Ishigaki is taken from the Japanese words meaning ‘stone’ and ‘wall’ and the club has been active in Brighton for over 15 years.
UNLIKE some other martial arts, jiu-jitsu uses self-defence. It means gentle art. Learning this new skill will teach you how to defend yourself. You learn how to use opponents’ energy and aggression against themselves. Ju-jitsu teaches unarmed techniques useful in self-defence. They use blocks, strikes, throws and kicks, specifically targeted at an opponent’s more vulnerable areas.
The dojo (training space) is friendly, giving you the opportunity to train with like-minded people, have fun and make new friends. The skills that you learn will increase your confidence and self-esteem, making Ju-jitsu beneficial both physically and mentally.
Ju-jitsu is accessible to all levels of fitness and all genders.
For those who want, they have a belt system of coloured belts or ‘kyu’ grades. As your techniques improve, you have the opportunity to grade to the next level, opening up a new range of moves and giving you a better understanding of how Ju-jitsu works. You can see your training through to culminate in a black belt or ‘dan’ grade.
If you are someone who has a more competitive leaning, there are opportunities to take part in competitions both nationally and internationally. This includes ground fighting, sparring, demonstration weapons and kata. This is an opportunity to show how great your skills are. Members of Ishigaki have been to Germany, France and the USA, taking part in the Gay Games and Pink Power.
People go to Ishigaki for several reasons: an interest in martial arts and self-defence, to increase confidence, to be in an environment that supports and understands them, to make new friends and for its high standards of training and tuition. Their coaches are fully qualified and insured.
The success of jiu-jitsu is due to the supportive and fun atmosphere they create in their classes and in their social gatherings which include regular visits to the pub after training.
Evan was looking for a new experience when he chose to come to Ishigaki.
He said: “I picked the most ‘out of my comfort zone’ new experience and contacted the club for my free trial lesson. It was my first step into a martial arts club.
“I expected to find sporty people in their prime. I found a mix of ages, shapes and sizes. They had one thing in common; they made me feel welcome. First it was Sundays and then hooked, twice a week. I am now training for my black belt. I can only say that it is due to the continued support of my senseis and training partners.’
There is no need for any previous martial arts experience or to have been sporty. You train and learn at your own pace.
Training times and locations:
When: Fridays
Where: LA Fitness, North Road, Brighton
Time: 7 p.m. – 8.45 p.m.
When: Sundays
Where: KICKS, Lewes Road, Brighton
Time: 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: £8 per session (£4 concessions) at both venues
First lesson is free
For more information, click here:
Or telephone Sandy: 07984 883772