London Ju Jitsu – Tooting is a highly reputable martial arts school located in London, United Kingdom. Specialising in the discipline of Ju Jitsu, a Japanese martial art, the school offers comprehensive training in throws, strikes, chokes, and joint locks for self-defence purposes. Serving individuals of all ages and genders, London Ju Jitsu is committed to teaching traditional self-defence techniques that have been passed down through generations while adapting to the modern context.
Established in 2002, London Ju Jitsu has grown to become one of the leading martial arts clubs in the city. Recognised for its excellence, Men's Fitness Magazine rated Ju Jitsu as “Absolutely the best Martial Art for Self-defence” after an in-depth visit to London Ju Jitsu. The instructors at London Ju Jitsu possess extensive knowledge and experience in the field, ensuring that students receive the highest quality training available.
Classes are held at three convenient locations in London: Tottenham Court Road, Tooting, and West Wickham. The school operates with a flexible schedule, offering training sessions on various days of the week. The Tooting Leisure Centre hosts classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 19:00 to 21:00. The YMCA in Tottenham Court Road holds classes every Monday from 19:00 to 21:00.
Lastly, Hawes Down Junior School in West Wickham offers classes on Wednesdays and Saturdays, catering to both adult and children's classes.
Ju Jitsu, meaning “The Gentle Art” or “way of yielding” in Japanese, is designed as a self-defence practise that does not rely on strength but rather on technique. With its origins dating back to the Samurai era in Japan, Ju Jitsu is one of the oldest forms of martial arts and is considered the precursor to popular combat sports such as Judo and Aikido. The art emphasises technique over strength, making it suitable for individuals of any build, age, or gender.
London Ju Jitsu is affiliated with the Fighting Arts Organisation of Great Britain, one of the largest martial arts organisations in the country. The school is committed to maintaining a safe and disciplined training environment while fostering a friendly and supportive atmosphere. Led by senior instructors Sensei Chris Lacy and Sensei Salur Onural, along with several black belts, London Ju Jitsu ensures that students receive proper guidance and instruction.
The history of Ju Jitsu dates back centuries, with Yoshin Ryu Jujitsu, translated as the “School of the Willow Heart” or “School of the Willow Spirit,” being one of the renowned Edo-period jujitsu schools. Founded by Akiyama Shirobei Yoshitoki, a physician from Nagasaki, Yoshin Ryu Jujitsu has a rich history and unique techniques. Yoshitoki, unsatisfied with the techniques he initially learned, dedicated himself to meditation and developed 303 techniques during a hundred-day retreat at the Tenmangu Shrine. The name “Willow Heart” or “Willow Spirit” originates from Yoshitoki's observation of a resilient willow tree amidst heavy snowfall.
For more information about London Ju Jitsu – Tooting, individuals are encouraged to visit the school's website and browse through the various class options. Updates, news, and events can be found on the school's Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. With its dedication to providing top-notch self-defence training rooted in tradition and adapted for the modern age, London Ju Jitsu – Tooting is the ideal choice for individuals looking to learn martial arts, improve physical fitness, and develop self-defence skills in a supportive and professional environment.