British Ju Jitsu News

Dear Ju Jitsu News

A year or so ago the Ju Jitsu club that I train with left the association to which it belonged, we, the members, were told that incidents had taken place which the coaches could not accept. We left, the training changed slightly and the club continued to operate much as it had before the split. Then other things were introduced, we joined a couple of other bodies within the Ju Jitsu world and members began to leave, to a point where I felt we were not sustaining the level of training that I had come to expect. My next move was to visit a club still operating within the old association, what a surprise, the mat was busy, everyone was working hard and the coach received me very well although we had not really met before. I explained my situation to him and his reaction was both positive and reasonable, I was welcome to train, the fees were as they had been before and there was no hint of the problems that my local coaches suggested existed and the members were very welcoming. I joined and although I have to travel further now I am happy. I have mentioned the situation to several friends local to my home and they are training with me now as well. The reason for my letter is that no-one should put up with situations that they are uncomfortable with; we are all free to follow which ever path we feel is right for ourselves.

Name and email address supplied

I completely agree with you, everyone has the opportunity to vote with their feet and I applaud you for doing so. The retention of members is one of the big stumbling blocks currently in martial arts and schools have to be aware and adapt to the fact.

Editor

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Dear Sir

What are the average costs of training, grading etc. I joined a club in the south of England about 9 months ago and was asked to sign and standing order for my monthly subscriptions, which seemed very reasonable at the time. However I am now told that I am eli gable to become a higher grade member destined, allegedly, for bigger and better things but the cost of this will be substantially higher than my current subscription. I am very reluctant to pay this increase one because I am enjoying what I am doing and secondly I can't really afford it. However the school are saying that there is no room at the lower level and that I must move up, what can I do?

Phillip Catchpool

I'm not completely sure but you appear to have been caught up in just about the oldest scam there is in martial arts, get them in cheap, offer the world and put up the cost. I'm afraid that in your shoes I would be seriously looking around for another school run on better standards, try contacting MASA for one of their schools in your area.

Editor

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Dear BJJ News

I am not a very ardent martial artist but I have an interest in a great many aspects of Japanese culture and I have dabbled in training over the years. I trained in Wessex for some time and was encouraged to compete in several competitions held locally. Through my interest in all things Japanese I have come to the believe that Ju Jitsu is an art bred from samurai clans for the defence of the warrior and, if this is the case, why or how are these individuals entering into competition when there cannot be such a thing. Either we are going to keep the authenticity of the art or we should leave it to those who will.

Peter Bellamy

Well I hear what you say, but I dont beleive it. In these days where we have Ju Jitsu, Atemi Jutsu, Karate Jitsu etc. ect. etc. surly we can allow those that wish to enjoy martial arts to continue to do so. You mention that you're not a martial artist but hold an interest in Japanese culture I'm sure that martial artists are happy with that so I would ask that you are happy for those that are enjoying their adventure into Japans history, even it is not what you feel it should be.

Editor.

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Ju Jitsu or Ju Jutsu

Dear sir

I belonged to an organisation in Northern Ireland who insisted that they were the only ones that spelt the name of the art correcly in that it was Ju Jutsu. My instructor even had arguments with very high ranking instructors by insisting that he was right and that anyone not agreeing was wrong. I personally witnessed several of these arguments and was embarrased by them. He was so adament in his believe that he asked one of our hosts on a trip to England to alter the sign on our coach to his spelling, which by the way was ignored.

I am no longer with this organisation but the spelling has always interested me could you please define which was is correct.

Tony McKey

Well Tony Jitsu or Jutsu, its a little like Philip or Phillip which is correct is it Kevin or Kevan to be totally realistic I'm not sure I have always been brought up to believe that it is spelt JITSU so that is the way that I spell it Now if we want to really get into things is it JU or JIU, oh no not another dilema

Editor

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Children or No Children

Dear British Ju Jitsu News

I recently visited a club near to my new home in the South of England because I was informed by the BJJA that it was a club registered with them, We have recently moved from the north as my husband in in the armed services, my two sons trained with a club near our old home and I wanted them to continue Ju Jitsu near our new one which was registered with the national governing body. Having visited this club I was informed that they do not cater for children and as they are the only BJJA club in the imediate area the boys are very unhappy, as am I and their father. I am thinking about visiting other clubs but as they are not in the BJJA I am very unsure what to base my questions upon with the coaches, can you please advise me as the the avenue or path to proceed along.

Patrica Trueman

Well Patricia as you may know although we are the BJJ News we are not connected with the BJJA or to give them their correct title the BJJA(GB) nor are we particular supporters of them as they are a very small fish in a very big pond. However I am aware of the area where you are and there are several clubs within striking distance of your new home, some are with associations we support and some are not but if you contact a search engine, maybe Yahoo or Google and type in the area and Ju Jitsu you will see several, better still visit the MASA website and you will see many that are MASA registered and with them your sons will be very save in the hands of their experienced, insured and qualified coaches.

Editor

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Keep up the good work folks, more letters and questions please. We have received some recently that insult, slander or were meant to intimidate others, keep them coming but keep them reasonable.

Editor