Martial arts in the Center of Edinburgh

Beginners always welcome

What Is Jitsu?

Jitsu is a martial art employing locks (like arm locks), throws (as you might see in Judo) and strikes. The history of Jitsu is quite convoluted (see History of Jitsu ) but we believe it originated in medieval Japan where soldiers of the various Warlords used it to defend themselves against both armed and unarmed attackers. It was also used to overpower a potentially much stronger attacker and restrain or incapacitate them until help arrived. Today the police and army are taught some aspects of Jiu Jitsu for much the same reasons.

Since it's early beginnings, Jitsu has been refined and updated by the many organisations around the world which teach it. Indeed, many other martial arts encompass aspects of Jitsu. Jitsu has not only throws, holds and locks, but also blocking and evading techniques, kicks and strikes plus disarming techniques to protect against various weapons. Our style of Jitsu now incorporates techniques to deal with modern-day problems such as knuckle-dusters, baseball bats and broken bottles, not commonly seen in ancient Japan. Most of all Jitsu is characterised by a flexibility of techniques that allow a response varying from gentle but firm dissuasion to inflicting serious injury.

The philosophy of Jitsu is to be able to defend yourself against any style of attack, in any situation, choosing a response that suits the circumstances.

Sessions are twice a week if you can make it but you don't have to come every session. All sessions start with a thorough warm up which helps improve mobility, flexibility and general fitness. Beginners start by learning the very basic aspects of Jitsu, such as defences against grabs and punches.

Like most martial arts we have a system of coloured belts to show the stage which people are at (Novice, Yellow, Orange, Green, Purple, Light Blue, Dark Blue, Brown, Black). Gradings are held at the end of each term at the club or a neighbouring one. We also mount expeditions to regional and national events. These involve a combination of courses given by high ranking instructors and competition. The emphasis is very much on learning good Jitsu and having a good time, you don't have to compete nor do you have to have done years of Jitsu to come along.

There are lots of differences to consider before choosing a martial art. You must bear in mind that everything takes practice and that liking the club, the instructor, the philosophy behind the art and the way things are done is important if you are to stick at it. In the end it is the members that decide what a club is like - clubs don't just exist for training, they should be a place to make friends and enjoy yourself.

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