***NEW FOR 2008***

For the first time ever at UWO there will be a MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) class in addition to the regular Jiu-jitsu classes! Western Jiu-jitsu will be holding an MMA/Self-defence class every Sunday afternoon from 3pm to 5pm!! The emphasis will be on Jiu-jitsu-based MMA/NHB/Vale Tudo techniques and Jiu-jitsu self-defense techniques for the street. Although some "ring" techniques will be taught, none of us are going to be UFC fighters in the near future so applications of techniques for street self-defense better serve our needs. This class will be technique based (as opposed to conditioning training) and any member of Western Jiu-jitsu (fully paid for all nights) is welcome to attend!

This is our first year running the classes so time will tell where the training takes us. We hope to evetually bring in guest seminar instructors in other disciplines such as: Muay Thai, boxing, wrestling, etc.  

 

***NEW FOR 2008***

We will also be holding no-gi submission grappling classes once per week - another first brought to you by Western Jiu-jitsu! Check schedule for class time. (Note: this is only available to fully paid-up Western Jiu-jitsu students who have chosen the complete class option) .

 

Since its founding in 1998, Western Jiu-jitsu has been the most popular martial arts club on campus. The club functions as a beginners’ programme and thus has a highly structured curriculum aimed at students with little-to-no experience. However, students of any skill level/belt rank from beginner to advanced are free to come and enjoy the classes!

Our style of Jiu-jitsu is a blend of various martial arts and is divided into two main components: grappling techniques and striking techniques.

The grappling component, the (main part of our art) is comprised of various techniques involving: seizing and clinching, throwing and tripping, pinning and controlling, submissions such as arm-locks, leg-locks, chokes and strangles, as well as escaping from bottom positions and reversals.

The arts that these techniques are derived from, in order of influence are: 1) Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, 2) Judo (Kano Jiu-jitsu), 3)traditional Japanese Ju-Jutsu.

The striking techniques are divided into two categories: Self-defence and Sport.

The self-defense striking is mainly derived from: 1)Kenpo Karate and 2) WW2 CQC techniques.

The sportive striking is derived mainly from: Western Boxing and Muay Thai.

The current emphasis at our club is mainly self-defense striking techniques and strategies. However for different applications there can be overlap between the two categories.

The entire system of Jiu-jitsu can be divided into 4 distinct, but overlapping divisions:

1) Self-defense, 2) Sport, 3) Fighting, 4) Art

1) Self-defense: The ability to protect oneself from harm should be the cornerstone of any martial art. Thus WJJ places high priority in teaching realistic techniques and strategies for survival against aggressive attacks. Each belt level gives you realistic options for self-protection.

2) Sport: A large foundation of WJJ’s curriculum. Sportive practice allows one to apply and ‘test’ techniques against a resisting opponent in a safe, controlled manner. This is especially important when learning to escape bottom positions. More importantly, the sportive aspect of Jiu-jitsu is a fun, social activity which also provides for an intense workout! We are strictly recreational practitioners who usually practice in a relaxed manner. Tournament competitions are optional, and no one is pressured into competing. However, a few students each year enter some of the main tournaments held around Southwestern Ontario. The sport of Jiu-jitsu has exploded in popularity within the past decade and this part of the curriculum is enjoyed by all.

3) Fighting/Mixed Martial Arts (MMA): The ‘fighting’ component of Jiu-jitsu is comprised of techniques mainly used when ‘squaring off’ with an opponent in some type of one-on-one altercation. All belt levels have some techniques to address this component, with more being learned at the higher levels. With the recent popularity of ‘Ultimate Fighting’, or “Mixed Martial Arts” more people are looking to learn techniques from this area. This type of fighting is inherent to pre-1947 Judo and the more recent Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, on which MMA was founded. Without Jiu-jitsu there would be no MMA. This is a smaller part of out curriculum, and is mainly taught as and adjunct to sportive and self-defense aspects.

4) Art: Some techniques in Jiu-jitsu have limited application for sport, self-defence or fighting. However, they are retained to: a) teach principles and theory of certain aspects of the art, b) retain a sense of history/culture/tradition, c) a certain affiliation or organization requires them to be taught, or d) because they are fun to do/look cool! This is the smallest part of the WJJ curriculum.

Despite these categories, there can be substantial overlap between application and use of techniques in different situations. Some sportive movements are done the same in a self-defence situation; some self-defence techniques can be used in fighting; some fighting techniques can be used in sport; some self-defense techniques can be used in ‘art’, etc. These categories are really designed to simplify, clarify and sort techniques. However in reality the line between each category is blurred.

To give a general breakdown of our emphasis on both components:

Grappling techniques comprise about 70% of our practice time and curriculum.
Further sub-divided, standing grappling is about 30% and ground grappling (ne waza) about 70%.

Striking techniques account for approximately 30% of our practice time and curriculum.  To give a general breakdown of our emphasis on divisions:

Sport: 50 to 60%
Self-defence: 20 to 30%
Fighting: 15 -20%
Art: 5%

Please keep in mind that there is a lot of overlap, and these are only very general estimates over a long period of time. These can change on a weekly or monthly basis depending on what is being emphasized at the time. In addition, beginners will primarily learn sportive techniques in order to develop a strong foundation and provide a social, fun atmosphere while providing a great workout!