About Us

What is Jikishin Ju-Jitsu International?

Jikishin Ju-Jitsu is an international organization that was founded by Prof. Terry Parker. It has a globally uniform syllabus, which means that a student from South Africa is learning the same comprehensive content as students in England, the Republic of Ireland, Israel, Malta, and other countries around the world.

The national co-ordinator of Jikishin in South Africa is Sensei Sam Tonkin.

Our Philosophy

Although ju-jitsu was developed almost 400 years ago, it’s basic intentions remain unchanged. Through ju-jitsu, an unarmed samurai would be able to defend himself against both armed or unarmed opponents. Unarmed combat skills today have the same purpose: to protect oneself from harm against armed or unarmed attackers.

While the primary focus of teaching at Jikishin clubs is based on unarmed self-defence, we also cater for those who wish to do ju-jitsu as a sport, those who want to keep fit, and even those who just want to have fun while learning something new.

Our training teaches timing, flexibility, agility and knowledge of the body. When these are combined, the student learns the ability to control a confrontational situation as much to prevent injury to the opponent as to protect himself.

Ju-jitsu is a skill that lasts a lifetime. We not only train students to defend themselves, but also work on physical and mental development while having fun. Training is provided in a friendly environment. This provides the students with a better quality of instruction and allows them to develop at their own pace.

Although ju-jitsu is based on unarmed self-defence, the art of using traditional Japanese weapons is still practiced today. This is because it is considered to be beneficial to our student’s skills base.

What Beginners Can Expect

We start off each class with a formal bow. This is then followed by a quick warm-up, which is usually about ten minutes long. In their first lesson, beginners can expect to learn a few basic fighting stances and how to fall safely. They will also learn one or two self-defence techniques.

Because of the large number of throwing techniques in ju-jitsu, it is most important to learn how to fall correctly without hurting oneself. The techniques in the syllabus become more complex as the grade advances. However, novices learn simple defences with very small chance of injury.

The first lesson is free at many clubs so come try it out. All you will need to wear is a pair of tracksuit pants and a T-shirt. You can look at our Dojo Locations page to see what clubs are available and when they train.

Affiliations

We are affiliated with the following national and international organisations.

	Martial Arts and Games Committee of South Africa
	United Nations of Ju Jitsu
	South African Ju Jitsu Council