Jikishin Ju Jitsu
Interclub, National & International Competition
The Jikishin Ju Jitsu Association supports and encourages competition in Ju Jitsu - this is carried out through the many forms of competition including Sparring (Stand Up Kicking & Punching, Throws & Takedowns), Ground-Fighting (Grappling with the
intention of submitting the opponent), Random Attacks (Simulated defences against a selection of attacks) and Kata (or Forms - a set piece of martial arts moves performed in sequence to a set standard).
Competition is supported through a number of activities, interclub competitions, the Jikishin Ju Jitsu Association National Course & Championships, and membership of international sporting bodies such as Euro-Budo International.
If you are competitive, think you might want to try competition, or just wish to try out some of the techniques and skills learned in class in a competitive environment, then one of the official competition categories below should interest you, and there is always the chance for you to win a medal or two...
Sparring
Sparring is a stand-up fighting competition arena for students who wish to test the striking, kicking and throwing skills they have learned.
Such skills are acquired through the JJJA syllabus, additional training provided through competitive training at club and attending specialised courses for the fighting disciplines. Of course any skills already possessed in a fighting discipline will translate.
The discipline allows the student to test their fighting abilities, both attack and defence, against others who have been following a similar path, to try out techniques in a practical, safe environment.
The competitions are semi-contact, and training in stand-up fighting will enhance and compliment the Ju Jitsu skills learned in the syllabus. Sparring competition is Open i.e. all grades will compete in the same category, however, there are weight classes to ensure that competitors are matched as fairly as possible.
Ground-Fighting (Grappling)
Ground-fighting is Ju Jitsu based, with influences from wrestling and judo.
Grappling is a skill that all Jujitsuka should learn. In a purely self defence situation, we know that most physical conflicts end up on the floor, so these skills are essential. For competition, the rules are in place to ensure that the competitions take place in a safe environment. The object of Ground-Fighting is to either control or submit 
the opponent with techniques designed to hold the opponent down and then to put either a limb in a situation where it could be damaged, or place a choke hold on the opponent, and thereby gain a submission.
If the two contestants are evenly matched, and neither is able to secure a submission, then the judges will render a decision based on the competitor who has shown control of the fight, has attempted most submissions and has held the dominant position during the contest. Competitors are selected by weight category.
Random Attacks
Random Attacks are a competitive format where competitors have to provide a defence against any of a number of potential attacks.
The discipline is currently practised in both the UK format and the International format. These are very similar in terms of the rules, with the type and scope of attack being the main difference in the competition as practised at domestic level against international rules.
Rules for Random Attacks are relatively simple - there are a given number of attacks, from 8 for White and Yellow Belts, to 40 for Black Belts. The attack may incorporate a weapon (knife club or gun), be a strike, kick, grab, or strangle, and these may be performed standing or on the ground.
The competitors stand on the mat area as per the illustration below. The same Random Attack is given to each Attacker, who must stand with their right hand behind their back, to conceal a weapon if there is one. At the call of the referee, each competitor will be attacked, and the judges will score the defence according to set criteria. At the end of 3 attacks, the competitors face the judges for a decision, and the winner goes through to the next round.
The winner of each bout is judged subjectively based on the standard of technique performance, the appropriateness of the technique to the attack, reaction time of the competitor and the perceived effectiveness of the technique in a "street" scenario.
Random Attack competitors are usually selected by grade band (for instance, white to orange, green / blue, purple/ brown Dan grades).
Mat Layout - Random Attacks
Euro-Budo International European Championships Came To England in 2014.
In 2014 the UKMAGB and Jikishin Ju Jitsu Association hosted the hugely successful Euro-Budo International European Random Attacks Championships at the new sports facility at Loughborough University.
Sensei Lee Bywater 4th Dan is the Random Attacks National Coach. Should you wish to try out, contact Lee at lee@byds.co.uk.
Kata (Including Team & Pairs Demonstration)
An explanation of Kata and its benefits can be found on our Kata Page.
You can think of Kata as being rather like the shadow boxing training that a boxer does, for instance, to perfect the power and delivery of a punch. By practicing a particular punch, at first slowly, and then faster to full speed and repeating the action over and over, the boxer gets the benefit of "muscle memory" i.e. the ability to carry out a sequence of movements without conscious thought.
Kata is taught and demonstrated in a competitive environment through the performance of the Kata, and is judged by a panel of experts. Kata is judged subjectively based on the accuracy of the Kata, the style with which it is performed and the commitment and
dedication in the performance. The judges will mark each of the contestants in each of the scoring categories, and this will provide a total score for the competitor. The score totals for each performance will be added up, and the person who has scored highest will win. There may be several categories of Kata to compete in. For instance there will be Junior and Senior events, Open Hand, Weapons Kata, Pairs Kata, Pairs Demonstration, and Team Demonstration (usually up to 7 members). Kata competition is usually Open, i.e. all grades will compete in the same category (however, there are Junior & Adult categories).
Sport Fighting
Sport Fighting is a new International discipline, which brings together most of the aspects of competitive fighting.
Sport Fighting and offers an exciting opportunity for any student who wishes to improve different aspects of their training. The premise of Sport Fighting is that all areas of fighting skills should be tested in a competitive environment, so if one can perform under these circumstances, then performing in a "street" scenario should be improved. In each bout which lasts 3 minutes, competitors are tested in three separate categories with a time (1 minute) set for each discipline:
Striking (punching & kicking)
Throwing (Ju Jitsu, judo and wrestling type take downs and throws)
Ground-fighting (wrestling / judo grappling for hold down and submission)
Sport Fighting competitors are selected by weight category.
If you would like to compete, please discuss with your Sensei, who will advise on the best form of competitive activity, and discuss a training regime to get the skills and fitness required to compete. 
