How do I start?
Turn up to a session, or e-mail one of our instructors here. When you turn up you will be asked to fill in an insurance and health questionnaire which basically says that you are healthy and over 18. If you are under 18 you must have the form completed by a parent or guardian before you can start training. This is a legal requirement, and we cannot make exceptions. If you are 16 or 17 you will train in the adult classes, if you are 15 or under you will train in the juniors class.
For your first session just wear long jogging or tracksuit bottoms and a sweat shirt or long sleeved T-shirt. Shorts are not advised as you may get friction burns. Try to wear clothing which doesn't have zips or buttons which could dig in to you. All training is bare foot, and you will need to remove any jewellery and piercings. If you have a ring which you can't remove you will be asked to put tape over it so it doesn't catch. If you have long finger or toe nails you will be asked to cut them short both for your safety (in case a nail gets caught in clothing and pulled out by accident) as well as the safety of others.
There is also an insurance requirement. Although we have a proud safety record unfortunately society is becoming more litigious and all practitioners of Hokutou Ryu Jiu Jitsu must be covered by member to member liability insurance. This is often called a martial arts 'licence'. You are automatically provided free temporary cover for your first session(s), after that you must apply and pay for full membership insurance. The adult cost is approximately £10 annually. Your mentor will give you more details when you start.
What can I expect at my first session?
You will be assigned a mentor who is an experienced Jiu Jitsu practitioner and who will guide you through your first session. That person will explain the safety rules and code of conduct and is there to help you, make you feel welcome and answer any questions throughout the session. We understand that you are a beginner and you will be given lots of time to get to grips with everything you do.
As a beginner you will mostly train with other beginners and cover basic Jiu Jitsu techniques. Exactly what is being taught on your very first session will vary, but it will be something which builds up towards gaining your first belt, and will focus on movement and evasion techniques.
What if I already have some martial arts experience?
People who train in other martial arts are welcome to take up Hokutou Ryu Jiu Jitsu as well. All we ask is that you approach it with an open mind. You will need to start as a white belt, but your previous experience may mean that you pick up Jiu Jitsu faster than a complete beginner. Jitsuka who are graded with The Jitsu Foundation or Aiuchi Jiu Jitsu may be eligible to start at a grade higher than white belt, decided on an individual basis.
When will I be able to grade?
There is a minimum requirement to have attended at least 16 classes before you can be eligible to take the yellow belt grading, possibly longer depending on when you start. You will be prepared in advance for your grading and shown what will be expected of you. At your first grading you will be asked to perform a number of techniques to demonstrate your understanding, and also be tested to see if you can deal with a number of simulated confrontations, such as someone throwing a punch at you. By the time you come to grade you will have learned how to do what will be asked of you.
If you have previous martial arts experience you will still need to start from white belt and pass all the Hokutou Ryu gradings. However you should find that your previous experience will mean that you will be ready for your gradings much faster than a complete beginner.
Will I get hurt?
If you train long enough, yes! Hokutou Ryu Jiu Jitsu involves contact such as grabbing people and aiming strikes at people, so sooner or later you will get at least a few bruises or sore muscles. It is not full contact in the sense that we do not try to beat each other into submission, and the intention is never to cause harm in a training environment. Injuries are few and far between, nevertheless like any strenuous sporting activity which involves physical contact accidents can and do happen. Get used to the idea of collecting bruises from time to time and feeling sore after some training sessions.
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