What style of jujutsu is taught at Warborough Jujutsu Club?

Warborough Jujutsu Club practises Daiwa Ryu jujutsu, a traditional Japanese style. According to the club, Daiwa Ryu derives from Daito Ryu, which is also the precursor to Aikido and Hakko Ryu. That shared heritage means Daiwa Ryu has similarities in approach to those schools, though each emphasises different aspects. If you are looking for a traditional jujutsu lineage rather than a modern sport style, this is the relevant match; if you want Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), it is not.

Where Daiwa Ryu sits among jujutsu styles

Jujutsu, also spelt jujitsu, covers a large number of styles or schools, known in Japanese as ryu. The club describes its own style as follows:

• Daiwa Ryu is the style taught at Warborough.
• It derives from Daito Ryu.
• Daito Ryu is also the precursor to Aikido and Hakko Ryu.
• Because of this common ancestor, there are many similarities in how these schools approach the art, but they tend to emphasise different aspects.

The club points to its blog for more detail on this heritage and for a description of Daiwa Ryu jujutsu specifically.

How it differs from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

The club is explicit that other jujutsu styles, in particular the recently popular Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), may be very different in training approach and appearance. So the distinction is not just historical lineage — it affects what a session actually looks like. If your previous experience is BJJ, expect a different format and emphasis rather than a variation of the same training.

Who the style suits

The club states that this particular style of jujutsu is not suitable for children, and that classes are adults only. For those under eighteen, the club recommends the Inkai Judo clubs.

Other practical points from the club:

• You don't need to be particularly fit or flexible — just interested in trying something new.
• There are no specific beginner classes; newcomers join one of the regular Tuesday night sessions.
• Wear something comfortable you can move in — a T-shirt and tracksuit bottoms is fine. Kit from another martial art is also fine to wear.
• The group is small and mixed in experience, with some members new to martial arts and others who have practised for decades.

Cost and how to arrange a first visit

• First class is free, so you can get a feel for what the club does.
• After that, sessions are £5.00 for a two-hour class.
• If you intend to visit, the club suggests emailing [email protected].
• Work commitments occasionally mean a class is cancelled because no instructor is available, so checking ahead is worthwhile.

Location

The club practises in the village of Warborough, a few miles south of Oxford, just outside Wallingford in the UK. The club's details page covers how to find the class.

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