Jujitsu with Sensei Christine Poole...

What is jujitsu?

Jujitsu is the forerunner of Judo and the inspiration behind Aikido.  Commonly known as the ‘Gentle Art’, Ju-jitsu is a Japanese primarily open-hand system, that utilises throws, chokes, locks and ground fighting as well as strikes and kicks. Dating back to antiquity where it was generally known as ‘Tai Jitsu’ (body art), Jujitsu was taught to Samurai; the system being employed when the warriors lost their weapons on the battlefield or were attacked while being unable to bring their weapons to bear through a surprise attack.

The art has developed into a variety of styles, but all contain the same basic elements and principles, balance, leverage and speed to gain advantage, whereupon strength is applied to complete the technique.  All underpinned by the principle of yielding to the attacking force, then turning it back on the attacker.

As well as empty-hand training, most Ju-jitsu schools also have a degree of weapon training including the sword and staffs, and how to defend against them.

Who is Christine Poole?

Christine holds a 6^th dan in jujitsu and is the founder of the British Jujitsu Academy (NE) and runs clubs based in Sunderland. She has over 24 years experience in jujitsu and has worked for many years as a security guard. She has taught jujitsu to hundreds of children and adults. Christine is also an expert in teaching jujitsu to disabled people.

At the Marfest…

Sensei Poole and her students from the academy will be demonstrating their art at the festival as well as providing taster sessions on the ‘come and try it mats’…