UWE Jitsu Club

UWE Jitsu Club

Started in 1984, at the then Bristol Polytechnic, the Jitsu club is one of the oldest student clubs here at UWE. It was also one of the first clubs of our style of Jiu-Jitsu (Shorinji kempo jiu-jitsu) in the UK. These pages hope to tell you a little bit about Jitsu, the UWE club, what we get up to, and where to come and find us.

What is Jitsu?

Jiu Jitsu is most commonly translated as “Gentle Art”, indicating that the emphasis is not on force or strength. It directs the aggressors force against themselves using strikes, joint locks and throws. Because of this size strength and gender are unimportant. Jitsu is an effective method of defence against a single or multiple unarmed or armed assailants.

What do I get from it?

What we teach is a self defence system that uses Blocks, Locks, Strikes and Throws.
What you learn is Self Confidence, Perseverance, Self Discipline, Respect and Humility.
What you gain is a great social life and a network of friends across the UK and the world.

Regular training will improve your Flexibility, Co-ordination, Self confidence, Reactions, and Fitness!

Where does it come from?

Jitsu comes from Japan where in feudal times it was basically the unarmed combat taught to the samurai warriors. While the actual fighting art has evolved and adapted with passing years to counter more likely forms of attack on 21st century British streets, we retain some of the discipline and etiquette from those times, which allows us to safely practice "violent" actions without actually beating each other senseless.

Jitsu is defensive NOT offensive - All our techniques are taught in response to an attack.

Is it all about Fighting ?

No. While Jitsu does teach you how to defend yourself in threatening situations, and helps you improve your self confidence. The Jitsu club is also about enjoying the university experience, so there will be many opportunities to socialise :

After every session we adjourn to the St Matts bar for the well earned and much needed re-hydration. But there are also organised socials as well.

Pub crawls, cinema trips, comedy club nights, BBQs parties etc etc.

Sometimes these are just for UWE students, sometimes we join forces with our sister clubs at Bristol & Bath Uni’s and drink them under the table ! And of course at the bi-annual nationals where we meet up with every other club in the country for a huge party.

There are also Jitsu events, special courses, gradings, etc. which are usually followed by a get together.

Special Events

As well as the regular training sessions there are also other Jitsu events you can attend. Special courses at your club, another club within the West Country Region, even nationally.

In addition there are also specialist courses, coaching training classes, first aid courses, courses aimed at specific grades, courses on different weapons or other aspects of Jitsu.

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