About Jiu Jitsu

Jiu Jitsu (or jujutsu) is a Japanese grappling martial art that roughly translates to “yielding technique.” Students are taught to use timing, balance, connection and redirection to overcome an opponent without relying on physical strength. This makes jiu jitsu an effective self-defense system for anyone, regardless of athletic ability, gender, or size. We train in a friendly atmosphere with participants of all levels working together and senior students taking on instructional roles. Jiu jitsu at the Ottawa Aikikai Dojo stands out for its high-energy classes and focus on modern self-defense while upholding its shared principles of community and martial spirit. Our classes foster a sense of friendship and camaraderie while allowing for a personalized training experience.

Our style is primarily an upright style with focus on self defense using throwing, locking, striking, pining and submissions. Sessions begin with a warm up, usually followed by break falling practice, technical instruction, pressure testing, and ending with a cool down. We teach how to fall safely and how to defend against a variety of attacks including strikes, grappling, weapons, multiple attackers and ground work. Our comprehensive syllabus is designed to prepare our students for a wide variety of situations while maintaining a safe training environment. Our dynamic fast-paced training offers a great workout from day one.

History

Jiu Jitsu (or ju jutsu) was developed in feudal Japan by the samurai, who needed a system of unarmed combat in the event that they lost their weapons on the battlefield. Because their opponents were wearing armor, they relied on throwing, locking, and choking techniques rather than striking. Today, jiu jitsu is employed by a wide variety of security and law enforcement agencies, who need techniques to neutralize and restrain subjects without causing undue harm. This makes jiu jitsu ideal for self-defense, because it offers a range of responses and options in any violent confrontation.

At Jitsu Ottawa we practice Shorinji Kan Jiu Jitsu, and are affiliated with Jitsu Canada. Shorinji Kan Jiu Jitsu was founded in the 1950s when Matthew Komp Shihan synthesized influences from his training in wrestling, jiu-jitsu, judo, karate, aikido and taekwon-do into one system. One of his earliest students was Brian Graham who brought the style England and named it Shorinji Kan Jiu Jitsu. The style flourished in the United Kingdom,largely thanks to his student, Peter Farrar. Shorinji Kan continues to be popular in the UK, with over 100 clubs under Farrar’s creation, The Jitsu Foundation. Its North American cousin, Jitsu Canada, was founded by Andy Dobie sensei in 1993 when he immigrated to Canada from the United Kingdom. Today, he continues to lead the association, traveling frequently to seminars and belt gradings across the country as well as teaching at his school in Peterborough.