Jiu Jitsu Training in Melbourne

Jiu jitsu training teaches you to use leverage, balance and timing to control another person. In our Japanese Jiu Jitsu classes at 272 Dundas St, Thornbury, that means strikes, throws, locks, chokes and ground fighting, all trained with a partner.

BJJ, Judo, Hapkido, Aikido and Sambo all share core principles with traditional Japanese Jiu Jitsu, such as balance breaking and distance control. Japanese Jiu Jitsu has kept its striking, kicking, pressure points, nerve manipulations and weapons training.

Stand-up and ground techniques

Both stand-up and ground training include striking, throwing, kicking, locks, chokes and controls, often with nerve strikes and pressure points mixed in. If you've never felt this type of training, it can be hard to imagine how effective it is when done properly.

Throws include Ganseki Nage, Harai Goshi, Gyaku Nage, Taki Otoshi, O Soto Gake, Tomoe Nage, Sutemi and their many variations. Don't worry if these names don't mean much yet. There are many types of throws, and many of them have several variations.

Ground fighting is both traditional, from seated positions such as Seiza and Fudoza, and modern looking, though it's really a continuation of normal Japanese Jiu Jitsu on the ground.

Locks, chokes and holds

Any joint on the body can be locked and used to control an opponent: fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders, neck, spine, hips, knees, ankles and toes. With practice you can apply combinations at once, or use a lock as part of a throw.

A lock on its own is easy for someone to resist. That's why most of our self defence techniques combine a strike with a lock and control, which also reduces the chance of them drawing a weapon while your hands are busy.

A long history of weapons training

You may have watched the excellent Shogun series or seen Samurai films, which give you some idea of this training, even if it's a bit more dramatic on TV. Will this make you a Samurai? Well, no. But their arts are still practised in the old schools of Japan, passed from teacher to student in an unbroken line, in some schools like ours for several hundred years. Read about our schools or see weapons training.

This is a complete system for anyone wanting to learn not only physical defense, traditional weaponry, and modern day concepts, but also a balance of mental development for a pressured situation.

— Andrew S.

Common questions

Is it safe for beginners?

Yes, it is. We'll take you through techniques step by step at your own pace, with an emphasis on safe training and good body control.

Will I have to spar straight away?

No. Controlled sparring and pressure testing come in gradually as your skills develop.