What is Ju Jitsu?
Ju Jitsu is a system of self sefence based on traditional schools which developed in Japan over hundreds of years. Most of these schools taught it as a complete system including the use of a variety of weapons currently in use at that time, and the use of the empty hand. It is the latter usage which has become best known today as Ju Jitsu.

Where did Ju Jitsu come from?
There are as many answers to this question as there are people ready to answer it! However, most would agree that it is very old (some say as old as 2500 B.C.) and that it probably originated in India and came to Japan via China, although there is some evidence that it was an entirely Japanese creation to which "foreign" techniques were added.


Why don't you see competitions in Ju Jitsu, like Karate and Judo?
Over the years, many attempts have been made to introduce some form of competition to Ju Jitsu, with little valid success. If you wish to have a "safe" sport, certain dangerous techniques have to be banned. Ju Jitsu is composed almost entirely of such techniques which are unsuitable for use in the highly charged atmosphere of competitive combat sport.

Can anyone learn Ju Jitsu?
Yes, almost! It is not suitable for the elderly or the very young, but most people are capable of learning the basic moves. You don't have to be super-fit (although it helps, as in any physical activity) and average strength and co-ordination are usually sufficient. Ju Jitsu relies more on leverage and given pain to produce defence, rather than strength or bodyweight.

Your club is too far away, how can I find a good club in my area?
Find a Club which is registered with one of the National Associations. This is not an absolute guarantee of good standards, but most reputable clubs are members and their instructors have to demonstrate their ability in order to register. Ask to be allowed to watch a training session (most instructors welcome this). Be suspicious of instructors who use excessive force on lower grades or who don't follow up on group demonstrations with individual instruction. Ask yourself- do the students appear to be enjoying their practise? Do the techniques shown appear effective? If yes, then the class is a good one!

What does Sen Ran mean?
Sen Ran means Mountain storm and was taken from the Nage Waza (throwing technique) Yama Arashi of the same meaning.