The late Shihan Brian Graham started Junior Jitsu in the UK over 35 years ago in Keighley, West Yorkshire, and it has flourished ever since. There are over 20 Junior clubs up and down the UK, as well as many more looking to start up. There are many instructors who started as juniors and have been instrumental in setting up over 70 adults clubs around the world. |
The Junior Jitsu Foundation (JJF) is part of the Jitsu Foundation and its main function is to support juniors and their instructors in the enjoyment of Jitsu at a local, regional, and national level. Junior Jitsu is taken as seriously as adult Jitsu; the main difference is that certain techniques are reserved for the seniors and sharp weapons are not used. A junior student is recognised by wearing a coloured belt with a central white stripe whereas adults have a solid colour. |
Junior Jitsu is: · Fun · Energetic · Inspiring · Spirited · Challenging · Rewarding |
A junior club has a great family atmosphere with Parents and Guardians helping run the club. These clubs are full of dedicated hard working people that go the extra mile to support the development of Junior Jitsu. All Junior Jitsu instructors are CRB cleared and have to attend Juniors Instructor Courses. The Jitsu Foundation itself has strict Investigation and Disciplinary procedures. |
The type of activities organised by the JJF and its members include:
· Regional Jitsu Courses · National competitions
· Summer camps · Charity fund raising activities
· Halloween and Christmas parties · Displays at Schools and fetes · International trips · Regular features in local news |
Benefits of Junior Jitsu The child must genuinely want to learn a martial art like Jitsu and have the full support of the parent or guardian. |
Self Defence: Self-defence is becoming popular again since cartoons like Jackie Chan, Xiaolin Showdown, and Jet Li Films. Jitsu is a defensive martial art. It teaches the use of the skills learnt to save and protect one's life, and not to start fights or to use it inappropriately in school play grounds. Any skill that can help to save a child’s life must be taken seriously. A child will learn how to defend themselves from attacks such as punches, grabs and strangles, as well as defence against rubber weapons. |
Discipline: A child will learn the importance of discipline and respect for others and oneself. They will learn how to respect the rules of the Dojo (training room) - such as no swearing, spitting or teasing. They must bow into the room and onto the training mat as you start and finish training. All the learning is made fun and memorable: you will see more aggression and injuries in a football match then a Jitsu class. The child will learn how to calm a situation down and how to avoid trouble. |
Help encourage Physical Fitness: Unfortunately, the rate of childhood obesity is climbing. Children spend a lot of time playing video games, watching television and on computers. Studies show that 9% of boys and 13% of girls in Britain are over- weight. Obese teenagers are 10-15 times more likely to become obese adults. The health risks associated with adulthood obesity include heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and arthritis. Jitsu can improve endurance, flexibility, balance, strength and energy levels. |
Overcome Bullying: Learning to be more confident and have courage to overcome bullying is another major benefit of Jitsu. The child learns how to be less of a victim and how to calm the situation as well as inform an adult about the incident. The child will be taught self defence movements but must first learn to handle conflict. The child will learn personal responsibility, avoidance and respect for others as well as their own power. Their levels of self esteem and confidence will also increase. |
Life Skills: Jitsu helps children to interact and to take responsibility. They will be asked to help teach others. Jitsu can enhance their communication skills. They become more engaged and focussed on goal setting since they have to pass regular gradings and attend courses and competitions. Some children can be labelled “hyperactive” , however Jitsu allows them to use their abundant energy. Children will attend first aid and instructor courses. It will help them gain many skills that will aid them in later life as well as improve in school activities. The child will learn Jitsu in its original Japanese language. This learning process can help with languages in school, as well as other subjects. |
