Training at Ryuu Shin

Our main style is Goshin Jujutsu, but our classes are heavily influenced by my previous training in Traditional Japanese Jujutsu, Aikido, Aiki Jujutsu, Chin Na, Kung Fu and several western Self Defence styles.

I believe in making every class lots of fun but always informative and constructive. Everyone progresses at a different speed. I pride myself on making sure that all my Students receive a great deal of personal attention from me during every class.

Our classes are very technique- based. And yet I focus really heavily on the "principles" behind every technique. There are no "kata" to learn and no strict requirement to learn the Japanese names of the moves. Although if you can, its a bonus and it does help.

A phrase you'll hear me quote often in class is "It's all just Body Mechanics!"

Because that is the essence of what we try to achieve in Ryuu Shin classes. To be able to move, to pin, to lock-up or to throw our opponent by using the most efficient body-mechanics. To not have to rely on lots of physical strength. To take his posture. To take his balance and to use his own weight against him as much as possible.

If you tend to think of an Instructor as that guy who stands on the side of the mat barking out commands and "beasting" you.... Who shows you complicated moves and expect you to "get" them much quicker than you are able to... And who leaves you feeling "defeated" and feeling like you will never "get it" ...

Nothing could be further from a typical Ryuu Shin class. You'll always progress at a rate that suits you personally. There is no "beasting". EVER!

You will learn our very well structured Ryuu Shin Jujutsu Syllabus. Every stage builds logically upon the previous one.

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In general there are TWO options of training with Ryuu Shin:-

The Japanese Samurai Art of Jujitsu – Goshin Jujitsu & Aiki Jujitsu

These classes are "old school" Jujitsu (not Brazillian Jujitsu), where there is a full and detailed Syllabus to be followed and Gradings at regular intervals, dependant on your progress. You will learn a range of striking (punching & kicking) techniques. You will learn "Ukemi" (safe falling), throws, sweeps, joint locks, basic groundwork etc.

Much of what you will learn is "compliance techniques" – meaning you learn to hurt your opponent in a very controlled way, just enough to do no permanent harm, but enough to make them "comply". The police and the Military have always based most of their unarmed combat training on Jujitsu.

Think John Wick ....

Aiki Jujitsu

As you progress through the Ryuu Shin Syllabus and at higher grades, you will be introduced to Aiki Jujitsu techniques in class. With Aiki we focus to an intense degree on much more subtle techniques and advanced "kuzushi" (balance taking) aspects of Jujitsu.

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Practical Self Defence

You might have no wish to become a Black Belt. The thought of "Ukemi" (safe falling) might make you fearful or you may have a physical issue that makes that impossible. NOTE - everyone is a little scared of Ukemi at first, but it is always taught to you in small increments, lesson by lesson and always in a totally safe way.

So – if thats your ONLY reason for choosing Self Defence as opposed to Goshin Jujitsu, please have a chat with me first – think about it, whats the use of learning to defend yourself if your attacker makes you lose your balance and you don't know how to fall/recover? You'll risk serious injury.

You might want self defence classes purely as a confidence-booster? This tends to apply particularly to ladies who just want to feel more confident in difficult situations or just in general as a "boost". Or even just as a class where you can have a "release" from daily stress - a "stress-buster".

Then these classes may be better suited for you rather than Jujitsu. There is no Syllabus to learn and no Gradings. You will be learning Jujitsu, but alongside many other martial arts such as judo, aikido, boxing, kung fu, chin na etc. But in a far more informal way than the Goshin Jujitsu classes.

The lessons are purely about how to defend yourself against a variety of attacks.

There is NO cardio in the lesson (unless you specifically want that in which case I can build that in to some extent). And you do not need to be fit to do the lessons, it is totally technique-based.

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Private Lessons

I can do 1-to-1 Private Lessons as a completely seperate service from Ryuu Shin Jujitsu.

If you are of a nervous disposition and can't deal with a class situation, then I can teach you privately.

I have an Enhanced DBS Certificate and you are very welcome to have a friend observe the class at all times if you wish.

Perhaps you've joined Ryuu Shin and are loving it (of course!) but want extra tuition – no problem. As a Ryuu Shin Member you will get a 10% Discount from the price I charge non-members. And if you have Gold Membership you get a 20% Discount.

Or maybe you are a Martial Artist in a different style – Karate, TKD, Judo, Aikido etc and you'd like to add Jujitsu techniques to enhance your skills? Perfect! Many of my students over the years have fitted exactly into that category. At one point ALL of my students were Black Belts in other styles.! A senior student of mine with black belts in several striking arts told me he viewed me as his "finishing school" - he felt Jujitsu added in most of the "missing pieces" from what he had already learned elsewhere.

I'll take that all day long ....

As well as 1-to-1 sessions I can also do "Small Group" Private Lessons – typically from 2-4 people maximum. My private sessions are very sensibly priced, but this can be a way of making a further saving. Also groups of 2 or more can be a much more effective way of learning.

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Corporate

I can do Martial Arts Sessions for businesses and organisations – either from an "awareness at work" self defence perspective or as a team-building scenario. Plus many other options - just tell me your end-goal and we can work out a scenario to meet your specific requirements.