Questions and Answers

 

We welcome new members … both new to jujutsu or with experience and gradings from other jujutsu (jujitsu) schools … The following questions and answers will assist in gaining an understanding of the martial arts and of Australian Society of Ju-Jitsuans.

  • 1. I want to learn a martial art. Can you explain the differences?
    Today you have so many different disciplines, styles, systems of martial art to choose from, it can be confusing. While it may be an over simplification, it is easier to understand if we group the different martial arts into just three categories: grappling, boxing and weapons. The grappling styles predominantly give way to an opponent’s force and include Jujutsu, Judo, Aikido, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The boxing styles predominantly meet the opponent’s force with force and include Karate, Taekwondo, and Muay Thai. The weapon styles practise with various weapons and include: Jojutsu, Kendo and Iaido. Many schools will cross over to include some aspects from other groups e.g. ASJJ jujutsu includes striking and weapon practice.
  • 2. How long should it take to get a black belt?
    This will vary between disciplines and with the number of training hours you can devote each week. In some schools it is not unrealistic that it could take around 5 years or longer.  We recommended you seek out a martial art school that provides students with a structured training guide or curriculum that clearly sets down what is required to progress through each of the grade levels towards attaining a black belt … this is the case in ASJJ, where students have their own copy of the training syllabus and are encouraged together with their sensei to set down realistic goals.
  • 3. Is a black belt the ultimate goal?
    Although receiving a black belt is a very high achievement, there are still many ranks above black belt which are commonly called “Dan” or “Degree” with black belt or Shodan being 1st Dan or 1st step. Regardless of the martial art you choose, look for a school that has the depth of knowledge within its Dan rank sensei and capacity to teach and grade you up into the higher Dan ranks … ASJJ with over 100 years of history has this ability.
  • 4. Are martial arts really an art or are they a science?
    Properly taught and practised they are both art and science, although this will rely much on the knowledge and skill of the teacher. With the education programs available to teachers of martial arts there are many opportunities for a better understanding of the sciences that underpin the techniques. The most appropriate program for this is the National Coaching Accreditation Program (NCAP), recognised by the Australian Sports Commission and Sport Australia.

    Within ASJJ all Coaches/Teachers are accredited, and in addition appropriate sport sciences are incorporated within the curriculum.

  • 5. Is it true that martial arts can really become a way of life?
    When you consider that you could start training in the martial arts at a young age and still be involved in retirement then the answer is probably a definite yes. When properly taught by an accredited coach, martial arts teachings include discipline and a philosophy which is an ideal guide for a healthy mind and lifestyle.
  • 6. Is there Government recognition in Australia for martial arts?
    The Australian Government through the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) and Sport Australia, provides recognition in Australia for around seventy National Sporting Organisations (NSOs). This includes the Australian Jujitsu Federation (AJF), which is recognised to provide for: Aikido, Aiki Jujitsu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Hapkido, Jujutsu and Kenpo Jujitsu. Australian Society of Ju-Jitsuans is the foundation member of the AJF.
  • 7. Can Jujutsu be practised as a competitive sport?
    Absolutely! Obviously like any sport there needs to be rules and many aspects of what you will learn may not be permitted in competition … this however in no way prevents those who wish to do so aspiring to enter competition and competing at World Titles.  Learn More →.
  • 8. How does Jujutsu compare with mixed martial art (MMA)?
    This will depend on the syllabus of the jujutsu school … however when you study the depth and breadth of what is taught within Australian Society of Ju-Jitsuans you will appreciate we go far beyond what might be perceived or demonstrated as MMA.  Learn More →.
 
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  • 9. Are all black belt teachers qualified?
    There are no universal criteria by which black belt ranks are awarded. Like any formal qualification, black belt ranks, Dan or Degree should be certified by an organisation that has a recognised national or international status to award such qualification. As a minimum, the issuing authority should be a member of a recognised national or international authority. To attain the qualification, the candidate should have trained and studied within the style and system of the awarding body, which in turn should have monitored and assessed the performance of the candidate.
  • 10. Is it correct that some overseas organisations will award grading certification by post?
    Sadly, yes. They usually require you to pay a fee and sign-up as a member, then send a resume and photo, plus other certificates. Pay another fee, and they issue a grade certificate. All this takes place over the internet, without the issuing organisation ever seeing the person perform. No reputable organisation ever operates in that manner. With technology today it is not difficult to produce your own certificate which can look very authentic.
  • 11. How do I check a teacher’s credentials?
    It is best to ask the sensei to produce evidence of grade in what they are teaching. Within jūjutsu all well-credentialed instructors should possess a certificate of rank recognised by a member school of the Australian Jujitsu Federation, an NCAP accreditation ID card, and evidence of working with children (persons under the age of 18-years) clearance.

    As you may devote many years to your chosen martial art, you may wish to do some personal research to be sure that any qualification you attain is recognised beyond the school that issued it … unfortunately this is not always the case.

  • 12. What does it mean that a martial arts teacher is accredited?
    If the teacher claims accreditation under the National Coaching Accreditation Program (NCAP) (previously NCAS) or the National Officiating Accreditation Program (NOAP) (previously NOAS) then they have accredited under the coaching or officiating education program conducted by a National Sporting Organisation (NSO) approved by the Australian Sports Commission and recognised by the Australian and state/territory governments. Within Jujutsu the only NSO approved to administer both of these programs is the Australian Jujitsu Federation (AJF) … From inception in 1982 until 2019 the administration and presentation of these programs was managed by Senior Graduate Members of Australian Society of Ju-Jitsuans …  for more information this link will take you to the AJF website Learn More →.
  • 13. How do I check if a teacher is accredited?
    The sensei / teacher will have an accreditation ID card issued by the National Sporting Organisation recognised by the ASC and Sport Australia for that specific martial art. If that martial art is Aikido, Aiki Jujitsu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Hapkido, Jujitsu, JÅ«jutsu, or Kenpo Jujitsu … a complete list of accredited teachers is available on the website of the Australian Jujitsu Federation together with a sample of the accreditation ID card … for more information this link will take you direct to the AJF website and a complete listing of all accredited teachers in Australia  Learn More →.  
  • 14. When did jujutsu / jujitsu commence in Australia?
    Australian Society of Ju Jitsuans (ASJJ), holds a wealth of documents that clearly establish that jujitsu was being taught in Australia as early as 1906 together with other evidence that dates earlier with the oldest records dating to visits of war training ships of the Japanese navy in the late 1800s. A small part of this information is shared on this website under “what is jujutsu?” Learn More →.
  • 15. To belong to Australian Society of Ju-Jitsuans what are the fees?
    The current membership fees are:

    Annual Subscription – Dan grades $50.00; Senior kyu grades $30.00; Junior (under 16-years) $20.00

    Plus a nightly training fee which will vary from school to school depending on the charges of the particular venue.

    Joining Fee – payable at time of joining: All Senior Grades – $55.00; All Junior Grades $25.00;

    Note. Student and Junior membership available after attaining first grading

  • 16. I am already graded in jujutsu (jujitsu) if I join ASJJ will my current grade be recognised?
    We welcome new members and the opportunity to recognise skills and competency developed within another school … If after reviewing the ASJJ syllabus with one of our sensei any gaps in your experience are identified, then while gaining the new experience you are invited to continue wearing the grade you have already achieved.
 
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