Trying Jiu Jitsu

So if you want to try Jiu Jitsu, there are a few things you need to know...

Where to find a club
What to wear
When to turn up
Everything else

Jiu Jitsu.
I'm gonna learn Jiu Jitsu...?
- Neo, The Matrix

Where to find a club

There is a full list of clubs available on our governing body's web site - The Jitsu Foundation, and a fairly comprehensive list right here on this site. Details of how to get to these clubs and usually the particular details of joining can be found on each club's web site.

York Town Jitsu Club
The town club is the club of choice for residents of York and the surrounding area who are not members of the University of York. Full details of how to find the club can be found here.

University of York Jitsu Club The University sports centre hosts the training for the University club. The sports centre's main hall is easily found, and though the hall is shared with the University's Karate club, the jitsu club can be found at the far end of the hall (behind the green curtain), training on a matted area.

Full directions to the sports centre can be found here

What to wear

When starting Jiu Jitsu, its best to wear something old and comfortable. Whatever you wear needs to allow you free movement, not have big metal buckles all over it, and it shouldn't matter if it gets pulled a little out of shape. The ideal choice is usually jogging bottoms and a sweatshirt. Supportive undergarments are also helpful as with any athletic pursuit.

Whilst training, you will predominantly be on a matted area so there are no footwear requirements for training - except you won't be allowed to wear shoes, socks, etc.

If you decide you like Jiu Jitsu, then you will be able to purchase a suit through your club instructor or committee.

When to turn up

Many clubs accept prospective students all year round. If you are a university student it is often best to join within the first few weeks of a term or semester. You don't have to join at the beginning of a year (academic or calendar). If you wish to join a town club (this is the generic term for non-University clubs within our governing body - hence York Town not York City) you can usually do this all year round.

York Town Jitsu Club
The town club accepts new club members at any time. Simply turn up to a session, and give it a try.

If you prefer you can contact the club by e-mail for additional details.

University of York Jitsu Club The University club has a large recruitment drive at the Athletic Union Mart at the start of each year. This includes several demonstrations and is an excellent opportunity to join the club. However if you miss that just turn up to the beginning of a session and speak to the instructor or a committee member about joining the club.

If you prefer you could even contact the club by e-mail.

Everything else

If you have any other questions about joining jitsu, then have a read of the web site of the club, and drop an e-mail to the club. If you want any more details about the clubs in York, then just click on one of the buttons on the left menu to take you to the appropriate club. There are details there about training times, locations, and fees.

If you still can't get find the answer you're looking for, then perhaps we can help. Just e-mail your query and we'll do our best to answer it for you.

You can also take a look at the club welcome packs on the site's downloads area.

Last Modified: