Comments form students in the club:
- Name: Paula Cusack
- Occupation: Doctor/ housewife
- Why did I start jiu jitsu?
- "I was on maternity leave after my second baby, and was looking to do an evening class/ exercise class as something to do and to get fit again. I live near to Judgemeadow and their evening class brochure came through my door. I read about the jiu jitsu class and thought I might give it a go".
- How long have I been training?
- "About 6 and a half years (with a break for baby number 3)"
- What do I get out of training?
- "It's good exercise and stress relief- particularly after a hard day at work. It's also good fun! If anyone is reading the website and thinking about whether to come and try it, I would definitely encourage you to do so, especially any women out there thinking about it. The club is very friendly, I went to my first class not really knowing what to expect and am still going 6 and a half years later. A whole range of abilities is catered for, and it didn't matter that I didn't know how to punch/ fight/ spar and am still not very good at it now! No one seems to mind!"
- Has jiu jitsu helped me in other areas of my life?
- "I hope that it has made me more aware of my safety, and to avoid certain situations. I also think that it has pushed me out of my comfort zone at times- although sometimes the training is hard, it gives you a sense of achievement".
- Name: Ketan Patel
- Why did I start jiu jitsu?
- "I started jiu jitsu as a way of improving my fitness and learning some self defence".
- How long have I been training?
- "I have been training for around 5 years"
- What do I get out of training?
- "Training has benefitted me in a number of different ways. It has helped to improve my general fitness, as well as building on my confidence. It has given me goals to work towards and achieve. I've found that my co-ordination has greatly improved since starting. In addition, I have found that it's a good way of relieving stress after a hard day's work"
- Has jiu jitsu helped me in other areas of my life?
- "Jiu jitsu training has been a challenging hobby, both physically and mentally, but at the same time one which is good fun! It is something that I would encourage anyone to take up, regardless of age, sex or level of fitness".
- Name:Rob Rodgers (link)
- Occupation:Self employed engineer
- Why did I start jiu jitsu?
- "I began in the martial arts as a junior at Castle judo club. I forget exactly why I started, possibly encouragement from a friend who started at the same time and probably because I wished to learn how to fight. Judo gave the bug for the martial arts and I have never managed to shake it.
- Karate was my next love and I started that aged 18, again with a friend who fizzled out after 2 months; I stayed 10 year. Karate taught me much and I gained many good friends and loved the training and style. I gained my 1st dan, entered quite a number of completions and now take my 2 nieces to train at the same school.
- As much as I enjoyed Karate, I began to find it limiting and wished to expand my knowledge to incorporate my early judo knowledge which had waned to a point of obscurity. My wife (girlfriend at the time) who I met at the karate school, was also training at Jiu Jitsu and introduced me to Simon. After a couple of sessions I knew that Jiu Jitsu was for me and over the next few years the karate became less important unit I now only go to say hello".
- How long have I been training?
- "Since I can't remember. Jiu Jitsu: since 1995"
- What do I get out of training?
- "Jiu Jitsu is many lifetimes learning with the more knowledge you gain, the further away mastery gets. This is exactly why I love it, goals are achievable but there is always much more to learn.
- I have never been able to do fitness for the sake of fitness. However fitness as a by-product of an activity I enjoy is a real bonus. It's also great for working up a thirst for a pub after".
- Has jiu jitsu helped me in other areas of my life?
- "The martial arts in general have given me confidence, a self knowing of body and mind, great friendships and enjoyment. There is no other sport that can offer as much in my opinion".
- Name: Brian Quinn
- Occupation: Building site manager
- Why did I start jiu jitsu?
- "Mainly to improve fitness".
- How long have I been training?
- "18 months"
- What do I get out of training?
- "Jiu Jitsu is very technical so I get a mental workout as well as a physical one. I like the movement and I'm learning how my body works".
- Has jiu jitsu helped me in other areas of my life?
- "I think it's good cross training for rock climbing".