Imperial Ju Jitsu Club

Nov 2009
Well done to Sensei David Tedora who won silver in the adult black belt random attacks at the Jikishin annual course and competition. Oh and he also passed his green belt in Eskrima!

April 2009
Sensei Seymour bids a fond farewell to members of Imperial. Sensei David Tedora is now head instructor of the South Kensington club.

Dec 2008
Bartlomiej 'Bartek' Serafin is awarded our coveted IJJC Merit Award for 2008!

Well done to Senseis David Tedora and Kevin Toogood for passing their nidan gradings!

Oct 2008
Well done to all our competitors at Southend this year, Oscar winning an impressive bronze in the groundfighting.

Sept 2008
Thanks to Nick Brooks from Mill Hill BJJ Club for our seminar.Full report here and more photos here.

June 2008
Congratulations to Sensei Grant who passed his 4th dan grading. See article.

May 2008
Our thanks to Alex from the Doce Pares Filipino Martial Arts School for giving us an excellent taster of stick fighting.

5th July 2007
Club drinks and dinner on Saturday 21st July. More details to come

18th June 2007
New photos added to site, Imperial Women page done.

12th June 2007
Welcome to the new look website. Members take a look around and if you spot any problems, drop me a line.

10th June 2007
Well done to the newly graded members.

9th June 2007
Jikishin are hosting a dinner and party on June 24th at Joy Fook Restaurant, Brentwood.

06.03.07
Congratulations to Rob Line (above) who won the Imperial Merit Award for his achievements in 2006.

08.03.07
John Williams funeral article here.

Nov06-

A fantastic showing at this year's Jikishin National Tournament.

Results:
Rob Line - GOLD in random attacks (purple belt division)
Seymour Yang - SILVER in groundfighting (under 69kg)

Well done also to: Pete McCarney for SILVER in weapons kata
and Alex Pienkowski for BRONZE in sparring.

Honourable mentions to Colm Hughes and Anh Hoang who won their first rounds at groundfighting. Great efforts from Kevin Toogood, James and Daniel Leung in same category. And David Tedora who lost in a split decision in his random attack brown belt division.

You can view videos of the under 69kg groundfighting division on Youtube, by clicking the following links:

Anh first fight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOo7zk8DDYI

Anh second fight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2adB9e5Iuc

Colm versus Kevin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GD789T67yaA

Colm Round 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJln3mk03JU

Daniel first round: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqjHqHFLQU

Seymour first fight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVkcv2R9F-8

Seymour semi final http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxHjjBsZwWs

Seymour final: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjCTaUGG0_g

July06

MPORTANT NOTICE
The class at South Kensington next week has been moved to Wednesday 21st instead of usual Tuesday (so everyone can watch England v Sweden).

Kyu gradings.
Another successful kyu gradings this June:
From South Kensington: Clara, Saliha and Byron (yellow), Anh and Stefan (green), James (orange).
From Imperial Womens: Julie Haycock and Paula Valentine for Green, Sylvia Giese and Asha Ntesie-Ra for Orange and Katherine Rees for White.

11.2.06 Good news re Sensei Peter's club - he has found a new venue for his Kentish Town dojo. It will be at the 'Our Lady Help of Christians' Church, 4 Lady Margaret Road, Kentish Town, London. Classes will begin as of 18th February, 3.30pm-5.30pm. Peter mentions a drinks and food session after training for those who wish to come.

1.2.06 Sadly Sensei Peter has had to suspend his Kentish Town club due to problems with his venue. He hopes to set up a new club still within KT very soon. More news later.

1.2.06 Some of us at Imperial will be attending a seminar given by Royce Gracie - look out for our thoughts in a report soon.

20.12.05 That's it for 2005, thanks to all our students and fellow instructors for making it a great year for Imperial Clubs. The next training session at South Kensington is THURSDAY January 2006 (members only). Newcomers - we will have a new beginner's session soon, email seymour for more details.

20.12.05 Grading news. Well done to Anh Hoang from South Kensington club who passed his yellow belt.

15.12.05 Imperial Women's Club recorded another successful grading with Sylvia Giese attaining her first belt, and Hayley Dalton, Julie Haycock, Paula Valentine, Karen Chinery all passing their yellow belt.

Events for you to watch out for in November and December:

Jikishin course & contest, Southend - Sat 12th November - spectator tickets available.

Revision Course (brown belts+ only) - Sunday 6th November - Tilbury

Ko Budo (purple+ only) - Saturday 22nd October - Brentwood

Kyu Gradings - Sunday 4th December - Brentwood

Imperial Club & NKJJK Xmas dinner - Wednesday 14th December

Jikishin Xmas Dinner & Dance - Sunday 11th December - Orsett Hall

16.9.05 More grading news - the first to be graded from Marie-Paule's dojo are: Paula Valentine and Julie Haycock. Well done to the first of many I am sure.

Our thanks to Sensei Brian Herbert, Head of Jikishin, who visited Imperial South Kensington dojo.

5.9.05 Grading news! Congratulations to Imperial South Kensington members: Andrew Lawson, Catherine Blackett, Rob Boileau, Ian Hurst, Anh Hoang for their white belts. To yellow belts, well done to: Mark Sutter, Dan Brennan and Stefan Persson. Finally, a big congrats to David Tedora who produced an excellent brown belt grading.

Events for you to watch out for this month:

16th August (Tues)
BJJ seminar with special guest instructor at South Kensington dojo.

4th September (Sun)
Kyu gradings - Brentwood - 2-5pm

20th September (Tues)
Sensei Brian Herbert seminar at South Kensington dojo

Saturday 9th July, 10am-3pm
Ko Budo weapons training, Brentwood.

Sunday 10th July, 2pm-5pm
Sensei Kenny Blundell seminar, Brentwood.

Imperial members are also invited to attend a special BJJ seminar at Wanstead Leisure Centre hosted by BJJ black belt David Adiv - 22nd July, 7.30pm. See Seymour for more details.

Classes at South Kensington begin at 7pm but we also practise sport ju-jitsu from 6.30pm.

9.5.05 Sensei Marie-Paule's new dojo will officially open on Tuesday 7th June 2005. Marie-Paule has recognised that whilst many women would like to learn martial arts, some feel more comfortable in an environment dedicated for women only. Address is Moving East Studio, St Matthias Church Hall Wordsworth Road (junction of Belgrade Road) London N16. Training times are each Tuesday 7-9pm.

8.5.05 This year's Jikishin National Course and Contest will be held at Southend, November 11th and 12th. those thinking about competition...it's never too early to begin training!

5.5.05 Sensei Peter's new dojo will officially open on Saturday 21st May 2005. Everyone is welcome to come train. Address is: LA Fitness Centre, 53-79 Highgate Road, London NW5.

21.4.05 Our thanks to Brian Herbert for providing an exciting and educational seminar at Grant's NKJJK club on Wednesday. You can read about the seminar in an article written by David Tedora here.
During that evening too, Sensei Brian also graded Mariusz on his yellow - which he passed with flying colours, so congratulations Mariusz.

20.4.05 Some members of Jikishin UK visited the Samurai Ju-Jitsu Club in Malta recently. This association is unique in that it is led by a Franciscan Friar - Sensei Vincent Sciortino, 5th Dan. You can read all about the experience with Pete's article here.

20.3.05 New article here written by Kevin Toogood - Carrying weapons and the Law.

15.3.05 Congratulations to our new graded members: MArk, Jamie-Lee and Daniel - White belt. Aubrey, Marco, Rob and Ben - green belt.

15.2.05 A few Imperial members were privileged to be able to train with the mighty Royce Gracie last night. Here's my report.

14.2.05 Calendar updated and new film review here.

12.12.04 I'm very pleased to announce that senseis: Marie-Paule, Pete McCarney, Andrew Telford, Dougie Wiley and myself all passed their Nidan gradings. Our thanks go to all the support and encouragement we received, especially to Sensei Grant and Sensei Steph! See photo below! And you can read more on the Meerkat blog and a personal article by Marie-Paule here.

7.12.04 Congratulations to David Tedora for passing his Purple belt grading and to Wayne Maharaj who was presented with the 2004 IJJC merit award. Photos below!

26.11.04 Last chance for members and ex-members to contact me and book your place at the clubs Xmas party. Deadline is 7th December.

13.11.04 Two pieces of fantastic news: First, the Club Xmas party has been booked, see link on the right - numbers are limited so I am taking names and money now. Second, the amazing Royce Gracie will be giving a seminar in February at the RGDA-UK club and members from Imperial have been exclusively invited. More info soon.

7.11.04 A fantastic Southend seminar and tournament as Imperial and NKJJK competitors put in a sterling performance once again. Tom won silver as did Cat, and everyone else performed with honour and pride. Read the full report here.

5.11.04 Good luck to those competing on Saturday. If you are just attending the course, have fun and enjoy the day!

24.10.04 Forthcoming events: 5th december Kyu gradings;
12th December, Dan gradings; also on the 12th, the Jikishin Dinner and Dance - some tickets still available, see me please!!!

5th-6th November 2004
SOUTHEND LEISURE AND TENNIS CENTRE, SOUTHEND, ESSEX.
10-4pm
Background
The Jikishin Nationals are upon us yet again and for many, it is a good chance to experience a big ju-jitsu event where you can learn from the very top masters in the art, compete in a huge variety of competitions or just spectate. In the morning, you will be given a series of seminars that will amaze, astound and rock your ju-jitsu world. In the afternoon, you have the chance to compete in a hotly contested tournament - the prestige of winning a medal this year is even higher with automatic placement towards GB Team selection at Lilleshall in February.
Who's Who?
In the morning seminar, the esteemed masters teach us jitsuka by grouping into belt colour and rotating around the hall in 15-20 minute slots. A few key figures to watch out for include senseis: Hans Demant (5th Dan, Denmark), Dieter Losgen (10th Dan, Germany) , Gino Lo Gioco (8th Dan, Belgium) , Brian Herbert (7th Dan, UK, Head of Jikishin), Terry Parker (8th Dan, UK, President of Jikishin), Josie Murray (5th Dan, Eire) , Jean de Greef (5th Dan, Belgium), Martin Dixon (8th Dan, Chairman of BJJA.GB).
The sheer variety of techniques on display will amaze you.
Sport
These are the categories for adult competition events:
· Sparring - kicks, punches, throws.
· Groundfighting - locks, chokes, strangles whilst on the ground.
· Random attack - defend using ju-jitsu against an unknown technique
· Kata (empty hand)
· Kata (weapons)
· Pairs demo - 2 minutes to show off your very best combination of techniques.
Only random attacks are arranged into belt order, sparring and groundfighting arranged into weight divisions (yet to be determined)
Venue
The Southend Tennis & Leisure Centre is just outside Southend town. A huge venue it has canteen, bar, changing facilities and ample space for training/ warm-up. One word of warning - get there early to nab a parking space.
http://www.leisure-centre.com/sites/southend.html http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?pc=SS24FA&cat=loc
Cost
£20 for seminar and/or compeition £5 to spectate £6 Saturday night disco
Deadline
All entry notification and money to me, by October 5th

24.10.04 New article posted here.

24.10.04 If you wish to attend the Revision course (14th November) I need budo pass and £15 by next Tuesday's (26th) class.

15.10.04 The Thursday 28th class is cancelled. Apologies for inconvenience.

14.10.04 This year's Jikishin Xmas Dinner and Dance will be held on the 12th December, Orsett Hall, Essex. Cost is £35 to be given to me by Tues 26th, no later.

13.10.04 New article added here about a subject close to all our hearts - money!

1.10.04 This is the last call for those who wish to participate in the biggest event of the jikishin calendar - the Southend Course and Contest. I would urge all members to consider attending at least the seminar, as this is an invaluable opportunity to enrich your understanding of ju-jitsu from some of the world's leading ju-jitsu masters.

1.10.04 Please check out the new class timetable.

29.9.04 This is the last call for those who wish to participate in the biggest event of the jikishin calendar - the Southend Course and Contest. I would urge all members to consider attending at least the seminar, as this is an invaluable opportunity to enrich your understanding of ju-jitsu from some of the world's leading ju-jitsu masters. I will accept budo passes and payment next session (Tues 5th) only.

21.9.04 A big thanks for Sam and Mary from Imperial Systema Group who gave us an excellent introduction to Russian systema. It was a thoroughly enjoyable and eye-opening session and most of us even got over the fear of rolling sans mats. Cheers.

20.9.04 Please check the new class timetable - as from October, we will no longer be training on Wednesdays, instead we have additional sessions on most Thursdays.

19. 9.04 Congratulations to those who successfully passed their kobudo levels: Tim Leighton (level 5), Andrew Telford (level 4) and Steph Mindel (level 3).

19.9.04 Full details for this year's Jikishin National Course and Tournament are available: CLICK HERE.

19.9.04 New additional courses just announced: Saturday 16th October 2-5pm Walking Stick Course; Sunday 17th October 2-5pm, Groundfighting Course. Both courses held at John Williams' Cheshunt Dojo - see me for mopre details.

5.9.04 Missing the Olympics already? Ever dream of representing your country? Well, the window is now open. The BJJA (GB) has just announced that medal winners at this year's Jikishin Nationals (Nov - details soon) will be eligible to enter the GB selections at Lilleshall in February. this means that you have the opportunity to compete at the highest level for European and World glory!!!

5.9.04 Congratulations to our new kyu graders: Lyna (white), Chris, Eddie, Rob, Aubrey (all yellow). A big hand also to new kyu grades for NKJJK club members.

1.9.04 Sensei Grant has relocated to a new address and a new training time, for more information, please email me.

1.9.04 Imperial hosts a guest instructor seminar on the 21st September, please make every effort to attend.

1.9.04 New article added here.

July 2004
London Club training times for July are as follows:
Wed 14th, Tue 20th, Tues 27th, Wed 28th.

21.7.04 Some new articles and an update on the links page and instructors page.

26.6.04 Imperial Jikishin Ju-Jitsu Club would like to congratulate Sensei Brian Herbert with his attainment of 7th Dan and with his new role as head of Jikishin Ju-Jitsu Association.

23.6.04 Just back from hols so a belated congratulations go to our kyu graders who passed their new belts with flying colours, and of course a MASSIVE well done to Kevin Toogood and Algenon Hall for attaining their shodan with CREDIT!!! See photo below...

2.6.04 May our thoughts and condolances go to Jikishin South Africa who lost senior sensei Sam Tonkin recently. The Jikishin organisation was richer for his contribution to our art and we will all miss him.

1.6.04 Good luck to those who are kyu grading on June 6th and of course to our two senpais, Kev and Algie who are grading for shodan on 13th June.

I am away on holiday from 6th until 23rd June so in the meantime, the club will be looked after by Senseis Marie-Paule and Steph. Please save any non-urgent queries eg merchandise orders etc, until after I return.

1.5.04 Events to look out for:
James Pape seminar - Brentwood - July 11th. £15 in advance.
Jikishin Summer Dinner and Disco - June 13th, Brentwood, £18 pp. 7pm -12pm. .click here.

21.5.04 For those going to Jikishin Summer dinner and dance at Joy Fooks - please click here.

11.5.04 A BIG well done to both Kevin and Algie, who each passed their pre-grade exam towards shodan - in five weeks time, it will be the main event, so wish them luck!!!

8.5.04 I've reviewed a new book called Fudebakudo - worth getting a hold of as it is very funny. See Review.

1.5.04 It's been a good month for the profile of Jikishin Ju-Jitsu. First, Grant's NKJJK club gets a feature article in his staff magazine, next, Simon Powell, 3rd Dan at Ishigaki Club in London gets a feature profile in the May issue of Gay Times. If any top magazines wish to feature Imperial, I'm all ears!

1.5.04 Events to look out for:
Revision Course - 9th May, Brentwood, 2-5pm
Jikishin Summer Dinner and Disco - June 13th, Brentwood, £18 pp. 7pm -12pm. Contact Seymour for details.

20.4.04 **** CHECK THE TIMETABLE FOR NEW ADDED TRAINING DATES ******** Also see members section for some new online articles.

14.4.04 Well done to Marie-Paule and Seymour who passed their Level-4 weapons assessment. Congrats also to NKJJK members: Algie and Olivier who passed their Level-5. For an understanding of weapons in ju-jitsu, see here for an explanation.

1.4.04 Events to look out for:
The Walking Stick seminar on 25th April.
Revision Course - 9th May, Brentwood, 2-5pm
Jikishin Summer Dinner and Disco - June 13th, Brentwood, £18 pp. 7pm -12pm. Contact Seymour for details.

16.3.04 Just announced: The Jikishin Summer Dinner and Disco - June 13th, Brentwood, £18 pp. 7pm -12pm. Contact Seymour for details.

7.3.04 Congrats to our newly graded white belts: John Stocker, Hossam Galal, Chris Arthan, Bron Plaskowski, Mariusz Radzinski, Ben Randall. And to Jamie McGowan who passed his yellow.

3.3.04 Next week's training is WEDNESDAY 10th MARCH. In the meantime, amuse yourself with our new 'instructors' webpage.

27.2.04 Well done to Kevin who passed his Level 5 ko-budo exam. This is the first step towards his black belt dan grading. Next week we are training on Tuesday 2nd March.

22.2.04 Next week we are training on Tuesday 24th & Wednesday 25th February.

22.1.04 Don't forget - next week we are training on both TUESDAY (normal session) and WEDNESDAY (syllabus and revision only).

17.1.04 Training next week is Tuesday. If you wish to attend the ground-fighting course (8th Feb, V&E Dojo, Goffs Lane, Cheshunt, 2-5pm) then I need £15 payment and Budo pass next session.

17.1.04 Couple of additions (testimonials and shops) to the members page.

16.1.04 Congratulations to David Tedora who was awarded our annual Club Merit Award. This award goes every year to a member who has shown exceptional levels of commitment and dedication to ju-jitsu and to our club.

6.1.04 Next week we are training on WEDNESDAY 14th January. For a full rundown of the whole year's schedule, please check out the 2004 DIARY. Note that we now have an extra trainnig session at the end of every month!

4.1.04 First training session of the year begins on Tuesday January 6th.

19.12.03 That's all for 2003. Have a great Xmas break and see you all on Tuesday January 6th for the first session of the New Year. In the meantime, check out the latest article.

10.12.03 Thanks to everyone who came to the Xmas party - it was a great night out and to see some photos, click here.

7.12.03 Well done to our new graders: Seb, Marco, Jamie, Bill, Gareth and Wayne - another fine performance from Imperial!

5.12.03 Training next week is WEDNESDAY DEC 10th. After that it is Tuesday 16th (the last one for 2003).

4.12.03 Click here for details of the club xmas party -
Tues December 9th, Drunken Monkey, Shoreditch High Street.

4.12.03 Yet more new articles and reviews here.

24.11.03 Places still available for the club Xmas party, see below, deadline is THIS WEEK. Also, check out new articles in the features section. Finally - dates for 2004 are now in.

6.11.03 Click here for details of the club xmas party -
Tues December 9th, Drunken Monkey, Shoreditch High Street. £15 each, open to all members, past and present.

5.11.03 New article by Marie-Paule here.

1.11.03 TEAM IMPERIAL AT THE JIKISHIN NATIONALS! Marie-Paule Ahanda - Gold Medal winner for women's under 65Kg sparring.
Nick Smith - Progressed brilliantly to second round in both mens sparring and groundfighting (all at same time one must add), beating a black belt at one stage!
Steph Mindel - Women's over 65kg sparring - controversially lost the first round decision despite two takedowns and good point scoring.
Also competing, representing NKJJ:
Algie Hall - Exhibited some fine grappling technique to progress to third round in mens under 69Kg groundfighting.
Pete McCarney - gallant competitor at both random attacks and weapons kata, showing good control with the Naginata. Roll on for next year!!! CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS.

30.10.03 Read Steve Halcrow's open letter to all Imperial London members.
28.10.03 Some photos are placed online of our membersduring a typical training session taken by Cat. Click here
26.10.03 Hugely expanded members sections with book reviews and articles.

30.10.03 Read Steve Halcrow's open letter to all Imperial London members.

28.10.03 Some photos are placed online of our membersduring a typical training session taken by Cat. Click here

26.10.03 Hugely expanded members sections with book reviews and articles.

26.10.03 Click here for map to Southend Course and Contest: Southend Leisure & Tennis Centre, Garon Park, Southend, Essex. 10am start.

7.10.03 London sessions every Tuesday.

20.9.03 New article posted on the members page by our legal expert Kev. Check it out.

17.9.03 Training in London is every Tuesday.. Next week, please notify me or Steve if youi wish to attend this year's Jikishin Course and Contest - November 1st in Southend.

4.9.03 Training next week is on Wednesday 10th September. If you have weapons, please bring them as we will practice ko-budo.

4.9.03 Those curious enough to note a few changes to the website will see that our club appears to have expanded. Sensei Steve's new Kent based Jikishin club has opened and training is every Monday.

10.7.03 Catherine & Seymour are inviting all Imperial Club and Grant's NKJJ Club to our Prenuptial Party on Saturday 19th July at the downstairs lounge bar, ONE-TEN Restaurant, 110 Old Street, London. Full details here. We would love to see you there.

2.6.03 All training for rest of July on Tuesdays.

1.7.03 Kevin is inviting all our members to his BBQ house party down in SE18 on the 12th July from around 12noon. Kev asks that you contact him on 07739 709 228 or mail him for details:
kevin.Toogood@SOUTHWARK.GOV.UK

17.6.03 New article written about BJJ in the members section of the website.

16.6.03 BIG CONGRATULATIONS!!! to Sensei Steph who achieved her well deserved second Dan grading last Sunday.

1.6.03 Training this month is every Tuesday at 7pm EXCEPT Wednesday 11th June.

1.5.03 New club patches have arrived, see picture. Available from Sensei Steve for £3.50 each.

21.5.03 Training as usual, Tuesday next week. Reminder for those to attend the June 3rd training at Sensei Grant's Club...NOT IMPERIAL. We will special visitors: Senseis Barry Harte and Nick Brooke down from Mill Hill.

1.5.03 Training is on Tuesday 6th May.

1.5.03 New club patches have arrived, see picture. Available from Sensei Steve for £3.50 each.

27.4.03 Training is on Tuesday 29th - we will be doing some stand-up sparring, if you wish to spar, you must bring your own gum guard and groin protection (male) or chest protection (female). Other equipment will be supplied.

17.4.03 Training next week is WEDNESDAY 23 April. Bring money for revision course (11th May) - a vital course for those hoping to grade soon - applies to all levels.

13.4.03 Normal Tuesday training next week. More groundwork is scheduled. New historical pictures added to the gallery section. These from a book published 100 years ago!!!

5.4.03 Training next week is WEDNESDAY 9th April where we will be trying out groundwork and a little ground sparring.

4.4.03 Thanks for those who suggested their fave badge design. the winner by a mile was the 'fan' and I've sent the pattern off to the patch makers this week. Final versions should be out some time after Easter.

21.3.03 In a change to the usual order of things, next week's training will be on WEDNESDAY 26th March. See below for club badge designs - please choose one and vote for your favourite by emailing me and the most popular one will be embroidered up. We'll also get some onto T-shirts too. Cheers.

13.3.03 Congratulations to Kevin Toogood who was awarded the annual club Merit Badge in honour to his dedication and commitment by Sensei Steve. Training back to normal on Tuesday where we will try out some non-syllabus techniques.

9.3.03 Training this week is on WEDNESDAY 12th March.

20.2.03 Back to TUESDAY evenings each week for training until as notified.

9.2.03 On 22nd Feb Imperial Club members are invited to attend a special 'Control & Restraint' course up at Barry and Nick's Mill Hill Club. More details at next training session. If you are a newcomer wishing to start - please contact me (Seymour) or Steve Halcrow BEFORE attending.

30.1.03 As from Tuesday 4th February we are back at our normal venue - the Holland Club - for training. See you there 7pm. For those who wish to continue training at NKJJ club on Thursdays, please email me so Grant can make a new list on the door.

2.1.03 Welcome to the new look website, hope you like the fresh change and any comments are welcome.
If you are a newcomer wishing to start - please contact me (Seymour) or Steve Halcrow BEFORE attending.

New list of 2003 events in the calendar page.

2.1.03 As detailed before, we are currently training at Grant's NKJJ London branch club (Metropole Building, Northumberland Avenue, London) at 7pm Tuesday nights until our own place (Holland Club, Imperial College) has finished refurbishment.

17.12.02 Well done to Grant for arranging an excellent Xmas bash. Click Here for photos. Merry Christmas everyone and see you in the New Year!

15.12.02 That's it for 2002, no more training until Tuesday 7th January 2003 where we will be temporarily stationed at the Metropole Building, Northumberland Avenue, London. Nearest tube, Embankment/Charing Cross. Usual time.

8.12.02 DAN GRADINGS I'm writing this now before I collapse in total exhaustion. WE PASSED!!!!! Marie-Paule played a blinder and was the best ever. I too was only to be found 'in thezone' and passed with a credit. Loads to tell. Nothing can prepare you for the sheer hard work that the grading is. There are three mats on which the whole syllabus is split, but that first mat was a real killer, God I wished it would end but no! yet more throws, more counters more open hands...ahhh!

At one point MP nearly took my eye out with the baton for which I duly repaid her by going super hard on the subsequent techniques. At the final results announcement Sensei Parker 'forgot' to call my name out and I thought I had failed, I nearly cried, but it all in jest as he awarded me my certificate. All in all an amazing day. Bring on the second Dan.

1.12.02 Click Here For Photos! of the 2002 course and competition at Southend.

4.12.02 Christmas dinner will be at the Mongolian Barbeque Restaurant on Thursday 12th December from 6pm. If you have paid your deposit then see you there, if not, you're welcome to come for drinks after the meal. Address is: 12 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, WC2E 7NA.

1.12.02 NOTICE FOR 2003: First off, January will see the closure of the Holland Club for renovation and hence our usual Wednesday night training will likely be at the MOD - tbc. Second, mat fees (£6) and grading fees (£15) are going up, the first time in five years. Finally, Sensei Steve is considering to move our training nights to a Tuesday once the Holland Club is back to normal. Full details of all the above will be discussed at the club, or feel free to email Steve or me.28.11.02 Well done to Suzanne, Nina and Olivier for passing their gradings on Sunday. Many great thanks to Senseis Barry and Nick from Mill Hill for providing an excellent session yesterday. Next week's training is on Wednesday.

17.11.02 Marie-Paule and I completed the first stage of our Dan gradings by passing the anatomy test and pre-grade (white to brown).

13.11.02 Training is next Tuesday. Sensei Steve is also acquiring an official video of the Course which members are free to borrow - no hogging for weeks on end though!

3.11.02 WOW! what an amazing day! Well done to all those who attended the 2002 Jikishin Nationals Click Here For Photos! (Warning: large files, may take some time to load).Our gallant competitors put in a sterling performance:
Kevin: Under 69Kg sparring. Opponent disqualified for not showing control. Sadly Kev could not continue owing to injury. Kev also excellent technique in the random attacks and achieved second round, narrowly losing to a split decision.
Chris: still recovering from a bout of flu demonstrated good technique to progress to round two of the mens heavyweight ground fighting.
Steph: Women's Open ground fighting. Second round for Steph, who sadly could not continue due to injury.
Bring on next year!!!
Venue: Essex Tennis & Leisure Centre, Garon Park, Eastern Avenue, Southend-on-Sea.
Website: http://www.leisure-centre.com/sites/southend.html
Map: http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?pc=SS24FA&cat=loc
Course starts Saturday at 10am prompt.
Competitions start after lunch.
Please make lots of noise for the competitors representing our club!!!!!!
See you there.

31.10.02 For those spectating/competing at this Saturday's big event. Click Here!

30.10.02 Training next week is Wednesday.

11.10.02 This year, the club Christmas Dinner will be on the 12th December. As usual, we will team up with MOD club. It will be a party buffet at The Mongolian BBQ in Covent Garden. I need confirmation of numbers by end of month - please let Steve or myself know by then..

11.10.02 Training next week is on TUESDAY 15th October.

10.10.02 Apologies to David and James who were missed from my list of new graders - they both passed their yellow belts in fine style.

10.10.02 Lanzarote Link

23.9.02 Ok the webmonkey is back from holiday! Apologies for not updating this site or letting anyone know what was going on.

To recap: Sensei Parker visited Imperial to give a very entertaining and informative session, including a personal grading.

Speaking of which, well done to Duncan Rose, Mark McDonald, Suzanne Ovenden, Steve Hawken and Kevin Toogood for their recent succesful gradings.

Training this week shoule be on Wednesday but check this space or your emails for details as it may be affected by the underground drivers strike.

18.8.02 Training next week is on TUESDAY 20th August.

11.8.02 Sensei Steve is on a well-earned break next week so Sensei Steph will be taking the mat next Wednesday. Also, Senseis Janet and Terry Parker (head of Jikishin) will be attending Imperial on the 4th September.

1.8.02 Issue 3 of the Official Jikishin News newsletter is out now for download from the Jikishin.com website or available in print from Sensei Steve, or by email from Seymour.

1.8.02 All money for grading and forthcoming courses must be handed in to sensei by next training session (Wed 7th).

26.7.02 Sensei Steve has postponed the visit with Sensei Janet and Terry Parker until September, exact date to be arranged. Next gradings are 25th August so sessions are dedicated to syllabus until then.

25.7.02 Usual Wednesday training times next week (1st August...oops! you know I mean't July 31st).

10.7.02 Training next week is TUESDAY 16th.

19.6.02 Training on wednesday as normal.

14.6.02 Training next week is TUESDAY 18th.

1.6.02 Make a note in your diaries - the forthcoming dates section has been updated to include the latest course / grading / competition dates. Make a note too AUGUST 7th - senseis Janet and Terry Parker will be taking the mat at Imperial so please make a big show of coming down.

1.6.02 Well done to Kevin (blue), Chris (purple), David (white) and James (white) for their gradings. Training next week is Wednesday 5th June.

5.4.02 Change of plan to next week: the training will be on THURSDAY 11th APRIL as Sensei will be away on business the Wednesday and Tuesday is booked up. The following week (16th) will be a Tuesday training

5.4.02 Go see Blade 2 - excellent film full of martial art action.Give youself full marks for spotting all the Ju-Jitsu techniques used.

3.4.02 Back to normal Wedneday training after Easter. There are some additional tweeks made to the website in the 'What is Ju-Jitsu?' section.

22.3.02 Apologies to anyone who turned up last Wednesday, training was in fact on Tuesday and I didn't have time to update the website although the circular email did state Tuesday. Anyway, training next week is Tuesday (26th) again, so see you there!

21.3.02 For those who are worried - Sensei Steph sent an email saying she is on the road to recovery from her injury and will be back training in a few weeks time. The same is true for Cat who is also injured.

5.3.02 Nick competed in the European Martial Arts Association Tournament this weekend and won Gold for his katana kata...well done!

4.3.02 Get well to Andy Wisher who is recovering from a car accident. He hopes to be back in training soon.

1.3.02 Don't forget to pick up your own copy of 'Jikishin News' the official newsletter for Jikishin Ju-Jitsu which happens to have been created by Sensei Steve and Seymour.

18.2.01 The details for this year's Jikishin National Course and Championships are being held on the 1-3 November. See the link below and check the 'Grading & Events' button for details.

17.2.01 Seymour has passed his Level 5 assessment in his ko-budo training. Ko-budo is the study of classical weapons and training is open to purple belts and above. A student must pass their level 5 before admittence to black belt grading. More details about ko-budo here.

15.2.02 Next week's training is on TUESDAY 19th, 7pm. Don't forget, make you mind up time soon regarding the big contest in Lanzarote - it's well worth attending whatever your level.

14.2.02 Congratulations to James who attained his green belt. On this occasion, the grading was performed within the club.

26.1.02 We currently find ourselves in the fortunate position of having as many students as our dojo space can handle. We therefore ask that if you intend to join, please CONTACT us first. A full explanation and ideas on where other dojos are can be found here.

25.1.02 There are two major events taking place: Weekend course in Belgium, April 26-28. UNJJ Course and Competition in Lanzarote Sept 20-27. DEADLINE for entry to either is absolutely no later than FEBRUARY 24th. Please contact Steve for further details or visit the link below.

17.1.02 Training next week is as usual on Wednesday. New mats in place with any luck.

10.1.02 Congratulations to Cat who has been presented with the 2001 Merit badge by Sensei Steve. Cat has suffered several months last year with injury and illness but has maintained her loyalty to the club, not forgetting her medal winning efforts in competition.

10.12.01 Sensei Brian Herbert, who is the official GB Squad trainer to the World Games, is running several competition workshops and courses. All courses are 10 - 12.30 and are held at Corringham Leisure Centre, Springhouse Road, Corringham, Essex. For more details or directions call Sensei Herbert on 01375 403269.

Merry Xmas to all our members! See you at training next year - Wed. 9th January.

18.12.01 Congratulations to Sensei Steve for passing the 2nd dan grading last Sunday. We would like to offer our commiserations to Sensei Steph who was unsuccessful at her attempt. Many of you will appreciate how commited Sensei Steph is to her training; and how disappointed she will be. We're sure that she will be back training hard for the next grading.

16.10.01 We have a new domain name: www.imperialjujitsu.co.uk

10.12.01 Congratulations to our newly graded: Cat (Blue), Stuart (yellow), John (yellow), Kevin (green).

5.12.01 The Club Xmas bash will be held on Thursday 13th December. We will join members from MOD Jikishin Club. Venue is the Hogshead Pub, upstairs function room, Wellington Street, Covent Garden. From 7.30 onwards. A £5 deposit is required.

5.12.01 Training next week is on Wed 12th December and will the last one of 2001. Back to training on 9th Jan 2002.17.11.01 Training next week is on Tuesday 20th November.

11.11.01 The Club Xmas bash will be held on Thursday 13th December. As with last year, we will join members from MOD Jikishin Club. Same venue as before - full details later. However, a £5 deposit is required before the end of November.

2.11.01 New calender dates added to Grading&Events page.

12.10.01 New Photos of the tournament have been added, see the tournament page. Photographs by James. Cheers!

11.10.01 Next week's training session is Tuesday 16th October.

5.10.01 New map for grading centre added.

1.10.01 It is with great pride and honour that I am happy to report the wonderful showing of Imperial Club participants at this years National JJJA tournament in Gillingham. Full report and photos can be found by clicking here, or the icon below. Cheers to Sensei Steve for running a successful club.

12.10.01 Please email Seymour if you wish to see the 'Fist of the Dragon' chinese acrobatics and martial arts show. We will be going on Tuesday 23rd October. I need to know by Monday 15th.It is with great pride and honour that I am happy to report the wonderful showing of Imperial Club participants at this years National JJJA tournament in Gillingham. Full report and photos to come later but here's the rundown of results in brief:

Nick Morwood - gamely soldiered on at the ground fighting carrying a bad knee injury but lost first round.

Matt Brown - lost a closely contested first round in the heavyweight sparring.

Chris Allen - cruelly robbed in the first round of heavy division ground fighting.

Seymour Yang - lost semi final in a split decision for the under 63kg sparring, to a Belgian taekwondo expert who eventually won the final. Bronze medal and bruised ribs for my efforts.

Stephanie Mindel - Silver in women's groundfighting and silver in sparring. Successfully demolishing her opponents in the early rounds.

Cat MacCallum - Gold medal winner women's sparring! Beating a tough-punching Belgian girl first then facing Sensei Steph in the final, who unfortunately had to pull out midway, due to injury.

Thanks to James, Jim, Kevin and everyone for their cheering and support. Most thanks to Sensei Steve Halcrow for founding a successful medal winning club.

22.9.01 Next training session is WEDNESDAY 26TH September. Final session before the competition in Gillingham, see link below.

21.9.01 Big hello from Graeme who has emailed from his new job in Rotterdam. He hopes to join a Jujitsu club there to continue his training and may even be able to pop into Imperial some time soon.

9.9.01 BIG WELL DONE! to those who graded today: Matt, Seymour & John for brown belts (especially Matt for his solo stomach throws), Kevin and Stewart white belts, and Chris - who passed his green belt all on his own. Massive thanks to Senseis Steve and Steph for their help with our training.

7.9.01 The new BBC2 gameshow Masters of Combat is worth a watch. Features two teams of martial artists competing in a variety of fights and challenges. Fridays 6.45.

26.8.01 Check out the September issue of Combat Magazine as it has a free Martial arts encyclopedia CD-ROM. Within the CD-Rom are Jikishin instructors demonstrating a whole range of excellent techniques.

30.8.01 Next training session is Wednesday 4th September, and Sunday 9th is GRADING DAY...gulp!

29.8.01 Watch out for Andy Wisher who is appearing in the Friday edition of C5 soap Family Affairs, also repeated on Sunday. Well done Andy!

23.7.01 This Wednesday's (25th) session will concentrate on groundwork. Please bring groin and mouth guard protection. Classes will build up over the next few months so we can prepare for the Jikishin Annual Competition on September 29th.

13.7.01 Imperial Jujitsu would like to congratulate senseis Barry Harte and Nick Brooks from the Mill Hill Jujitsu club on achieving their 3rd Dans.

5 7.01 Finally! You can now get your exclusive limited edition one-time-only Imperial Jujitsu Club t-shirts. Click here for design