So what are the classes like?

• Class sizes vary between 15 and 25 people
• People's ages range from about 16 to 35 and we have people from both sexes
• There is very little formality (ie you do not have to bow at each other or address people in a particular way)
• There is very little structure (ie every one is equal regardless of grade) & each class is different
• You change partners regularly during the class. This gives you the chance to meet people & train with some of the more experienced students
• We train on a hard floor and you will be taught methods for falling safely onto it. Unlike many martial arts that are taught on padded floors, we believe that it is crucial for students to learn & practice how to survive in the real world of hard floors. However, this skill takes time to develop so you will not have to fall onto the floor until you feel that you are ready for it.

You do not have to do any of the following (unless you feel particularly compelled to):

• Strut about in lines
• Shout
• Learn Japanese
• Bow lots
• Accept everything you are told without questioning it

Most evenings end with a refreshing glass of beer in a pub near to Hammersmith tube station

Class Format:

Each class is different, but will cover some of the following:

• Juan Taisho - Warm up or stretching to avoid injury and increase flexibility
• Ukemi - How to fall safely and minimise injury from blows
• Taijutsu - Use of body movement to defeat an aggressor
• Kihon Kata - The basics

• Punching / Hand Strikes
• Kicking
• Blocking
• Locks
• Throws

Ten Chi Jin - A collection of fundamental self defence techniques

• Escapes from chokes and holds
• Defence from a wide variety of attacks
• Use of any area of your body to strike
• Balance breaking
• Leaping

• Biken Gata - Use of Weapons
• Muto Dori Gata - Unarmed defence from armed opponents

These last two are reserved for the last Wednesday of each month