Creating an Inclusive Training Environment: Why It Matters

Introduction

At Brighton Jiu Jitsu Club, we believe martial arts should be accessible to everyone. Creating an inclusive training environment isn’t just the right thing to do – it makes our club stronger, our training better, and our community more welcoming.

What Does Inclusive Training Mean?

An inclusive training environment is one where:

• Everyone feels welcome, regardless of their background or identity
• All members are treated with respect
• Diversity is celebrated, not just tolerated
• Everyone feels safe to learn and be themselves
• Barriers to participation are removed or minimized

Why Inclusivity Matters

Better Training

When everyone feels welcome and safe, people are more willing to ask questions, try new things, and push themselves. This creates better training for everyone.

Stronger Community

Diverse communities are stronger communities. Different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds enrich our training and our relationships.

Real-World Relevance

In the real world, you might need to defend yourself against attackers of different sizes, genders, and backgrounds. Training with a diverse group prepares you for real-world scenarios.

Personal Growth

Training with people from different backgrounds challenges your assumptions, broadens your perspective, and helps you grow as a person.

Right Thing to Do

Most importantly, creating an inclusive environment is simply the right thing to do. Everyone deserves access to effective self-defence training in a safe, welcoming space.

Our Commitment to Inclusivity

Welcoming to All

We welcome people of all genders, sexual orientations, races, religions, backgrounds, ages, fitness levels, and experience levels. As long as you’re healthy and can participate safely, you’re welcome.

Respectful Environment

We expect all members to treat each other with respect. Disrespectful behavior, discrimination, or harassment is not tolerated.

Safe Space

We prioritize both physical and emotional safety. Everyone should feel safe to train, learn, ask questions, and be themselves.

No Judgment

We’re all here to learn. There’s no judgment about your skill level, fitness, experience, or background. We celebrate progress, not perfection.

Accessible Pricing

At just £5 per session, we remove financial barriers. We believe everyone deserves access to effective self-defence training, regardless of their financial situation.

How We Create an Inclusive Environment

Clear Policies

We have clear respect and safety policies that everyone is expected to follow. These policies help ensure everyone feels safe and welcome.

Supportive Instructors

Our instructors are experienced at working with diverse groups and creating welcoming environments. They’re trained to address concerns and ensure everyone feels included.

Community Values

We actively promote values of respect, inclusivity, and support. These values are reinforced in how we train and how we interact.

Open Communication

We encourage open communication. If you have concerns about inclusivity or feel unwelcome, we want to know so we can address it.

Continuous Improvement

We’re committed to continuously improving our inclusivity practices. We welcome feedback and work to make our environment more welcoming.

Benefits of Inclusive Training

For Women

Women often face unique concerns about martial arts training. An inclusive environment addresses these concerns and creates a space where women feel safe and welcome.

For LGBTQ+ Individuals

LGBTQ+ individuals may have concerns about discrimination or feeling unwelcome. An inclusive environment ensures everyone feels safe and respected.

For Students

Students may have concerns about affordability, time, or fitting in. An inclusive environment addresses these concerns and makes training accessible.

For Beginners

Beginners may worry about not fitting in or being judged. An inclusive environment welcomes beginners and supports their learning journey.

For Everyone

An inclusive environment benefits everyone by creating a safer, more supportive, and more effective training experience.

What to Look for in an Inclusive Club

When looking for a martial arts club, consider:

• Clear Policies: Do they have clear respect and safety policies?
• Welcoming Atmosphere: Do you feel welcome when you visit?
• Diverse Membership: Do they have members from diverse backgrounds?
• Supportive Instructors: Are instructors supportive and inclusive?
• Open Communication: Can you ask questions and raise concerns?
• Affordable: Is pricing accessible?

Brighton Jiu Jitsu Club’s Approach

At Brighton Jiu Jitsu Club, we’re committed to creating an inclusive training environment. We:

• Welcome everyone, regardless of background or identity
• Have clear respect and safety policies
• Create a supportive, non-judgmental atmosphere
• Keep pricing affordable (£5 per session)
• Train instructors to create welcoming environments
• Continuously work to improve our inclusivity practices

Getting Started

If you’re looking for an inclusive martial arts club in Brighton, we’d love to welcome you. Come along on a Thursday evening and experience our welcoming environment for yourself.

When: Thursdays, 7:45pm – 10:30pm Where: 12 Queen Square, Brighton and Hove, BN1 3FD Cost: Just £5 per session Contact: Join our WhatsApp group or email info@brightonjitsu.org

Conclusion

Creating an inclusive training environment matters. It makes training better, communities stronger, and ensures everyone has access to effective self-defence training in a safe, welcoming space. At Brighton Jiu Jitsu Club, we’re committed to creating this kind of environment.

Interested in joining an inclusive martial arts club? Contact us or come along on a Thursday evening. Everyone is welcome.