How to Attend a Beginner Class at Warborough Jujutsu

Warborough Jujutsu Club has no separate beginner course — newcomers simply turn up to a regular Tuesday night session. Your first class is free, later sessions cost £5.00 for a two-hour class, and you should email [email protected] before visiting because work commitments occasionally mean a class is cancelled for lack of an instructor. The club is adults only, and you don't need to be fit or flexible to start.

What the club is

Warborough Jujutsu Club practises a traditional Japanese martial art in the village of Warborough, a few miles south of Oxford and just outside Wallingford in the UK. The style taught is Daiwa Ryu, which derives from Daito Ryu — the same ancestor as Aikido and Hakko Ryu jujutsu. Because of that shared heritage, you may notice similarities in approach with those schools, though each emphasises different aspects.

Note that this is not Brazilian Ju Jitsu (BJJ). The club states that BJJ in particular may be very different in training approach and appearance from what they practise.

Before your first session

• Age: Adults only. This style of jujutsu is not suitable for children. For under-eighteens, the club recommends the Inkai Judo clubs.
• Fitness level: You don't need to be particularly fit or flexible — just interested in trying something new.
• Experience: The group is mixed. Some members have only recently started martial arts; others have practised for decades. All abilities are welcomed.

What to wear

Wear something comfortable that you can move easily in. A T-shirt and tracksuit bottoms are fine. If you already have kit from another martial art, that is fine to wear too.

What it costs

The free first class exists so you can get a feel for what the club does before committing.

How to arrange your visit

1. Email [email protected] to say you intend to visit. This matters because work commitments occasionally mean the class has to be cancelled when no instructor is available.
2. Come along to a regular Tuesday night session. There are no specific beginner classes — newcomers join the same sessions as everyone else.
3. Bring comfortable clothing as described above, and £5.00 if you return after your free first class.

Common sticking points

• Turning up without emailing first. If the class has been cancelled that week, you'll have made the trip for nothing. Send the email first.
• Looking for a beginner intake. There isn't one. Your first session is simply your first regular session.
• Assuming it's suitable for children. It isn't — the club is explicit that this style is not suitable for under-eighteens and points families to Inkai Judo instead.