We are one of the oldest and successful sports clubs at UWE. We practise the self-defence combat system originally practised by the Samurai, which includes throws, locks, strikes and groundwork!
You can sign up for your sessions on this page.
Jiu Jitsu is a traditional Japanese martial art taught in a modern context. Our style of Shorinji Kan focuses on techniques and self-defence, which includes throws, locks, groundwork, strikes and modern self-defence. We are a mixed club, with members of all backgrounds and genders taking part on an equal basis, as technique matters more than strength.
We welcome all levels of ability and experience, and we will teach you everything you need to know! You don’t need a high standard of fitness to start, as this will develop naturally through training. Most of our current members joined and progressed with no prior martial arts experience!
The first 2 sessions are free!
We will be hosting Give it a Go sessions during freshers; however, you can join all year round. Follow us @uwejitsu to stay updated - any questions, get in touch!
17:30 - 19:30
Tuesdays & Fridays
SU Activity Studio at Frenchay Campus
Wear any comfortable exercise clothing, no buckles, sharp zips or jewellery.
Before attending sessions, trim nails and fill out the license form - this only needs to be done once and covers your insurance.
https://www.pdffiller.com/en/link_to_fill/194214185?skip_app=1
Club membership Deal £50 Includes membership of UWE club, the Jitsu Foundation and insurance that allows training at any TJJF club or event nationally and 4 additional sessions. You will need to have a membership (therefore insurance) to train.
BUCS Squad membership £30 Only available for full-time students attending BUCS events. (Optional)
Judo Gi £30 Includes jacket, trousers, belt and a badge. (Optional)
Extra Jitsu Badge £4 (Optional)
UWE Jitsu Challenge coin £5 (Optional)
£3/ Session Bulk buying options are:
Paddy Gouk
President - Kayley T
Vice President - Tammy W
Treasurer - Torin W
Participation & Equality - Tom M
Media & Publicity - Lily C
Feel free to approach or contact us at any time. There are no stupid questions, only unanswered ones.
Is it like Judo or BJJ?
Both judo and BJJ originate from traditional jiu jitsu, so there are naturally some similarities in the throws and groundwork. We differ in style of technique and modern self-defence additions, such as knife defence.
What makes Jiu Jitsu different?
Established in 1984, we are one of the oldest sports clubs at UWE, and one of the few where women and men partake on an equal footing. Jiu Jitsu is a combat “team” sport because you can only improve by working together with the other club members, but it is also an individual activity because your progress and development are individual to you.
What is training like?
Training is carried out in a safe, friendly and relaxed atmosphere. All techniques are learned with a partner, making it more realistic. When you join, you'll be coached by our sensei and current members of the club so that you feel supported and have fun whilst you learn. Everyone progresses at their own pace; everyone you see at training started by coming to a free taster session, most of whom had no prior martial arts experience.
Are there competitions?
We attend and compete in regional jiu-jitsu events such as Derby Day. We also compete nationally, in our winter Atemi and summer Randori competitions, suitable for all belt levels. Our club is very successful, bringing back a total of 21 medals in our most recent competition. We also take part in events and competitions across the UK, and internationally in Europe, the USA and South Africa. Our next international training and competition will be held in Argentina 2026!
Is there a belt system?
Yes - once you join, you'll be given your white belt alongside your gi. If you're interested in progressing through the belt leagues, then we'll coach you through the process. Nationally, there are three gradings per year in the winter, spring and summer, and you can attend any or all of them! You don’t have to grade, but it’s a good measure of progress and a great sense of achievement!
Belt order: white, yellow, orange, green, purple, light blue, dark blue, brown, black
Email: UWEJitsu@hotmail.com
Instagram: uwejitsu
National Association website: www.Jitsufoundation.org
The Jiu Jitsu Foundation YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheJitsuFoundation
Code of Practise