Are you a BJJ school?
No, we are a self-defence martial art. We focus on practical, real-world self-defence solutions rather than sport competition.
Do you have competitions?
Yes, but just for fun and they are based on judo. Our primary focus is on self-defence training, not competition.
Can anyone train?
As long as you’re healthy and have good personal hygiene, you’re welcome to train with us. We believe martial arts is for everyone.
What should I bring to my first class?
– Comfortable clothing (tracksuit or similar)
– Water bottle
– Towel
– Positive attitude and willingness to learn
How much does it cost?
Just £5 per session. There’s also an insurance fee when you join, which is required for all members.
When are classes?
We train on **Thursdays from 7:45 pm to 10:30 pm** at 12 Queen Square, Brighton and Hove, BN1 3FD.
Do I need experience?
No experience necessary! We welcome complete beginners. Our instructors will guide you through everything you need to know.
What age groups do you train?
We welcome adults of all ages. As long as you’re healthy and can participate safely, you’re welcome.
What makes your club different?
– We deal with multiple attackers (real-world scenarios)
– Real-world solutions, not sport techniques
– We pressure test solutions until they’re effective
– We keep it simple
– We have fun while learning
How do I join?
Simply fill out our licence form and come along on a Thursday evening, or contact us via WhatsApp: Join our WhatsApp group or email info@brightonjitsu.org
I have never done martial arts before. Are there beginner’s courses?
Beginners are welcome at any time; sessions are open to all! Just come along and say hi, whether you are a complete beginner, have done other martial arts or are returning to TJJF grade.
Japanese Jiu Jitsu: Japanese Jiu Jitsu, also known as Jujutsu or jitsu, is a traditional Japanese martial art that dates back to the feudal era. It is a comprehensive combat system that emphasises joint locks, throws, strikes, and grappling techniques to neutralise an opponent. The art was developed for samurai to defend themselves in situations where weapons were ineffective or not allowed. It focuses on using an opponent’s energy against them, allowing a smaller individual to defeat a larger adversary through skill and technique.
What are the differences between Japanese Jiu Jitsu, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Judo
While Japanese Jiu Jitsu is the ancestral art from which Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and Judo evolved, there are distinct differences between them. BJJ primarily focuses on ground fighting and submission grappling, often in a sports context, whereas Japanese Jiu Jitsu includes a wider range of techniques, including striking and weapon defences, typically from a self-defence perspective. Judo, on the other hand, specialises in throws and has become a competitive sport with its own set of rules and scoring system.
Is Japanese Jiu-Jitsu good for self-defence?
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu is considered highly effective for self-defence due to its diverse set of techniques that address various combat scenarios. It teaches practitioners to use leverage and techniques to control or incapacitate an attacker, making it suitable for real-life self-defence situations. The art includes strikes, throws, joint locks, and ground control, providing a well-rounded approach to personal protection.
What are the benefits?
Practising Japanese Jiu-Jitsu offers numerous physical benefits, such as improved strength, flexibility, cardiovascular fitness, and overall conditioning. Mentally, it fosters discipline, focus, and resilience. The rigorous training helps reduce stress, enhance emotional well-being, and build confidence. As a result, practitioners often experience personal growth and an improved ability to handle life’s challenges.
What will I learn first at Japanese Jiu-Jitsu
Beginners should expect to learn the basics of stance, movement, falling safely, and fundamental techniques. It’s common to feel overwhelmed at first, but with consistent practice, the movements become more natural. Most dojos offer beginner-friendly classes that gradually introduce the art’s complexities.
A Typical Japanese Jiu-Jitsu class
A typical Japanese Jiu-Jitsu class usually begins with a warm-up, followed by instruction and practice of specific techniques. Students then partner up to drill these techniques under the guidance of the instructor. Classes often include a question-and-answer session to address any difficulties students may have. Sparring or randori may conclude the class, allowing students to apply what they’ve learned in a controlled environment.
Belt ranks and progression in Japanese Jiu-Jitsu
The belt ranking system in Japanese Jiu-Jitsu serves as a marker of a practitioner’s experience and skill level. It typically starts with white and progresses through a series of colours, including yellow, orange, green, purple, light blue, dark Blue, and brown, before reaching the coveted black belt. Each belt level represents a milestone in the practitioner’s journey, reflecting their technical proficiency and understanding of the art.
Equipment needed for Japanese Jiu-Jitsu training
Essential equipment for Japanese Jiu-Jitsu training includes a gi (kimono), which is the traditional uniform, and a belt that indicates rank. For no-gi training, practitioners wear a rash guard and grappling shorts or spats. Additional protective gear, like mouthguards, may be used.
Improving mental resilience through Japanese Jiu-Jitsu training
Training in Japanese Jiu-Jitsu can significantly improve mental resilience. The art teaches practitioners to remain calm under pressure, adapt to changing situations, and overcome adversity. These skills translate beyond the mat, helping individuals to develop a resilient mindset that can handle life’s challenges with greater ease and confidence.
Philosophy behind Japanese Jiu-Jitsu
The philosophy of Japanese Jiu-Jitsu is rooted in the principle of “yielding,” where the idea is to use an opponent’s force against them rather than confronting it with one’s own force. This philosophy extends to the moral code of practitioners, emphasising respect, humility, and the pursuit of self-mastery. It aligns with the Buddhist values of non-harm and enlightenment, reflecting the art’s historical origins.
What should I wear/bring?
Wear loose clothes like tracksuit bottoms and a T-shirt, and make sure you bring a water bottle, we get hot and bounce around a lot. No jewellery or wristbands, please.
Does it hurt?
Jitsu is a sport, like all sports, pain is involved, but we train in an extremely safe and progressive environment where injuries are very rare and we only push you to your limits, no further. We also have first aiders in the clubs.
Can I do it?
Yes, we don’t care who you are. While jitsu can look brutal, and it can be, it uses the attacker’s energy to our advantage. We will teach you many different techniques to defend yourself from a range of attacks, and then you can pick and choose your favourites as they work for you.
Is it fun?
Yes, we like to think so, but it does depend on your idea of fun. Come try it for free, and if you don’t like it, at least then you know that and hopefully in those two hours you will have learnt a little.
Does it cost a lot, and where does my money go?
We think we are the cheapest martial arts in the area. Please let us know if we are not. This doesn’t mean we are rubbish, we just don’t have the overheads of other clubs. We don’t have to pay for the room hire, and the instructors teach for love, not money. The Jitsu Foundation is also a ‘not for profit’ organisation and only has a couple of staff, so we are well set to teach quality systems for little cost. Your money goes to insurance, upkeep of the small amount of equipment we have and sponsoring you in any events we go to.
For more information on our costs and fees, check our specific page here
I’m not a student, can I train with you?
The club is open to all those over 16, so yes, please come down and have a chat.
Is your club welcoming to women?
Absolutely! We welcome women and provide a respectful, supportive environment for female members. Many of our members are women who value practical self-defence training. We focus on techniques that work regardless of size or strength, making our training particularly valuable for women.
Is this club LGBTQ+ friendly?
Yes, we’re committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for everyone, including LGBTQ+ individuals. We believe everyone deserves access to effective self-defence training in a safe, respectful space.
Is this suitable for students?
Yes! Our Thursday evening classes (7:45pm-10:30pm) are designed to fit around university schedules. At just £5 per session, our pricing is student-friendly, and there are no long-term contracts or commitments.
What if I’m not very fit?
That’s perfectly fine! We’ll help you build fitness gradually. Everyone starts somewhere, and we adapt training to your current fitness level. The important thing is that you’re willing to learn and participate safely.
Will I feel out of place as a beginner?
Not at all! We welcome complete beginners and many of our members started with no experience. Our instructors are experienced at working with beginners, and the atmosphere is supportive and non-judgmental.
What if I’m worried about training with people I don’t know?
We understand this concern. Our training environment is respectful and safe. We have clear guidelines about appropriate conduct, and everyone is expected to treat training partners with respect. If you have any concerns, speak to an instructor – we’re here to help.
Do you have a code of conduct or respect policy?
Yes. We expect all members to treat each other with respect, regardless of gender, background, or experience level. Disrespectful behavior is not tolerated. We’re all here to learn in a safe, supportive environment.
I have a disability. Can I train?
Yes, as long as our insurance provider is happy, you may require a letter from your GP for the insurance. Then we will work to train within your limits, we will do our very best to help you learn what you can in a safe, practical and personal way.
What do I gain from this martial art?
Skill, confidence, leadership, self-awareness, the list can go on, but the longer you do it, the more you will change, people will see the change in your posture and attitude in your normal life and you will start to look like someone who is confident and knows how to handle themselves, massively reducing the chances of an altercation in the first place, which is the best thing for everyone.
What’s a session like?
It’s best to arrive 10 minutes before the session starts, to change and have a chat with everyone. We begin with a warm-up (some cardio and strength training), and then some falling practice (learning how to roll around and fall from a throw safely). In the main session, the instructor demonstrates a technique, and we pair up to practice together, then more demonstrations, more practice, and so on. Usually, there is some pressure testing at the end, to see how well we can apply what we’ve learned. We then retire to the pub.
How long does it take to get a black belt?
To start with, you can grade every three months or so, but you need to be good enough to pass. We do not give you a new belt because you turned up to a grading. If you are good enough to pass each grading in the shortest time period, you could get your black belt in about 3-4 years, but most people are happy not to rush this process.
Do I need to buy the kit and insurance?
You can get away with two weeks without our annual £30 insurance policy; after this time, you will need to pay for this to train. The Gi or uniform is the only other thing you will need, and you can train without one until your first grading, which takes about 3 months to get to. We do advise you to get one ASAP, just so that your clothes don’t get damaged in training. The Gi should last around 5 to 10 years at least.
Is there a social aspect to the club?
Oh yes, going for a drink after training is almost compulsory. We spend two hours trying our best to knock each other out, so it is only fair to go to the pub for a nice chat and a hug afterwards. We also like to have separate social events both within the club, in the southeast region and nationally.
Are you part of a larger organisation?
Yes, we are part of The Jitsu Foundation with clubs all over the world; we are a very large organisation. Just in the Brighton area, we are lucky to have two clubs and five instructors to teach you all sorts of different aspects of the art. The more instructors you can have, the broader and better your skills will become.
Still have questions?
Contact us via WhatsApp or email – we’re happy to help!