Of which we had 80 participants split into 2 classes in the course.

It was definitely an experience of good team bonding for Unilever and education on self defence.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

The ones performing are from the Singapore Jujitsu Association.

In 2008 we started another Ju-Jitsu class at Bukit Batok Community Club and we are planning to open more classes in community clubs around Singapore.

We have participated in the 1st Asian Ju-Jitsu Championship in Kazakhstan in 2006, and the 2nd Asian Ju-Jitsu Championship in Kyrgyzstan in 2008. At both meets, our athletes won 3 Bronze medals.

For three consecutive years our Ju-Jitsu athletes have won Gold medals in the 4th, 5th & 6th Singapore All Style Martial Arts Championship, with 1 Silver Medal (Individual) and 1 Silver Medal (Team event). We have also won the Champion Trophy in the inaugural King Of The Cage (KOTC) a Mixed Martial Arts Championship in Singapore in 2007.

Ju-Jitsu Association (Singapore) also conducted and organized workshops by visiting experts from Pakistan, Sweden, Taiwan and India. Workshop with our Taiwanese counterpart was supported by SSC (High Performance Development Department) together with People’s Association and Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF).

I had the privilege of training in Twickenham London at the Anglo Japanese school of Ju-Jitsu. The school was formed in 1876  England by Sensei Raku then Sensei Mishiku headed up the school until 1972 when Sensei F.T. Perry was selected to carry on the teachings at the oldest established Ju-Jitsu school in Europe.

After 9 years of hard & dedicated training at the school I achieved my black belt from Sensei F T Perry who holds the rank of 6th Dan Kyoshi. The grading was the most difficult thing I have ever done in my life and my greatest achievement. For me the black belt is now the start of my Ju-Jitsu studies as a senior student and every time I train I learn something new!

I moved to Singapore in June 2009 and immediately started to look for a Ju- Jitsu club which would allow me to continue training under the highest level of instruction and ensure that my journey of learning would continue. I am very fortunate that I found the Tanglin Ju- Jitsu club, which is affiliated to the Ju-Jitsu Association (Singapore) , where they teach a blend of traditional techniques combined with sport Ju- Jitsu.

Ju-Jitsu techniques are designed for both defensive and offensive purposes. Ju-Jitsu is not a gentle martial art because traditionally, Ju-Jitsu was practiced by the Samurai for combative purposes, where lives were at stake, not as an art or sport. Ju-Jitsu is both a grappling and a striking martial art, comprising a wide variety of techniques that include throwing, locking, striking, ground grappling (wrestling), punching, kicking and the use of small weapons. The Jujitsu Association ( Singapore ) has an unique practical, exciting and challenging syllabus that includes sport Ju- Jitsu & combat jujitsu which gives students the opportunity to learn traditional methods correctly but allow them to apply these techniques in national and international competitions. Classes always have a relaxed and fun atmosphere and are an excellent way to begin to learn & advance your knowledge of the grappling arts.

Our classes always begin with a general warm up including stretching & cardio work, & break falling where you learn to fall in a certain way to prevent injury.

Once you are warmed up we will then work through a couple of throws, takedowns and practice blocking & striking techniques i.e. elbow, knee with a partner or using punch bags.

Ground work techniques are also taught for defence & attack

The last 30 minutes of the class ends up with live sparring either from stand up or from a kneeling position where you will get the opportunity to train with differing skill levels & nationalities.

Our Instructors are highly experienced black belts and pay close attention to the safety of their students, ensuring that you learn in a safe and secure environment. The instructors are all proven martial artists having fought at national and international level in different martial arts and are fantastic teachers who can explain both the “how” and “why” of different techniques.

The benefits of Ju-Jitsu to me are numerous as well as fitness, flexibility & strength it has helped me tackle tough situations in both my business and personal life through mental toughness and strength of character.

I would recommend Ju-Jitsu to anybody as it has many benefits and will enhance the quality of your overall health well being. Give it a try !

Chris Mummery

Jujitsu & Self Defense Demo [Part 2]