Martial arts in the Center of Edinburgh

Beginners always welcome

Edinburgh Jujitsu Martial Arts Club

Meadowbank Edinburgh Jitsu Club

Meadowbank Jitsu Club is an Edinburgh martial arts club based near Arthur’s seat that teaches jitsu to men and women from the age of 14 up (we also have a junior club in Edinburgh for younger martial arts members – contact me for more information).

Jitsu is taught in a matted dojo (training room) by a fully qualified club instructor who holds Sports Coach UK insurance and is affiliated to the jujitsu national governing body - the British Jujitsu Association (BJJA).

Our Style

Meadowbank Jitsu Club (Edinburgh) is part of The Jitsu Foundation (TJF) which teaches the Shorinji Kan Ju Jitsu style. Jitsu (also known as jujitsu, jiu jitsu and ju jitsu) is a defensive martial art that uses an attacker’s strength, size and momentum to a defender’s advantage. As a martial art it therefore has certain aspects ideal for self defence; and anyone, be they a man, a woman or a youth (juniors are considered to be under the age of 18) can become very skilled practitioners of the art.

Jitsu is a higly varied martial art and as you progress through the grades you will learn to defend yourself through a series of armed and unarmed attacks using a system of strikes (as you might see in kung fu or kickboxing), holds (as seen in judo), throws (like aikido) and locks (as seen in kempo).

Background

Jujitsu is called one of the “grandfather arts”. It has been around since ancient times, originating from the Samurai of Japan. Both aikido and judo have evolved from jujitsu and it has much in common with certain types of Karate.

Who Does Jitsu?

Everyone! No - really. We have a huge variety of members from the 5ft2 girl to the 6ft4 guy. You do not need to fit a particular type to do jitsu. It is far more important to be open to new ideas and eager to learn. If you have an ideal body type and soak up knowledge like a sponge that’s great (if slightly sickening) – but most people don't!

Why Do Jitsu?

People start jitsu for a number of reasons – they want to learn a martial art, become Bruce Lee, do something interesting in the school holidays, gain confidence, do a physical recreation for their Duke of Edinburgh award, learn some self defence, become fitter, make friends or many more. All of these things can be achieved through Jitsu (except maybe the Bruce Lee one), however at the end of the day people only stay with a martial art if they enjoy it. Jitsu is simply great fun!

Beginners

Starting any hobby can be intimidating and a martial art in some ways can be even more so. It helps to remember that even the instructor had to start somewhere and probably remembers vividly what it was like to be a novice. Jitsu clubs are very friendly places and everyone will try and put you to your ease and make sure that you know what to do at all times. Social events are a large part of any jitsu club – be it going for a drink after a session, going to the movies together or traveling to national events. Indeed many people make life long friends through jitsu and being part of one of the largest martial art networks – The Jitsu Foundation (TJF) also tends to mean that you have a ready made social life almost anywhere in the UK.

Due to the core principle of jitsu – minimum effort, maximum effect – you do not need to be particularly fit to start jitsu. However fitness gradually improves with skill and it can be an ideal way to begin an active lifestyle – especially if you find the gym a bit boring. So just come along in tracksuit bottoms and a T-shirt and have a go. The best way to decide if jitsu is for you is to try it out.

See the FAQ or more about jitsu for more information

top