Jiu Jitsu

The methodology

Jiu jitsu can be translated as “soft art”. It is a Japanese self-defense art and has its origin with the samurai. From jiu jitsu, various other self-defense forms and sports have evolved, including aikido and judo.

The main goal is to have fun and to use the many techniques of jiu jitsu in a sportive way.At Budo Gouweleeuw we use the exam requirements as described in the booklet Exam Requirements Jiu Jitsu-DO 5th kyu t/m 1e dan by Mario den Edel en Rob Poleij. Every week there is a central theme and based on these themes all techniques will be discussed.

On Thursdays at 19:00 there is an hour that is especially intended for the novice Jiu Jitsuka. Everyone up to 4th kyu (orange band) is welcome here.

In addition, there is a free training hour on Thursday at 20:00 in which everyone can work on the techniques together with their own training partner. It is the intention that a different hour will also be followed on Thursday. Exceptions to this will be made in consultation with the teacher.

On Thursday we offer a lesson for (semi) advanced at 21:00. Beginners are welcome. On Friday at 21:15 there is also an advanced training, beginners are also welcome to attend this class.

Because Jiu Jitsu includes many techniques, it is recommended to train several times a week if possible. Curious if Jiu Jitsu is something for you? Feel free to come by for a trial lesson.

Origin of Jiu Jitsu

There are many legends about the origin of jitsu. The following is one of them: A Japanese physician named Dr. Akiama, long ago toured the great China. On this tour he saw a martial art and became enchanted by it. Dr. Akiama mastered this martial art and after a long time he could actually call himself a master. However, he began to wonder what he should do if someone applied these techniques to him. Until one cold winter day the answer came to him. He watched as the branches of a cherry tree broke under the weight of a load of snow. The resilient willow, which stood a little further away, bent its branches so that the snow slid off. This led Dr. Akiama to believe that if you want to defend yourself, you should not resist but go along with the opponent’s movement. Dr. Akiama adapted the techniques and his “Gentle Art” was born. This art was extremely effective and no opponent could beat Dr. Akiama. Many samurai fighters were apprenticed to him so that they could also fight without a weapon. Because of Dr. Akiama, jitsu has been a major factor in the training of the samurai.

In jiu jitsu, as much use as possible is made of the speed and energy of the opponent. Atemis are also used. As our founder always described it:

An atemi is a punch or kick in a place where it hurts.

Joop Gouweleeuw

Examination requirements

At Budo Gouweleeuw we follow the exam requirements as described in the booklet Exam Requirements Jiu Jitsu-DO 5th kyu t/m 1e dan by Mario den Edel en Rob Poleij. Based on the described requirements we have prepared exam forms, which you can download and view below.

Click here for the exam requirements for 5th kyu (yellow belt)
Click here for the exam requirements for 4th kyu (orange belt)
Click here for the exam requirements for 3rd kyu (green belt)
Click here for the exam requirements for 2nd kyu (blue belt)
Click here for the exam requirements for 1st kyu (brown belt)

Going up for an exam is always in consultation with your teacher. If you think you are ready to move up a level, let your instructor know in time so that he or she can determine if and when this is feasible. Every Thursday from 20:00 to 21:00 there is the opportunity to train for a higher graduation. Also on Sunday afternoon at 16:00 to 17:30 there is time to train yourself.

For the 2nd and 1st Kyu it is also possible to take partial exams. On the exam form is indicated which subjects belong to which part. Both parts must be passed in order to receive the corresponding grade. It also remains possible to take the exam in one go.

Judo Bond Nederland (JBN)

The District Activities Committee (DACJJ Zuid Holland) of the JBN is active within the district of South Holland. They regularly organize district training courses, which are very educational to attend. This training is sometimes given in our own dojo.