Reggie Yates & Kate Lawler - Northumbria Students Union ...

Despite my apprehension, there was a real feeling
of people wanting you to do well and succeed
despite an urge to slap, punch and throw them
hard.
Chalton says: “This is an unusual feature of
jitsu, though crucial for progression through the
gradings”
The traditional gi (uniform) looks like a pair of pjs
and a dressing gown, though is vital to perform
grabs and throws effectively without ripping your
favourite t-shirt. Although license and gi costs
sound expensive, it works out cheaper than a night
out, whilst increasing fi tness and stamina levels.
David Lennon, assistant instructor, Dark Blue belt
and committee member says: “Jitsu is one of those
things that people just try because they want to do
something new and then stick at, rather than rugby
or football where they know what they want before
looking.”
TN Just Jump On
At the moment
our class is mostly
made up of at least
30 new
starters...
Ever popular, the club has grown to 10 times its
size in 2004.
“At the moment our class is mostly made up of at
least 30 new starters,” says Lennon, which was
encouraging to a complete newbie with no martial
arts experience.
Not only will you break a sweat and come away
with a real sense of achievement, your social life
will take an upturn. Regular visits for coffee at the
Hancock after training, socials and competitions
make the jiu jitsu club one of, if not the, friendliest at
Northumbria.
“I’ve learnt a lot about myself - I can hold my head
up high and give a sense of confi dence,
which may protect me more than the moves
themselves,” says Kim Allinson, who achieved
her yellow belt after a year in the club. Grades
are accomplished in groups, which serves to
signify team spirit in a solo sport. To prove to
yourself you can do it too, contact jitsuclub@
northumbria.ac.uk. Laura Gutfreund-Walmsley
nu:life 31