Jujitsu classes are becoming one of the most popular fun hobbies for children and adults. Students enroll in jujitsu classes for learning self-defense as well as pursuing the sport professionally. It promotes physical fitness and can be an excellent alternative for individuals who don’t like working out with machines. Jujitsu classes are great for personality development as they build a person’s character by teaching them to pursue their goals while exercising restraint.
What is Jujitsu?
Jujitsu is a form of martial arts that focuses primarily on self-defense. It teaches the art of dominating opponents through joint locks or chokeholds. In comparison, taekwondo and karate are an aggressive form of martial arts. Instead of kicking or punching the adversary, an individual takes an opponent to the ground in jujitsu, skillfully grasping them so that they are unable to move. Jujitsu is based on the concept that smaller and weaker persons can defend themselves against a bigger, heavier opponent by using holds, leverage, and proper weight distribution. Participants are taught to neutralize the weight or size advantage of their opponent using ground fighting techniques. As compared to other forms of martial arts like karate or taekwondo, jujitsu is a safer sport. The percentage of practitioners that injure themselves in jujitsu is far less as compared to other martial arts.
Jujitsu Classes in the United States
Jujitsu classes in the United States are organized under USJJF. United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) is the body that oversees the development of the sport in the US. The institution focuses on preserving and promoting traditional Japanese Jujutsu Systems (ryuha).
It imparts knowledge and information on the sport, organizes various tournaments across the country, and certifies instructors. USJJF has established an achievement system for marking the progression of the practitioners in jujitsu classes. It is affiliated with International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation(IBJJF), the organization that is world-renowned for hosting major jujitsu tournaments across the globe, including the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship.
The United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF)maintains a national school directory that lists institutions organizing jujitsu classes. It divides the names State-wise, making it easier for you to find the schools in your area. However, the list is not all-inclusive, and there may be many clubs and schools that organize jujitsu classes that are not listed in it. United States Ju-Jitsu Federation (USJJF)does its best to update the list regularly.
Choosing a Jujitsu Class
Many institutes across the USA offer jujitsu classes. Students should consider facilities that are affiliated with USJJFor other recognized body of the sport. They may look for a few additional things in addition to the association of the institute.
Skill Level
Hobbyists must consider their skill level before enrolling in a jujitsu class. Most institutes group participants based on their age and skill level. Beginners have a separate group as compared to intermediate and advanced practitioners. Jujitsu classes implement a belt-based rank system like many other martial arts. They are divided into two categories by the United States Ju-Jitsu National Rank System.
Mudansha Levels are the beginner ranks below Black Belt ranks. They are denoted by colored-belts. A new practitioner starts at rank ten and progresses through the levels to rank one. Rank ten may generally be denoted by a white belt, while completing the first rank awards a brown belt. Once a student masters the Mudansha Levels, they may move onto the Yudansha Levels.
Yudansha Levels are the Black Belt levels used to certify the skill level of a practitioner. They start at the first rank and progress through to the tenth rank. While the belt awarded for each rank is generally black in color, it has stripes or markings for differentiating between the different Yudansha Levels. Belts from Yudansha levels seven through ten can also have red or white colors.
Choose a jujitsu class according to your skill level. You may have to appear for a test or present your certification before you can enroll in one.
Certified Instructors
The success of participants in a jujitsu class will depend on their instructor to a greater extent. It is essential to choose a club, institution, or facility with certified instructors. While a few international federations of jujitsu allow black belts to train students, USJJF requires them to obtain an Instructor –Examiner Certification. There are four levels of certifications offered by the body to instructors. The applicants must have a certified jujitsu black-belt rank registered with USJJF to apply for the certification.
• Associate Level –Associate Level certification allows practitioners with first to third black belt ranks to conduct jujitsu classes.
• Senior Level –Applicants who have a jujitsu rank between four to six can apply for the Senior level instructor certification.
• Master Level –Master level instructor certification requires the individual to have the seventh or eighth jujitsu black-belt rank.
• Grand Master Level –Grand Master Level certification is available to practitioners with the ninth or tenth black-belt rank.
Hobbyists or students must consider a jujitsu class taught by instructors who have the required certification for that rank.
Hygiene Practices
A crucial thing to consider when enrolling in a jujitsu class is the hygiene practices followed by the club or organization. Unlike other martial arts, where you will be on your feet for the majority of the training session, a jujitsu class is like wrestling. Your body will be in contact with the mat for a significant portion of the session. It can be hazardous for your skin health if the practice area is unsanitary. Jujitsu practitioners, just like wrestlers and judokas, are at a higher risk of contracting diseases like ringworm, impetigo, and staph.
Make sure that the institutes organizing jujitsu classes follow proper hygiene practices. The floor and mats must be cleaned regularly to minimize the risk of infections. They should keep a first aid kit on hand for disinfecting and covering wounds. Consider a gym or a facility that has showers available for the practitioners. Always shower with soap immediately after a jujitsu class for preventing diseases. Only enroll in jujitsu classes at a facility that follows proper hygiene practices.
In addition to the affiliated schools, many run-of-the-mill institutes also offer jujitsu classes. They may not have a recognized curriculum, and their instructors may not be certified. It is best to avoid them.
