Frequently Asked Questions
Hando Ju Jitsu Clubs Essex Frequently Asked Questions
Click on a Question:
Have a question not covered here? Contact Us
How Much Does It Cost?
Do Hando supply Gift Certificates?
What Do I Have To Wear?
How Long have Hando Jikishin Ju Jitsu Clubs been in existence?
What Happens When I Turn Up For The First Time?
Will I get Thrown Around On My First Session?
I've Never Done a Martial Art Before, Am I Going To Be Out Of My Depth?
If I Come Along With A Friend, Will We Be Able To Train Together?
What If I Come Alone?
How Old Do I Have To Be?
I Am Female - Will There Be Any Other Women Training?
I Am 16 Years Old, Will I Train As An Adult Or As A Junior?
Do I Have To Learn Japanese?
I Am Not Very Fit - How Will I Cope?
Will Ju Jitsu Make A Difference To My Self Confidence?
Will I Get Injured?
Do I Have To Join The Jikishin Ju Jitsu Association Once I Have Started?
How Often Can I Train?
How Often Should I Train?
What Are The Martial Arts?
What is Self Defence?
What About the Legal Side of Self Defence?
What Are The Benefits of Ju Jitsu?
How Long Does It Take To Become A Black Belt?
Is A Black Belt Automatically A Ju Jitsu Teacher?
What About Competitions - Do I Have To Compete?
How Are Competitions Organised?
How long has the Jikishin Ju Jitsu Association been in existence?
What is the difference between Ju Jitsu & Jiu Jitsu?
What is Brazilian Ju Jitsu?
What Qualification do your Coaches / Instructors hold?
Does the club have a Code of Conduct?
Answers
What is Self Defence?
Self-defence is defined as the actions taken by a person to prevent another person from causing harm to them, their property or home. Self-defence is also accepted as an act of justified violence against unjustified aggression.
Self defence is also the study of effective fighting techniques for the purpose of defending oneself against aggression. The techniques are usually dirty, nasty things, which can rapidly injure and therefore disable the attacker without relying on a tremendous amount of physical strength and dexterity.
Martial arts techniques can be helpful in self defence situations and the defender must understand the difference between practicing a Martial Art and taking measures to defend one’s person and /or property. In martial arts competition, there are rules, and the idea is for you to beat your opponent within the rule structure.. In self defence, the only rules are to get the aggressor to cease their attack, in order to give you an opportunity to escape. What Are The Benefits of Ju Jitsu?
Ju Jitsu is fun, and you will be learning new skills, this is a benefit in itself. If you are unfit, Ju Jitsu will help you to address this, and increase your personal safety and self confidence.
· Self confidence
· Self control
· Respect for others
· Discipline
· Cooperation
· Fitness
· Agility
· Self Defence skills
· Awareness
· Focus
What About the Legal Side of Self Defence?
Based in Essex, Earl Walker, Chief Instructor of Hando Ju Jitsu Clubs is a BTEC Level 3 Self Defence Trainer and is well versed in Self Defence and the Law. The principle of Self Defence and Proportionality are discussed with students, and the requirements of the law made clear. Should you have any questions or issues around Self Defence, please discuss with Sensei Earl.
What Are The Benefits of Ju Jitsu?
Ju Jitsu is fun, and you will be learning new skills, this is a benefit in itself. If you are unfit, Ju Jitsu will help you to address this, and increase your personal safety and self confidence.
· Self confidence
· Self control
· Respect for others
· Discipline
· Cooperation
· Fitness
· Agility
· Self Defence skills
· Awareness
· Focus
I've Never Done a Martial Art Before, Am I Going To Be Out Of My Depth?
The Martial Arts are the study and application effective fighting techniques. It is this effectiveness which allows a proponent to defeat a much larger opponent. People study martial arts many reasons.
One of the main reasons that students commence training in the Martial Arts is to learn how to defend themselves. Many drop out during their career in Martial Arts due to lack of motivation, illness or injury, boredom, or sometimes life simply changes and no longer allows training. However, the for those who persevere, often the motivation becomes one of self improvement. There are many schools and styles of martial arts, and these are generally thought of as having been started in the Orient and brought to the West, however, the Martial Arts include “Western” sports such as boxing and wrestling, Brazilian styles such as Capoeira, Russian (Sambo), French (Savate) and so on. Ju Jitsu is a Japanese Martial Art which includes all aspects including striking and kicking, joint manipulation, throwing, choking and strangling and grappling. Is A Black Belt Automatically A Ju Jitsu Teacher?
No. Jitsu is excellent for beginners, and all of the people you meet in Ju Jitsu started as a novice – even the very few 10th Dans among us! All of our instructors are former students and will teach you in a time and experience led regime – the Syllabus is set up to introduce the beginner to some very strong, but simple techniques. The classes are taught in an open atmosphere, and the students you meet of whatever grade, know what it was like to start. The learning process is gradual, and progress is monitored so that each student receives the tuition required for their individual ability.
Is a Black Belt Automatically an Instructor / Coach / Teacher
Under the United Kingdom Martial Arts (GB). In order to teach, a Black Belt has to undergo a number of hurdles. The welfare and safety of our students, particularly the young and the vulnerable is of paramount importance to us. All UKMAGB Coaches are required to have gained experience in coaching, and the following are compulsory:
A Coaching Award from the UKGBMA (Accreditation - NVQ)
An Enhanced DBS (formerly CRB) check (required for teaching children and vulnerable adults)
A current First Aid Qualification (Red Cross or St. Johns)
Public Liability Insurance
The UKMAGB also have a Child Protection Policy in place which all instructors are obliged to abide by.
To see the UKMAGB Child Protection Policy.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Black Belt?
The minimum time from starting Ju Jitsu to becoming a Black Belt is 3 years. On average to gain a Black Belt takes 4 years plus. This is because the training required to obtain a Dan Grade in the Jikishin system is designed to be challenging, the requirements for First Dan Black Belt can be found on the Jikishin Ju Jitsu Association Dan Grade Syllabus page.
Do I Have To Learn Japanese?
Whilst in many Martial Arts, the throws and strikes are referred to by their Japanese names; we use English to describe all of the techniques within the Syllabus. We feel that our students come to learn to defend themselves, not to learn to speak parts of a foreign language. However, there are certain terms that derive from the origins of Ju Jitsu, the training place is still known as a Dojo, the teacher of the class is known as sensei, and the traditional bow at the start and finish of lessons is referred to as a rei.
What Happens When I Turn Up For The First Time?
Firstly we get changed and ready to train.
Then we will teach you the basic Breakfalls, Exercises, the start of the White Belt Syllabus. You will be introduced to the Instructors at the Club, registered (you will have to fill in a Jikishin Ju Jitsu Association Membership Form), and the training regime will be explained, Dojo Etiquette is explained and demonstrated.
You will line up for the formal start of the class with all the other students.
Will I get Thrown Around On My First Session?
These is a lot of throwing in Ju Jitsu, but you will not start getting thrown until you have practiced Breakfalls and are competent our opinion.
If I Come Along With A Friend, Will We Be Able To Train Together?
Yes, in fact we encourage beginners who start as a pair to work together and as most of the lesson is taken up with partner work, this usually works out fine.
What If I Come Alone?
Most students start training this way, we will introduce you to a training partner, of a similar grade (or if you are lucky, one of the Black Belts may take you under their wing), You will then train with your partner throughout the rest of the session.
What Do I Have To Wear?
For the first session you will need to wear a pair of Track Suit Bottoms and a long sleeved T-shirt - we train in bare feet, so no footwear is required. Any Jewellery will need to be removed, or in the case of a ring which cannot be taken off, covered with a sticking plaster. At some point before your first Grading you will need to purchase a training uniform, or Gi.
How Much Does It Cost?
Lessons are £14.00 per lesson for adults and £7.00 per lesson for juniors. There is a concessionary adult training fee for students, the disabled and the unemployed at £12.00 per lesson, and Juniors training at the adult club also receive a concession £10.00 per lesson.
In addition to this there is the Association Membership Fee (includes Insurance) around £30.00 per annum. Other costs you are likely to incur are a Gi (training uniform) this will cost between £20.00 and £34.00 (available from your Sensei). Gradings (average 2 per year) are £25.00 for seniors and £15.00 for juniors, including a new belt.
Prices, Terms & Conditions and Club Code of Conduct
Gift Certificates Available
Know someone who is interested in Ju Jitsu?
Why not buy them a Gift Certificate allowing 3 lessons at Hando Ju Jitsu Clubs for just £28.00 for an adult or £18.00 for a Junior.
How Often Can I Train?
Because Jikishin Ju Jitsu is widely practiced, there are clubs training on every day of the week, so you can tailor your training regime to suit yourself. As long as you come along to the club to which you belong, once per week, you may train (with the permission of your instructor) at any other Jikishin Club you wish.
See here for a list of Jikishin clubs.
How Often Should I Train?
Students should to train regularly, as it will improve the skill sets quickly, and allows the sensei to follow each individual’s progress. How often you train is optional. Beginners usually train once a week, with those who are studying and practising for the Black Belt 3 times a week is normal. Like any other skill, Ju Jitsu requires practice, to learn, to progress and to keep the skills sharp. In short, like anything else in life, the more effort you put in, the quicker you'll progress.
How Old Do I Have To Be?
Ju Jitsu appeals to all ages and can be practised by everyone. Members range from the ages of 4 years to about 82 years – one of our Black Belts took his 3rd Dan at 72! As with fitness, age is no barrier, for the Ju Jitsu student, and all can benefit from training.
Juniors love Ju Jitsu. Children love to roll around, wrestle and chase one another, tussle and grapple – it is natural for them and the Dojo gives an excellent atmosphere where this exuberance can be channelled, whilst still making the experience fun. Juniors are encouraged to develop and improve skills throughout their Ju Jitsu training, and being naturally competitive, we usually give the youngsters a game or two at the end of the training session as a reward for working hard. We encourage children to enjoy the training sessions, however, a strict code is followed so that no child can be bullied, and all can build a healthy respect for themselves and others.
I Am Female - Will There Be Any Other Women Training?
Yes, more than likely, Ju Jitsu is excellent for women, as well as for men. Many women choose to join a Ju Jitsu class because of the exercise, others because they wish to learn self-defence. The atmosphere at most clubs is extremely welcoming to women, and we have a large number of female Dan Grades within the Association.
Hando Ju Jitsu Clubs have a number of female Black Belts and Senior Instructors.
I Am 16 Years Old, Will I Train As An Adult Or As A Junior?
This will depend upon your size, maturity and ability - this will decided by us on your first attendance. In general, the rule is that at 16 years old, a student is "officially" classed as an adult, however, we have a number of students who have transferred to the adult training sessions early (at 15) and others who have remained in the junior ranks until 17 or 18. This is particularly the case with juniors training with a partner who is older / younger. We judge on a case by case basis. You will not be pushed beyond your abilities.
I Am Not Very Fit - How Will I Cope?
Training is adjusted to the individual, so we ask you to do only what you are capable of, and no more. However, through the warm-up, and training, your fitness level will rise to a degree where you should be in a position to complete the warm-up after 6 weeks to 3 months.
Will Ju Jitsu Make A Difference To My Self Confidence?
This is up to you - for most students the simple answer is yes it will. However, each individual is different, and training and learning to defend yourself is a great way to improve your self confidence. You will feel that you are in control and can face most situations. Self confidence is based on your own "view" of yourself, so if you feel confident when training, this will have a natural spill over into your normal life.
Will I Get Injured?
In general, Ju Jitsu is very safe. There are occasional injuries, and these tend to be minor in severity. Like any combat sport, or indeed almost all sports, there is an inherent risk. Jikishin Instructors are trained to avoid injury, are all First Aid trained, and are familiar with Sports Injuries. The risk is generally low, as training sessions are carefully controlled and instructors are aware, and point out, where the risk of injury is higher.
What About Competitions - Do I Have To Compete?
Competition is not compulsory, but does give you the opportunity to assess your skills against others of a similar grade. Competing is purely optional, however, we encourage those who wish to compete, and assist with training regimes, strategies, and practice for success in competition.
How Are Competitions Organised?
Within Jikishin there is adequate scope and variety for those who enjoy competing, however competition is voluntary – not mandatory. The choice of whether to compete is entirely the choice of the student, provided that the student meets the competition entry criteria.
Inter-club, National and International level competitions are held on a regular basis. In addition there are competition specific training sessions, and time at regular training sessions to dedicate to competition.
Competitions are organised under various categories, and competitors enter according to weight, grade or in open categories depending on the discipline.
There are a number of categories:
Ground-fighting
Sparring
Sport Fighting
Random Attacks (National & International)
Kata - Open Hand
Kata – Weapons
Kata - Pairs
Team Demonstration (International Only)
It is apparent that there are very few obstacles to those who wish to compete.
The competitions at most events cover both junior and senior entrants, and your instructor will explain rules for each event.
In order to be eligible to compete the entrant has to:
Be fit to compete
Have trained for the discipline
Have up to date UKMA (GB) membership
Have up to date Jikishin Ju Jitsu Association membership
Have up to date Insurance
Have entered the competition within the time limit prior to competition.
Do I Have To Join The Jikishin Ju Jitsu Association?
Yes, all students have to join the Jikishin Ju Jitsu Association, and this confers membership of the United Kingdom Martial Arts (GB) (although there is no individual membership of the UKMA (GB), membership is through the Associations only). There is an annual fee which includes all fees paid to the UKMAGB, Insurance, and Club and Association Membership are also included. There is a limited Insurance Scheme which is also provided - See Terms and Conditions on Insurance Certificate. There is a form to fill in, (Membership Form)and once the initial membership fee is paid, the membership process is complete.
The Jikishin Ju Jitsu Association reserves the right to decline membership without giving a reason.
How Long Has Jikishin Ju Jitsu Been In Existence?
Jikishin Ju Jitsu Association was started by Professor Terry Parker - 10th Dan, in 1991. Hanshi Brian Herbert took over the management and responsibility of the Association, when Professor Parker retired in 2004.
How Long have Hando Jikishin Ju Jitsu Clubs been in existence?
Harlow & Ongar (HANDO) Ju Jitsu Clubs have been in existence since 1979, and Earl Walker has been the Chief Instructor since 1992. The club has a long history and has had a number of Instructors over the years. The club was first started by Professor Terry Parker, and Sensei Steve Fryer was the incumbent before Earl Walker.
What is the difference between Ju Jitsu & Jiu Jitsu?
There is no difference. Ju Jitsu or Jiu Jitsu are transliterations of the Japanese words/phrase which are not directly translatable into English as there are no English letter equivalents to the Japanese characters. This means that the words are translated phonically, and this gives rise to the difference in spellings.
What is Brazilian Ju Jitsu?
Brazilian Ju Jitsu is a sport inspired version of Ju Jitsu, modified from traditional Ju Jitsu by the Gracie family of Brazil, and now taught as both a standalone sport, or as part of a suite of skills utilised by MMA fighters. It is predominately ground based, and grappling with an opponent to a conclusion of either a submission or "choke out" where the opponent is rendered unconscious.
What Qualification do your Coaches / Instructors hold?
All of our Coaches have DBS (formerly CRB) Clearance, have completed the UKMAGB Coaching Course, have a current First Aid Qualification, possess Public Liability Insurance to a minimum of £5,000,000.00, and must abide by the Club Code of Conduct.
Does the club have a Code of Conduct?
The club has a Code of Conduct that covers all participants, parents and coaches. The Code of Conduct lays out the roles of responsibilities of all of those involved in the Club. A sheet giving the costs of training and the code of conduct is given to every new student, or in the case of Juniors, the parent who completes the Membership Form.