Where and when are the sessions?
We train 7.30-9.30pm on Mondays and Thursdays at Kinetic Gym, Cornwall Road, SE1 9NQ

What should I wear?
Just wear loose clothing such as a T-Shirt and tracksuit bottoms to your first session. We train barefoot

How long before I have to buy a uniform?
There is no pressure to buy a uniform so you can do so whenever you feel ready

Do I have to know anything about martial arts?
Definitely not. No prior knowledge or reading is necessary. We assume you do not know anything about jiujitsu when you arrive

Do I need to be physically flexible?
No. You will find that your general fitness flexibility and health will improve naturally as you train but no pre-training is necessary

Do I have to attend every session?
No. We encourage people to attend two sessions a week but we understand that people have other commitments

Will I get bruises to the face?
Jitsu is a semi-contact martial art. There are always risks involved in learning how to defend yourself from people who are, for example, trying to punch you in the face. However, as a novice, the risk of being hit in the face is very low

Can I have long hair?
Of course

Can I have long nails?
We ask that nails be cut back to a reasonable level as you may injure your partner when we grab wrists or clothing if your nails are too long

Will there be real fighting?
In Jitsu we attempt to simulate attacks but we do not have sparring in the sessions. The format is normally one attack and one defence, usually finishing with your partner on the floor

How long does it take to get a Black Belt?
This varies from person to person of course but the absolute minimum, even you grade at every opportunity, is five years. There is for example a 6 month minimum period between the grades above purple belt

Will the instructor shout at me?
Jitsu instructors do not get paid. This means that they are volunteering their time for free and they have little inhibition about providing positive encouragement for you to improve

Is there a social aspect to the club?
Definitely. We always go for a drink after the session

Will I have to do something I don't want to? (eg something that a novice would see as difficult or dangerous)
No. We challenge you to improve but it is always structured individually at a pace with which you can cope

Do I have to be an aggressive person?
Violent situations are scary and stressful. Whilst aggression is usually counterproductive on its own, the ability and desire to survive these situations is something we actively wish to inculcate and train. But that is not aggression, it is discipline. Overly aggressive people rarely train for long

Will I have to learn Japanese?
The throws are known by their Japanese names and many of the other techniques are learnt according to both Japanese and English names. Again, this is something that is learnt naturally over time

Will we be falling on a hard floor?
No. We have soft mats on which we train

Can I ask questions during the session?
Of course

Will people make fun of me?
No way

Will I be training with people who know far more than me?
Everyone was a novice once and you will find senior grades more than willing to help you learn

Can I change my mind (and cancel membership)?
You can cancel your Standing Order at any time

Is the Instructor paid for running the class?
No, all session fees are put towards equipment and, over time, subsidising student attendance at regional and national events, as well as gradings.