The History of Jujitsu in the United Kingdom is sketchy at best, The two main strains though are:
That of the Budokwai, who after being absorbed into Kano Jujitsu (Kodokan Judo) In the 20's became Judo and led to the establishment of the British Judo Association.
And the second being that of the Liverpool Jujitsu clubs who became the World Ju Jitsu Federation, with its British branch being the British Ju-Jitsu Association. After the Death Of James Blundell in 1989, and several apparent financial discrepancies with the national coach. The hierarchy of the WJJF/BJJA went their separate ways and so the fragmentation of British Jujitsu began. From this several associations were established throughout the country, and in continuing their relationship established the BJJA(GB) in 1993. The important thing to remember is the syllabus of the vast majority of clubs/associations in the UK today share a common theme. Having stemmed from their association with the original WJJF. We are no different. Goshin Ju-Jitsu has been through various changes to get to the point it is at today. Having been associated with several of the larger associations over the years.
We chose the name Goshin Jujitsu for several reasons, firstly the vast majority of Jujitsu in the UK can be termed as Gendai Budo, or modern martial ways, having virtually no links back to the original Jujitsu Ryuha of Japan, other than those that come via Judo. As such Goshin simply translates as Self defence. Which is exactly what Goshin Jujitsu is. A modern synthesised self defence system.
Secondly Ray Sheerin was instrumental in the changes to the syllabus and headed the technical committee, as he and his senior coach Andy Malcolm are also senior Dan grades in The British Judo Association they felt the link to Judo was also personally very important, and as Judo contains the self defence Kata, Kodokan Goshin Jutsu it was decided to use the name "Goshin" to describe the Jujitsu.
Goshin Jujitsu encompasses a complete personal protection system, from body language to minor joint locks for control and restraint to pressure point manipulation and application to throwing and sweeping techniques to holding techniques to punching,striking,kicking techniques etc etc jujitsu has something for everyone, whether you have never stepped on a mat or you are a black belt grade in either jujitsu or any other martial art you are sure to find something new and interesting to catch your attention and keep you coming back!
Everyone is welcome to come along and try the classes out, whether a complete beginner or a black belt grade, male or female, fit or not, once in the dojo there are no predjuducies as everyone is equal and learns at a pace to suit themselves,
All students are encouraged to take part in kumite, randori, and ne-waza, at the heart of martial arts practice is the desire to test ones skills and ensure that what you learn is actually applicable in real life, as such actually fighting with ones peers in a safe environment is essential to train to that end, this asides as far as a workout goes there is none better than a good randori!
There is also a comprehensive grading syllabus from complete begginer to black belt 5th dan.
Note: The Jujitsu classes unfortunately have been put on hold at the moment whilst Ray pursues other projects, though The British Judo Association are currently in the process of Introducing a complete self defence system, with a grading syllabus from 3rd Kyu to 5th Dan, therefore any newcomers wishing to practice Jujitsu are encouraged to come along and begin training in the Judo classes, Then from the grade of green belt, will also in the near future be in a position to participate in the BJA self defence system, As a member of the BJA self defence commission, and on the technical committee producing the new syllabus, Ray in his new role of National Director for Self Defence, will be very invloved in the teaching and growing of BJA Self Defence throughout the UK. As such any current Judoka whether student or coach are more than welcome to come along on any of our club nights, for more information or to train.
As a side note, The BJA Self Defence System has been designed as a complete self defence system, and as such is not to be confused with the Kodokan Kata Goshin Jutsu. The two though do share a set of common techniques used for the Kyu Grades, with several differences which we are always happy to discuss in the dojo
