The Jiu Jitsu F.A.Q.

There are many common questions asked about jitsu and what follows is an attempt to answer these in a concise and informative manner. If there's a question you would like to ask then contact us and we'll do our best to answer it.

1. What is jiu jitsu?

Jiu jitsu is a martial art originally developed by the Samurai of medieval Japan. It is based on locking, striking and throwing techniques.

2. What does jiu jitsu mean?

Jiu jitsu translates roughly to the gentle or yielding art. For more information take a look at the meaning of jitsu page.

3. What's the difference between jitsu, ju jutsu and jiu jitsu?

Jitsu, ju jutsu and jiu jitsu are essentially the same martial art. As with many things, Westernisation has led to another abbreviation ("Jitsu") and there isn't necessarily a correct way to spell Japanese words in an 'English' way.

4. Why is jitsu better than other martial arts?

All martial arts have their own things to offer, and jitsu is no better or worse than any other. Jitsu's main advantage is that instead of concentrating on a particular aspect of martial expertise such as punching or throwing it covers many forms of technique (throws, kicks, punches, strangles, locks, to name but a few). Jitsu also includes both armed and unarmed techniques as well as defences against armed assailants and multiple assailants.

5. Who can do Jiu Jitsu?

Anyone can do jitsu - the gentle art. It is based more on movement and using an opponents own movement against them (in the same way that aikido does). Gender, size and age are irrelevant for the majority of techniques taught in jitsu and although they some are indeed difficult to master, once they are they can make any jitsuka a worthy adversary.

6. Do I need to be fit?

Jitsu begins slowly at the novice level and the necessary fitness is usually attained through the course of regular training. At higher levels a jitsuka often seeks out additional fitness training to keep fit - as skill improves it tends to take less effort and exertion to perform a technique....

7. Will it hurt?

From the beginning safety is stressed in jitsu. The first things a novice jitsuka is taught are how to move out of the way of attacks and how to protect themselves if they fall onto the dojo mats (breakfalling out of throws). A tapping system is also used where if a lock is applied successfully the jitsuka need only tap the other jitsuka to let him/her know that the lock worked and that they should release it. Basically at some point you will feel pain when you do jiu jitsu, but this is no different to any other martial art, and safety is always a primary concern.

8. When can I train?

Training times depend on the particular club. Training is usually in the evenings and or at weekends. Very few clubs provide regular training sessions during the working day.

Training times for clubs in York can be found on these pages:

9. How often do I have to train?

Ideally a jitsuka should train regularly and at least once a week. It is permissible to train irregularly or perhaps only once every other week, but jitsu is a memorised set of skills. If such an approach is taken the jitsuka must be patient in their expectations of improvement. Of course the rate of learning also depends upon the size of a club and the length of a session - this is only a rough guide!

10. Why should I do Jitsu?

Jitsu is F, U, N, FUN! If you don't find jitsu fun then it probably isn't the martial art for you - try something else instead. Jitsu is supposed to be enjoyable as well as useful. It's an opportunity to meet people as well as learn one of the oldest and most effective martial arts in a safe and controlled environment. Getting thrown is also really great for stress relief!

11. What should I wear to do jitsu?

Initially loose clothing such as a T-shirt and jogging bottoms are fine (with suitable undergarments for both men and women). If you decide that you want to stick at jitsu, then a uniform (called a gi) may be ordered through a club's secretary.

12. How do I join a club?

Simple - turn up at the beginning one of the scheduled sessions and ask. If there is a web site for a club it will probably have additional contact details on it about joining.

13. How much does it cost?

The cost of sessions varies depending upon the club (University, town, kids, etc.) but usually ranges between Ł1.00 and Ł3.00 per session. There is a martial arts licence to acquire if you wish to continue doing jitsu (Ł10-12.00 depending upon age and experience). Additionally training uniform's cost about Ł30-Ł40.00 (but they do last for many years).

Some clubs also require membership fees, and may offer special discounts on session fees. The instructors normally only take travelling expenses and the remaining money is fed back into the club to pay for hall hire, transportation to events, equipment, courses, etc.

Costs for clubs in York can be found on these pages:

14. What about competitions?

Competitions are held twice a year nationally within The Jitsu Foundation - one judo and one jitsu competition. There are sometimes additional regional competitions.

15. Who are The Jitsu Foundation / TJF?

The Jitsu Foundation (a.k.a. TJF) are the governing body for jitsu and are associated with the BJJA (British Jiu Jitsu Association). For more information about the foundation take a look at the TJF pages on this website.

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