So what are the classes like?

Class sizes range between 15 and 30 people. People's ages range from 16 to 50 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 a 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 you are ready for it.

You do not have to (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 nearby pub


Class Format

The basic workshop covers:

  • - Warm up / stretching to avoid injury & build flexibility
  • - How to fall safely and minimise injury from blows
  • - Punching / hand strikes
  • - Kicking
  • - Blocking
  • - Locks
  • - Throws

The main class is focused on the techniques being taught in Japan during the year and realistic self defence

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

  • - Defences from a wide variety of strikes
  • - Escapes from chokes and holds
  • - The use of any area of your body to strike
  • - More advanced locks, chokes, throws, grips etc
  • - Leaping & rolls
  • - Balance breaking
  • - The use of distance and space 
  •    (working in close quarters and at longer distances)
  • - Dealing with multiple opponents
  • - Ninjutsu
  • - Deception
  • - The use of weapons
  • - Unarmed defence from armed opponents
  • These last two are reserved for the last wednesday of the month

Beginners are welcome to attend either class and most people attend both



Cost

The underlying principle is that training is available to all & is not something that I profit from

Wednesday evenings in Central London
(Run by the main instructor)

Main class costs £5
Basic workshop costs £1 for an hours instruction before the main class

Tuesday evenings in Hammersmith
(Run by the black belt students)

Class costs £3

There is no need to pay in advance or commit to any ongoing costs. All classes are pay as you go

If you are a student or unemployed the above costs are halved

Other Costs

Annual insurance costs £10 (this must be paid before you start training)

Annual membership to the Japanese Honbu Dojo costs approx £12 (this is paid in Jan each year)

Grading costs approx £20 for Kyu (green belt) grade (this must be paid within a month of being graded)