Ishigaki, a martial arts club for LGBTQ people operates in Brighton and London.
Ishigaki have been training people for over 15 years in Brighton in the art of Ju-jitsu taken from the Japanese style.
What is Ju-jitsu? Ju-jitsu translates as the gentle art, and the particular discipline they practise is based in self-defence. When you train with Ishigaki they will guide you through a syllabus allowing you to develop your technique, and with each belt you achieve, you increase your skill and knowledge of Ju-jitsu and yourself.
Learning this skill will teach you how to look after yourself. You will be taught to use your opponents’ energy against themselves. They use unarmed techniques including the use of blocks, strikes, throws and kicks.
The club is friendly and welcoming and gives you the opportunity to train with like-minded people, who want to have fun, and meet new people. The skills that you learn will increase your confidence and self-esteem, making ju-jitsu beneficial both physically and mentally.
People go to Ishigaki for many reasons: an interest in martial arts and self-defence, to be in an environment that supports and understands them, to make new friends and for their high training standards and tuition.
A member says: “I had not done sports since leaving school but I knew I wanted to do a martial art; to be able to look after myself and feel safe. I choose Ishigaki because it was a gay club, and I knew this was somewhere I could train as myself and I would not need to feel intimidated or justify my existence. I was pretty scared as I did not know what to expect, but I needn’t have worried. Everyone at the club was friendly and the Senseis where so good at taking me through the different moves. I am now doing things I would never have imagined possible and I love every minute of it.”
Club organisers know what it feels like try something new. At Ishigaki, there is no need for previous martial arts experience and they are accessible to people with all levels of fitness.
Sue and Gareth will support you to learn at your own pace so you get the most out of your experience with us.
Ishigaki meets twice a week. You can go to one or both sessions at:
Brighton Youth Centre, Edward Street, Brighton on Wednesdays, from 7.00-9.00pm and
Kicks Martial Arts Centre, 185 Lewes Rd, Brighton BN2 3LD on Sundays, from 4-6pm
Your first lesson is free!
For more information about Ishigaki, click here: http://www.ishigaki.org.uk