Jiu jitsu originated in the East many centuries ago as an unarmed self-defence system. As time passed jiu jitsu branched into many different styles, each with its own philosophy and emphasis. Our style, Shorinji Kan Jiu Jitsu, is taught in several countries under the guidance of The Jitsu Foundation (founded by the late B.A. Graham Shihan).

Based primarily on locking and throwing techniques, jiu jitsu provides an extremely effective self-defence system. The wide variety of restraint and take down techniques allow for a controlled response to a violent confrontation and, for this reason, jiu jitsu techniques are used world wide by police forces. The self-defence techniques taught involve using the attacker's movement and momentum against him/herself. The blocking techniques we use are "soft blocks" which mainly deflect the attack rather than using the "hard blocks" associated with many striking arts. Our techniques utilize locking systems (arm locks, wrist locks, etc.) to gain control of the attacker, which can then be turned into throws or restraints depending on the severity of the attack.

Aside from developing valuable self-defence skills, the main aim of participation in the martial arts should be the betterment of oneself. Participants in any well-taught martial arts club will derive many non-physical benefits such as improved confidence and increased self-discipline and self-esteem. Jiu jitsu can be extremely valuable to any individual as training helps to reinforce such values as humility, patience, tolerance, discipline, and respect for oneself and others.