Thatcham Aiuchi Jiu Jitsu Club, located at The Burdwood Centre on Wheelers Green Way in Thatcham, Berkshire, is a self-defence based martial arts club that focuses on Aiuchi Jiu Jitsu. Aiuchi Jiu Jitsu is a martial art that incorporates throws, locks, and strikes that can be performed by individuals of all heights, weights, and genders.
The club prides itself on providing a relaxed and friendly environment for its members. While rooted in traditional martial arts, Thatcham Aiuchi Jiu Jitsu Club has modernised its approach to reflect today's society. The collective goal of the Aiuchi Jiu Jitsu Association, to which the club is affiliated, is to foster the ideals of learning Jiu Jitsu by constantly testing, experimenting, and adapting techniques to improve and perfect them.
Training at Thatcham Aiuchi Jiu Jitsu Club offers numerous benefits, including physical exercise, confidence building, and a great sense of enjoyment. Beginners are always welcome, with the only requirement being a minimum age of 18 and a willingness to participate. In some cases, individuals aged 16-17 may be considered for training with parental permission and suitability assessment.
Training sessions are available on Monday evenings at the Thatcham location, as well as on Thursdays in Basingstoke. Additionally, the club often participates in courses held across the country on Saturdays and Sundays. The cost of membership at Thatcham Aiuchi Jiu Jitsu Club is 10 per session, with an annual association fee of 25.
During the holiday period, Thatcham Aiuchi Jiu Jitsu Club will be closed from 19th December to 9th January. The first session of 2023 will take place on 16th January, and new members are always welcome. Those interested in joining can contact Paul Williamson via email at paul@thatchamjitsu. co.
uk or by phone at 07770300007.
In terms of what to expect from training at Thatcham Aiuchi Jiu Jitsu Club, individuals will learn a self-defence martial art that demonstrates how to utilise their body's movement to generate power in techniques applied against attackers. Unlike other martial arts, Jiu Jitsu does not rely on physical strength for speed and power. Instead, it emphasises natural movement, a relaxed attitude, and a focused mind.
Jiu Jitsu is a discipline that promotes both physical and mental well-being while providing effective self-defence and self-development. It draws from centuries of traditional Japanese martial arts and encompasses a wide range of techniques based on concepts such as softness, compliance, and flexibility. These techniques have been incorporated into self-defence and restraint methods used by police and armed forces worldwide.
The term “Jiu Jitsu” translates to “Gentle Art” as it prioritises the application of technique over strength. Practitioners of Jiu Jitsu are encouraged to adapt to the force of an attack and turn it to their advantage, much like a willow tree bends with the wind. The art consists of various techniques, including joint locks, throws, immobilizations, and strikes aimed at nerve points and vulnerable areas.
Beyond self-defence skills, Jiu Jitsu training promotes awareness, confidence, and adaptability to different circumstances. These attributes are essential to personal safety. Thatcham Aiuchi Jiu Jitsu Club has adapted the style to serve as a modern form of self-defence, both in how the techniques are applied and how they are trained.
The name “Aiuchi” translates to “Inner Harmony,” emphasising the importance of integrating body, technique, and mind for successful Jiu Jitsu performance. While having a fit and healthy body is advantageous, physical strength is not the determining factor for mastery in Jiu Jitsu.
At Thatcham Aiuchi Jiu Jitsu Club, members will learn valuable self-defence skills, build confidence, and experience the camaraderie of a supportive community. Whether beginners or experienced practitioners, individuals can cultivate physical and mental well-being while developing skills that can be applied in real-life situations.
