“I started training at the club in October 2008, although it doesn’t seem that long ago! I don’t have a background in martial arts but I was immediately impressed by what I saw. The techniques that were demonstrated looked practical, straightforward and uncomplicated and I was immediately hooked, although to my disgust I quickly discovered I had no co-ordination and even less stamina….but everything in life has a learning curve, and training in Ju jitsu at the club has been a particularly worthwhile and enjoyable experience. I know it’s a cliché, but I’ve learnt a lot, and also learnt a lot about myself, through participating in training at the club.

The standard of instruction is excellent. Sensei Barry Harte and his Dan grades make it all look simple and easy which I believe is the benchmark of quality instruction, and size and strength isn’t important, it’s about technique. As they say, ‘the devil is in the detail’.

But don’t be fooled…you’ll sweat, and sometimes you’ll feel like collapsing, because the training is both mentally and physically challenging, but it’s also fascinating and very rewarding, and there’s always a very friendly atmosphere in the dojo.”