FAQ
Q: Where are you located?
A: We are in the Main Hall of the Kingstanding Wellbeing Centre, the reception desk will be able to assist you upon arrival. Otherwise, go through the double doors to the left of the entrance, though another set of doors and then we're on the left.

Q: Do I have to be fit or strong before I learn Martial Arts?
A: No, there are no fitness requirements, not everyone who joins us is fit to start with. Fitness comes to you through our exercises which are aimed at all levels (even those who have good fitness still get a good workout with us though). Self defence does not rely on strength either. It relies on you being able to protect yourself from an attacker using techniques that give maximum effect from minimum effort.
Q: What exercises, stretches or routines do you use during the warmups?
A: We use a variety of exercises for all areas of the body and purposes. We use exercises such as pressups, crunches and squats to build and strengthen muscles. Star jumps, jogging, sprinting and burpees to build stamina. Lateral jumps, single leg hops and tuck jumps to build agility and more exercises beside those. We have 4 main routines as follows - Old School: Uses mainly strength, stamina and stretching exercises for around 20 to 30 minutes. Tabata: Uses the principle of 4 minute high intensity exercises composed of 20 seconds of one exercise and 10 seconds of acive rest (Planks, Cobra, Side Plank etc...) 8 times over with different exercises after each rest. We also add music to this routine to keep it fresh and interesting. Equipment: Uses pads, ropes, stepping blocks and whatever we have to hand at the time. Stretches are also used to gain suppleness, tolerance to locks and reduce muscle strains and pulls. Stations/ Circuit: 4 or 5 points are set up on the mat with a different exercise and equipment at each one. Each station will last for 60-90 seconds before you move to the next one until you have completed a full circuit. Stations usually have music played during them to keep the energy up and get a buzz. A more recent addition is a Boxercise style warmup for those who like music and sequenced exercises. We also use back to back and have recently introduced semi contact sparring to add friendly competition and a bit more realism. We like to mix old school and new school methods to keep things fresh and interesting.
Q: Is this MMA, because that's what I want to learn?
A: YES but not in the modern or commercial sense. Jujitsu started centuries ago in Japan and was created by the Samurai to fight unarmed against armed opponents. It combines other Martial Arts and traditional weaponry, using a variety of standing and ground techniques from Karate, Judo and Aikido. It is a traditional Mixed Martial Art that has been around for centuries. The term MMA is more widely used to describe the different systems and styles that are used competitively in cage fighting/UFC. We like to keep the traditions such as bowing, speaking Japanese and wearing traditional dress (Gi's) out of respect for the art.
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Q: I’m worried about getting hurt, will I be?
A: You will never be placed in any danger or at risk of serious injury as Health and Safety is taken very seriously and the well-being of our students is of the utmost importance. Our art uses controlled contact but keeps the techniques realistic for a self defence scenario. Pressure points are also used but the pain from these lasts for split seconds at a time. It is important that there is contact so that you are physically and mentally conditioned and toughened up. You might get the odd bruise, ache from warmups or sweat buckets but all of members leave in one piece.

Q: What are the costs involved?
A: Each lesson is charged at £5 for Adults and £4 for Juniors (your first lesson will be free). There are no membership fees. An annual combined license & insurance fee of only £20 is payable a few months after being with us, after that it is only £12 per year at renewals (every 12 months). If you intend to be graded then you must be licensed and insured by us first. The only other cost is the grading fee of £15, which is paid when you take your grading. In 2015 we introduced discount scheme, students who pay for 4 weeks worth of lessons in advance will get 25% off the cost of lessons each month For example, an adult training once per week will pay £15 up front instead of £20 for 4 lessons or £30 instead of £40 for 8 lessons, a Junior will pay £12 instead of £16 for 4 lessons or £24 instead of £32. This scheme combines both a discount and loyalty scheme, which the students at our club voted for and we were happy to offer. Members coming to us from Action 4 Bullying are also entitled to a special rate.Please not that lessons are to be paid for on a 4 weekly basis and can't be rolled over. If you are unable to pay for blocks of lessons you may pay per lesson but will not be entitled to the discount.

Q: Is this good/ useful for Women to learn?
A: Of course. The techniques we teach are effective for both males and females, again this is because our techniques do not rely on strength. Females tend to have better technical skills as they do not try to rely on strength as much as males. We currently have almost 50% of female students and a female instructor.

Q: Is this Martial Art better than.......?
A: No Martial Art is ‘better’ than others and popularity of an art can be misleading in showing this. Effectiveness of the techniques, commitment, effort and a good instructor are important, not the number of students in a class, equipment or paying over the odds. It is also about personal choice and finding an art that suits you, your needs, interests and requirements.

Q: What do I need to bring with me, and what do I do about buying equipment?
A: For your first lessons suitable clothes such as t-shirts and jogging bottoms are ideal. You only need a Gi (Martial Arts uniform) when you are ready to stay with us, but if you already have one feel free to wear it. Karate Gi’s and Judo Gi’s are acceptable. If you wish to purchase a Gi we offer them at a competitive discount price from an official supplier or you can buy your own if you are able to find them cheaper. It is also advisable to bring a drink with you for the first few lessons, a towel is also a good idea, ventilators if you suffer from Asthma and anything else you may need for medical reasons. Feel free to come armed with questions too!

Q: What ages do you teach from and to?
A: The desirable starting age is 8, any younger is strictly at the instructors' discretion and subject to trial lessons. We will teach up to a reasonable age for adults (our past adults have been older than 50) based on their desire to train and whether or not Jujitsu suits them as an individual.

Q: Are there changing rooms and places to store bags? Parking?
A: Yes, the Kingstanding Wellbeing Centre provides male, female and disabled changing rooms, toilets,showers, lockers, vending machines and has free parking on site. All bags and personal items are kept in the hall during training.

Q: Are there breaks during the lesson for drinks and going to the toilet?
A: Occasionally we will have a very short 5 minute break during extreme temperatures. We want you to get the most out of your lesson, and therefore like to keep downtime to an absolute minimum.

Q: Do you cater for people with physical or mental disabilities?
A: We have taught students in the past depending on the level of impairment. Where someone has limited movement, vision or comprehension skills we can adjust the technique to be easier for the student but still effective without 'watering it down'.

Q: How many belts are there?
A: There are 8 Kyu’s (belts/levels), Red, Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue, Purple, Brown, and Black. There are no half grades or stripes.

Q: How soon before I get my Black Belt?
A: It takes a lot of hard work to EARN a Black Belt in this art and any other. It will not be a matter of 1-2 years to earn it. Unfortunately not everyone makes it to Black Belt but many do become very capable students in the meantime and continue training up to their limit.

Q: When do people have gradings?
A: Gradings are held on an individual basis at present and time between belts depends on the student. When a regular student shows commitment, hard work and progression we will give them a 'mock grading' date, on this date we will assess whether they are capable of passing their grading. If they are, we aim to grade them the following week. If they are not, we will agree the next soonest time for them to be ready for another mock grading and focus on improving whatever has held them back. We want the best for our students and will not force anyone to be ready by a date with the intention of grading them there and then. We will not force anyone into a grading if we think and can physically see that the student has not got the technical skills or capability to defend themselves effectively.

Q: I have experience in other Martial Arts, what level can I come in at?
A: Everybody starts as a beginner with us except for guest instructors (visiting only, not permanent) and former students of Goshin Combat Jiujitsu (providing they pass certain criteria and can prove their previous grades and affiliation). If you have previous experience in other arts you are welcome to join us but can not come in above current students for political and practical reasons. Techniques in one art are not always the same in another and some people find it difficult to re-learn or alter their techniques due to muscle memory. However, previous experience will help you progress quicker with techniques.