YorkJitsu

The University of York Samurai Jiu Jitsu Club (as it was originally called) was started in the late eighties at the University of York by Sensei Michael Lycett. The club ran for a year 'unofficially' without funding from the University's Athletic Union, but since then has been one of the strongest club's in the University.

After three years of instruction Sensei Lycett took his leave and the club was then run by Sensei Julian Straker-Jones (who later went on to become a founding member of Aiuchi Jitsu) for a year before control was passed on once more to Sensei Richard Harrop. Sensei Harrop was assisted during this time by Sensei Rod Chapman, and it was during this period that the club first swelled to be the biggest martial arts club at the University.

When Sensei Harrop departed for pastures South a new instructor to the area, Sensei Graham Smith, took over the running of the club for a single term of about three months. After this he left to start-up the York Town Jitsu Club, and the club was then instructed by the recently graded Sensei Clare Sadler. After a year or so of instruction Sensei Sadler left the University and the club was effectively left without an instructor, and the number of members fell to an all time-low.

The return of the club's founder (Sensei Lycett) heralded a re-birth for the club and the number of members once againgrew in number . Sensei Lycett continues to instruct the club to the current day.