A Typical Session

What do we do when we meet up to train as a club?

To get a better understanding of what we do you are welcome to come along and watch a session, or to have a go with no commitment beyond that. That way, we can avoid any confusion since there are many forms of jiu jitsu out there, and many martial arts. And after all, we all have our own personal ideas about what a 'gentle warm up' consists of...

Before the Session

To practice Aiuchi Jiu Jitsu safely we train on mats (or tatami). In our club these mats are laid on the floor at the beginning of every session and put away at the end. Everyone is expected to help with the mats, although you wouldn't believe the excuses and moaning about it each week!

Whilst the mats are being arranged we all change and sign-in. It is also the perfect time to let one of the instructors know whether you have an injury or ailment that might affect your training in any way. It's always best to be sensible about these things, and where necessary take proper medical advice.

Stepping onto the mat for the first time in a session requires acknowledgement from the highest graded person who is already on the mat. Although there are a few reasons for this, the most important is safety - so that the senior grade knows who is on the mat at any one time.

There are usually a couple of minutes before training starts. Some people use this time to stretch or practice gently, although bear in mind it is unwise to practice without being properly warmed up. Speaking of warm ups...

During the Session

...one of the graded students then takes the 'gentle warm up' mentioned earlier.

After this, we all line up in grade order around the edge of the mat. We all kneel and bow to one another. Then training begins. At this point it is difficult to say what happens next, as sessions vary in content from evening to evening.

Usually, the session begins with some break falling. This teaches us how to fall or roll when thrown or pushed without causing any injury, and is very important for further training. New people are always taken aside and taught separately at this stage until they feel comfortable joining everyone else. 

During the course of the session, we are taught different techniques, often building up from the simple to the more advanced in a gradual manner.

The class is split up at different times during the evening to allow those of similar grades to train with each other to practice techniques that are adequate for their level of experience, so no one is ever out of their depth, but beginners also get a chance to practice with the more experienced to get to know each other and to learn from their experience.

After the Session

At the end of the session, we all line up and face one another in the same way as the beginning of the session. We kneel and bow towards each other.

Then one of the instructors asks whether there were any injuries sustained during the lesson, and whether there are any announcements - usually there are announcements about courses, administration and more often than not social events. We all bow once more, then put the mats away.

After paying and getting changed, we all go to the pub.