Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Is special clothing necessary?
No – Jogging bottoms and a T-shirt are all you need to start training, although we advise you purchase a Gi, as these are more durable. Gi's can be ordered by your instructor through the federation at discounted rates. It is a grading requirement that Federation badges have to be worn.

How do I tie my belt?
You will be taught how to tie your obi (belt) as part of the first syllabus. Please ask your instructor if you are unsure. The learning centre has a post with a video of how to tie your obi.

Can females learn Kenpo?
We welcome men and women to the dojo. Our classes already have female students and instructors in both the junior's and adult's sessions. Women's self defence courses can be organised by the Federation. Please contact a senior instructor at a class or via the details shown on the 'Contact Details' of the 'Contact' section.

Is fitness a requirement?
It helps, but we have all levels and all ages. We encourage self defence which requires minimum energy. We do short warm-up exercises at the start of each training session to prepare the body, not exhaust it.

Is Kenpo safe?
We take all possible precautions to ensure safety. Discipline and Respect are compulsory. Instructors are qualified coaches and everyone is insured. Safety mats are used to cushion falls and everyone is taught to land safely before progressing to throws. View articles on safety here.

Are there any age restrictions?
You need to be at least 5 years old to start training with us. There is no upper age limit.

I previously trained with another club. Do I have to return to white belt?
All we ask is that you learn our syllabus. When you can demonstrate you know this you will then grade to have your belt recognised.

I don’t know anyone – who will I train with?
We encourage students to train with different people as everyone has different builds and abilities, so you can learn to adapt techniques to work on anyone.

Am I insured to train?
Yes – the club insurance covers you for 2 sessions after which you need to pay for your own license, which the club organises. You can view full details of the pricing structure per class and license fees (insurance) on the 'Class Information' page in the 'About Us' section.

What does it cost?
The cost per class varies depending on the age of the student. Classes are charged at a standard rate for each dojo, with discounts available for block bookings. You can view full details of the pricing structure here.

Where do you hold classes?
You can find details of where we train on the classes page.

When is Kenpo training?
You can view full details of the times of training on the classes page.

New website

Welcome to our new website: www.bedfordjujitsu.com

We no longer have the public forums, but have replaced this with comments. To comment on a posting, simply press the comments button at the foot of the article and write your message. Comments are moderated (require approval before they are published) making the site easier to manage.

We hope you enjoy the new format and look forward to seeing you on the mat soon.

How to tie your obi

Tying your belt, how to tie your belt

What is Ju Jitsu?

Translated literally from the Japanese, Ju means “gentle” or “soft” and Jitsu means “art”. This has much more to do with the way the technique is applied, rather than the result for an opponent!

There are many stories regarding the history of Ju Jitsu which date as far back as the 8th Century, but the most common references to a Jujitsu form of combat are found in the 15th century martial art tradition known as the katori-shinto ryu.

There is evidence that Jujitsu was brought to Japan by a Chinese monk called Chen Yuanein (1587-1671). So although Jujitsu is viewed today as a Japanese martial art, there is a strong belief pointing at Chinese origins. While Ju Jitsu was first practised in Japan by the samurai, followed by the ninja, it achieved notoriety with use by many of the bandits of the time.

Through this dubious association, Jujitsu earned a poor reputation. It was during this time that Jigura Kano developed the art of judo, meaning “the gentle way” from a combination of Ju Jitsu techniques. His aim was to correct the reputation Ju Jitsu had acquired as a deadly art through its connections with banditry.

Today, Jujitsu has gained the reputation of being one of the most effective self defences in the world.

What is Kenpo?

Kenpo (in Japanese from “ken” meaning fist, and “po” meaning law), also written as Kempo (which referred to all martial arts migrating out of China to other parts of the world such as Japan), is unique as far in two respects; it is considered by many the first eclectic martial art, as well as having its founding roots stretch back to 520 BC. The catalyst of the way of Kenpo was a prince and warrior of southern India called Bodhidharma. According to the records of the Lo-Yang temple, Bodhidharma was a Buddhist monk under the tutelage of Prajnatara and it is presumed that upon his death bed Prajnatara requested Bodhidharma to travel to China where he felt the principles of Buddhism were in decline, and that the knowledge of dhyana (Zen koans) should be known.

Kenpo is a unique martial art having been founded several centuries ago in the Chinese Shaolin temple, thus bringing with it a certain air of mystery. As a martial art, Kenpo is referred to as a Do. The Do is referred to in Buddhist Zen scripts as a path towards enlightenment. Lao Tzu, a priest of Taoism said "Mastering others requires force; Mastering the self requires enlightenment.." This phrase sums up what Kenpo strives towards. Although on its surface Kenpo can be seen as a unique form of self-defence, hidden beneath its physical exterior are levels where characteristic centralization of mind and body form. At this level, Kenpo's practitioners move from a simple form of fighting to a higher level of ability and a higher level of enlightenment. Ying Kuchan, a Shaolin monk and master of Kenpo after a lengthy period of meditation in a Zen rock garden spoke of Kenpo saying "Kenpo is the power of adaptability and yielding; the harmony of all things working together."

On the surface, Kenpo's uniqueness lies in its comprehensive and diversified means of unarmed defence. For example, Shaolin Kenpo Karate is both an armed and unarmed system of combat incorporating applications in varying appearances and method. On an external level, Kenpo is a no holds barred fighting system of offensive and defensive methods with equal emphasis on striking techniques with the hands and feet; immobilization and controls; projections and take downs; as well as weaponry and various spiritual and healing arts. Zen Kenpo is a streetwise defensive art that does not restrict its students in methodology. Clawing hands evolve into slashing feet. Cunning joint locks turn into devastating hip throws. Evasive blocks turn into breath closing chokes.

The possibilities are endless. The only true fighting systems are those where there are no rules applied. From the books of the Han dynasty we learn "Nothing is impossible to a willing mind." And it is from this saying that we can derive the upper principles of Shaolin Kenpo. Kenpo tries to build a person’s psychological persona as well as turning the ego self into the egoless self. The true Kenpo is not a means of felling an opponent by force of hand or weapon, nor was it originally intended as a means of arms. Kenpo calls for a bringing of inner peace to the self, and the universe around us. A master of Kenpo is not only a master of self-defence, but a master of himself. The direction of true Kenpo was best described by Bruce Lee when he commented on his art of Jeet Kune Do; "To have no way as a way; To have no limitations as a limitation."

In its physical form as perhaps the most effective street fighting system, Zen Kenpo is based on the objective of destructing the adversary’s attack with minimum target exposure to oneself. Kenpo has evolved to provide both maximum efficiency (no wasted time, movement or energy) and maximum effectiveness (speed, power, and focus). Therefore, both “hard” and “soft” techniques are used with varying degrees of power to achieve the destruction of the opponent’s attack.

Good exponents of the Kenpo art flow with continuity of movement. The best are so flexible in thought and action that they can automatically react to any encounter as it occurs.

We are grateful to KFK’s site on “Martial Arts History and Styles” for much of the information above

What are martial arts?

The term, “Martial Arts”, is relatively modern and comes from a Middle English and Latin derivation that literally translated means “warrior skills”. Martial Arts have come to include various forms of self-defence, usually weapon-less, based on techniques developed in ancient China, India, Japan and Korea. In modern times they have come into wide use for self-protection, as competitive sports, and for exercise.

Today, a whole array of different self-defence systems have come to be included under the general term, Martial Arts, regardless of whether the skills were first conceived for the purpose of defence.

Some of these systems include;

Aikido Aiki Jutsu Bushido Brazilian Jujutsu Capoeira Chinese Boxing Cuong Nhu Hapkido Iaido Jeet Kune Do Judo Ju Jitsu Karate Kendo Kenpo Kick Boxing Kobudo Kung Fu Kyusho Muay Thai Ninjutsu Tae Kwon Do Tai Chi Tanjo Jutsu Thai Boxing Western Boxing Wing Chun Wrestling Wu Shu

Syllabus

All our clubs work to the same syllabus.

You will need a password to open the file, which can be obtained from your Sensei at class.

Safety in the dojo

There are many reasons why we consider ourselves to be the most safety conscious Martial Arts Federation around

Discipline and respect are both qualities that are important in our dojo to maintain control and hence ensure no injuries occur from horseplay or unsupervised contact.

The BJJA is an association which oversees policy and coaching for its member clubs and instructors. Each member has a licence which must be updated.

A condition of membership is that insurance for both instructors and students is compulsory.

Training is properly supervised. No one will be asked to perform beyond his or her capabilities. A proper warm up always starts the session to prepare the body for training.

Proper equipment for martial arts training is used. We always work on shock absorbent, purpose built matting and use head gear and body armour for sparring practice.

Our hygiene policy of nails needing to be trimmed and no jewellery such as earrings or rings allowed to be worn on the mat ensures cuts and bruises from these areas are avoided.

Safety on the street

Safety on the move:

• Always let people know where you're going.
• Call ahead if possible and let them know what time you're likely to arrive.
• Charge your mobile phone, or carry a phone card or spare change for the phone.
• If using public transport, check your route/timetable before you set off.
• Wait for the bus or train in a busy area, sit near the driver if possible and try to find a a carriage with plenty of people.
• Carry a personal alarm - they are widely available from most hardware stores and are not expensive.
  

If you get into trouble:

• If you are out after nightfall on your own, try to walk a well-lit and busy route.
• If you suspect you are being followed, cross the road - several times, if necessary.
• If you still think you are being followed, try to get away from the situation - go somewhere busy like a shop, cafe, hotel or pub.
• Seek help from someone like the shopkeeper or bar staff.
• If you think you may be in danger, don't hesitate to call the police on 999.
• If you are targeted by a robber, don't be afraid to shout for help even if you can't see anyone around - these people are cowards and will run if they think are likely to be caught.
• If you are robbed, try to remember as much detail as possible (eg, clothing, physical description, car) and call the police immediately.
  

Situations to be aware of:

• Should a car driver stop to ask for directions, don't stand too close to the car - don't make it easy for them to snatch your bag or even yourself. Position yourself nearer the front of the car so that if an aggressor gets out, the door acts as a barrier between you. This may give you the time you need to run or call for help.
• If someone asks to use your phone for an emergency - don't give it to them. Tell the person you will make the call for them.
• Large crowds attract pickpockets so don't make yourself a target - keep personal belongings out of sight and out of reach. Or better still, leave them at home if you don't need them.
  

Mobile phones:

• Always keep your phone charged and topped up with credit.
• Lock the SIM card with a PIN.
• Mark your phone with your postcode - this will help the police return it to you if they recover it.
• Don't be flash with your phone - this will only attract attention and make you a target.
• Phones are small and easily lifted - don't leave them on a table or in a pocket.
  

Despite the best safety precautions you still may end up in a compromised position. Sometimes there is no alternative but to defend yourself or others, and if all else has failed, that is where our training comes in.

(Safety tips from the experts [we are grateful to Bedfordshire Police for their input])

Our federation

The British Ju Jitsu Association GB National Governing Body has been offering instruction and training in Ju-Jitsu since 1960.Later to become a Mandated Governing Body by UK Sports Council and recognised by Sport England. Located in Accrington, Lancashire, The British Ju Jitsu Association Gb National Governing Body has produced champions in life as well as in the martial arts.

The elected Mr. Martin Dixon (Chairman) and a staff of expert Coaches, instructors and managers, The British Ju Jitsu Association Gb National Governing Body all Ju Jitsu groups to apply for recognition by The National Governing Body of Ju-Jitsu.The British Ju-Jitsu Association, the BJJA, was originally founded in 1956 by Soke James Blundell (22/12/21 to 13/11/89) and was later re-constituted in 1988. It included other affiliated Ju-Jitsu associations from around Great Britian. Together, these clubs and associations approached the British Sports Council (now the UK Sports Council) to establish a single Governing Body for the Martial Art of Ju-Jitsu in this country and as a result, since 1993, the BJJA became the British Ju-Jitsu Association Governing Body, or BJJAGB.

This Governing Body oversees all aspects of Ju-Jitsu in Great Britain such as, establishing codes of conduct, standard practises, competition formats and rules, arranging group insurance policies for clubs within the Association, and certification of teachers and competition referees as well as registration of new clubs.

The British Ju Jitsu Association Ju Jitsu Governing Body that is recognised by Sport England and is the UK National Source in reference to N/SVQ's.

Sports Coaching certification for Martial Arts instructors is backed by the National Coaching Foundation, known as "Sports Coach UK". It is through them that the BJJAGB is able to arrange for full Professional Indemnity insurance for all registered coaching instructors teaching Ju-Jitsu within the BJJAGB.

As the independent voice of UK sport, the Central Council of Physical Recreation (CCPR) is the umbrella organisation for the National Governing and Representative Bodies of sport and recreation in the UK. It speaks and acts to promote, protect and develop the interests of sport and physical recreation at all levels. The CCPR is at the forefront of sports politics, providing support and services to those who participate in and administer sport and recreation and is completely independent of any form of Government control. They have no responsibility for allocating funds and are strictly non-party and will support or oppose proposed measures only on the basis of their perceived value to sport and recreation.

Our teaching philosophy

We are proud to offer superior quality martial arts training for all, regardless of age, gender or skill level.
We welcome everyone:

• Women
• Men
• Teens
• Children
• Physically Able
• Physically Challenged
• Older People
• Experienced Martial Artists
• Beginners

Our system of training is unique in that it offers such a wide variety of techniques based on fluidity of movement and thought. This flexibility is carried over into teaching where we believe that because very few students will excel in all techniques, we encourage students to find out what works best and most effectively for them. Therefore although learning different techniques is mandatory to progress through the belt grade structure, individual styles of self defence will develop based on the individual.

You will be taught how to fall without injuring yourself, and how to defend yourself effectively against an attacker. Methods used include many of the more effective techniques employed in other disciplines such as Jujitsu, Aikido, Judo, Kickboxing, Kung Fu, Karate and Jeet Kune Do, as well as specific training in pressure point fighting.

Children have their own training sessions, or train separately at 'mixed' classes (where both adults and children are present). Adults, whether expert or novice, train together.

We are a 'family' focused organisation and it is important to us that parents are invited to observe classes and better still, train alongside their children (which also helps with practice and understanding of what their children do).

We teach in an open, friendly atmosphere. We respect tradition and train hard in martial arts disciplines, but we also have fun. Sessions will allow students to practice techniques and progress through belt grading (certified by the British Ju Jitsu Association), but the emphasis is much more on learning efficient techniques which will work if a confrontation is unavoidable. We therefore offer the most effective self defence available.

Although the focus is on unarmed combat techniques – blocks, locks, chokes, throws, strikes and kicks, for variety and additional interest we train in other martial arts disciplines. Weapons used include Jo Staff, Escrima Sticks, Katana, Sai, Bokken, Nunchakus, Kubotan etc. Our instructors are regarded highly among those familiar with traditional martial arts.

We combine both traditional martial arts methods and modern sports science, constantly exploring for ways to improve , to learn, and in turn, to teach.

We encourage our students to broaden their knowledge of different martial art styles, and teach them to recognise and utilise the strengths in other arts. The BJJA organises seminars where experts and specialists teach new and effective techniques. All students, whether they are beginners or experts, are welcome to come along to our seminars.

Why choose us?

Our classes are fun and challenging for students at all levels (beginner through to expert)

Traditional martial arts are taught with a strong emphasis on practical self-defence.

Classes are self-paced

We are very safety conscious (you can read more in the Safety section on this website)

Your training with us will help to promote within you (or your child):

• Focus
• Discipline
• Perseverance
• Awareness
• Patience
• Confidence
• Respect
• Thinking on your feet
• Physical, mental and emotional self-control

Kevin Franks

Kevin trained in Shotokan Karate from the age of 16, but soon changed to Boxing to improve his self-defence skills. In 1993 he joined the B.J.J.A. (British Ju Jitsu Association), learning traditional Ju Jitsu and after 7 years at the club moved to Bedford JuJitsu. Here he gained experience in Judo and Aikido, along with the grappling arts. He was awarded his 1st Dan, and went on to become 'Black Belt of the Year' in 2002. In 2003 he graded for his 2nd Dan in Ireland, and was again awarded 'Black Belt of the Year' with the W.K.M.A.F. He is an honourable life member of the D.A.M.A.F International in Shin & Ken Goshin Jutsu Ireland. In 2005 was inducted into the EUSAIMAA Black Belt Hall Of Fame as Black Belt of the year.

In 2006 Kevin graded to 3rd Dan level. He now teaches in the USA and Ireland, runs clubs in Marston Moretaine and St Neots, and teaches women's Self Defence courses.