What is a typical training session like?
We generally begin with a quick warm-up and stretch to help prevent any injuries in the session. We then practice ukemi, or breakfalling. These techniques teach you to protect yourself when falling or being thrown. This also greatly helps develop your control over your body, and provides you with the foundations of many later techniques.
Next, the instructor will demonstrate and explain a technique. The club will divide up into pairs to practise and learn the technique. This provides you with the opportunity to train with everyone, and get a feel for moving your own body in novel ways, and also for controlling someone else's body. We start gradually with simple techniques, for example being grabbed by the wrist, and work up to, in the senior grades for example, dealing with multiple armed attackers.
Finally, the session will normally culminate in the opportunity to see whether or not the technique/s that you have learned can be applied under pressure. We then repair to a local watering hole for some well-earned beverages.
Will it hurt?
As a contact martial art, studying Jitsu does carry some risk. As we are simulating combat, injuries such as bruises and sprains are to be expected. However, in so far as is reasonably possible, both the Club and the Jitsu Foundation, aim to ensure that all training is carried out in the safest possible environment, and that all necessary precautions are taken. Demonstrating control and care of your training partner is of paramount importance in Jitsu.
How is Jitsu different from other martial arts?
The best way to answer that is by trying out as many styles as possible for yourself. There are many which are similar to Jitsu, for example Aikido and Judo (Both of which in fact were developed after intensive training in Jitsu.) There are others which are completely dissimilar, like Tae Kwon Do and Wushu (Kung Fu.) As a general rule though, our particular style of Jitsu is highly practical, and focused very much on the physical aspect of the style. This does not mean we're all bruisers and thugs! However, the spiritual aspects of the art, which play a heavy role in a martial art such as Aikido, are not focused on here. Jitsu is about learning to defend yourself in a relaxed and friendly environment, not answering the questions of the universe.
Is the club affiliated to anyone?
Yes. The Pretoria Jitsu Club is affiliated to The Jitsu Foundation, which regulates over 100 Jitsu Clubs in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Brazil.
TJF provide both mandates for instructors, as well as organise gradings, courses and many other jitsu-related events.
Who can train?
Anyone.
Obviously, though, as this is a contact sport, people with injuries are advised to discuss them with the instructor before starting, but as rule, no one is excluded from training because of race, gender, orientation, religion or anything else.
How do gradings work?
As the senior instructors of our style are all based overseas, gradings are held twice a year, during which time they travel to SA to grade students here. All gradings must be done by the 3rd Dan Senseis. As students are able to grade every 3 months, there will be opportunities to 'double grade' at these gradings.
Who is the Instructor?
Our sensei is Davis Cook, 1st Kyu. Davis has trained in many styles of martial art including 4 styles of Kung Fu, 2 of Jiu-jitsu (including this one) Goju-kai Karate and Chi-Na. Davis studied under James Garvey, Senior Shodan, at UCL Jitsu Club in London before returning to South Africa and opening the Pretoria Jitsu Club.
How much does it cost?
As our instructors take no money, the only regular costs involved are to cover the hire of the dojo, as well as to help provide for equipment and courses. The current cost is R150 per month, which includes all classes.
Any more Questions?
Contact Davis Cook by email or by phone at 0836770644.