happen.
Every precaution is taken to keep these to a minimum and the emphasis is always on safety. All instructors are first-aid
qualified.