We are small Ju-Jitsu style self defence martial arts club, based at the Charles Dickens Centre in central Portsmouth (just off Commercial Road in Portsmouth). The club has been running and training in Ju-Jitsu self defence martial arts for over 20 years.
Sensei Gary Woodward is a 6th Dan Black belt Master Instructor (registered with Cobra Martial Arts Association Uk and enhanced DBS checked) and has been running the club since it started. We train at the Charles Dickens Centre in Portsmouth (a very short walk from the Tesco store in Commercial Road).
We have seen many Ju Jitsu Jitsuka rise from their first session, through their progression to new belts and up to black belt status. We follow a syllabus of Ju Jitsu moves involving blocks, locks, strikes, throws, holds, pressure points and strangles. Once a Jitsuka had practised their syllabus for a minimum of 12 sessions (white - blue belt, 6 months for brown and brown/white and a year for black belt), they may take a grading if they feel ready. Gradings are performed individually in front of Sensei Gary at the Portsmouth dojo. If the Jitsuka performs the moves from their syllabus sufficiently they are awarded their next belt (usually the following session) and can begin training their next syllabus.
In addition to the syllabus for each belt we also learn and practice weapon Katas each session. Learning a variety of moves for a wide range of weapons used with the art of Ju-Jistu. We train with Katana (or Iaito as we don't use live blades on the mat), Knives (again blunt/rubber/wooden), Bo and Jo staff, Nunchucks, Escrima, Sai, Fans and a few more.
We train hard (but friendly) on the mat and meet up in the bar afterwards to catch up on the weeks events/organise get togethers outside of the dojo, catch up and generally have a good laugh with each other. This is a great way to boost morale, make friends and discuss things in a relaxed atmosphere.
Jiu-jitsu, martial arts, self defence, mma, judo, karate, kung fu, wing chun, aikido, bushido, brazilian jiu jitsu, tae kwan do