I had my first exposure to martial arts, when as a teenager I obtained a book on Okinawan Karate. Immediately I was fascinated with the idea of defending oneself using superior knowledge and technique, and the concept of body conditioning which is so prevalent in most Karate systems. Not being able to find a Karate school locally (it was the 1960’s), I started training in Judo, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

During the 1970’s during the Kung Fu boom instigated by the Bruce Lee films, I began training in Wu Shu Kwan. For the next decade and a half I tried many other martial arts, when a chance encounter at a local gym led me to Ju Jitsu. Immediately I was impressed with its completeness and no nonsense functionality.

I obtained my black belt (Shodan) six years ago and have gone on to achieve second degree black belt (Nidan) and am now actively involved with teaching which I believe is the finest way of advancing ones understanding of the techniques already studied.

In my opinion Ju Jitsu is a complete martial art encompassing weapons as well as empty hand techniques and is a great way of developing confidence and fitness. It is suitable for all ages and is particularly good for young people, giving them an understanding of respect and etiquette in an age when sadly those commodities seem to be becoming rarer.