Ive been feeding the birds in the garden lately and we're getting quite a variety coming to visit.
Yesterday, Id just finished the washing up and checked the garden to see if anything was happening and this Peacock was strutting around!!!
I have absolutely no idea where it came from.
DRILLING is the path to good reactions and muscle memory.
In this simple drill, the following is taking place through repetition:
Partner A:
• Breakfalls
• Patience (not rushing to get up)
• Up Kicks from the ground
• Stand up techniques
• Reading Body Language
• Osoto Gari from double hand shove
• Achieving the mount
• Protection on the ground
Partner B:
• Dealing with a mounted oppo
• Protection under pressure
• Recognising the threat. (Is it a strangle, headbutt, punches or headlock).
• Using the correct mount reversal
• Continuing to counter-attack even if its going wrong
• Striking vulnerable targets
• Keeping the pressure on your oppo
• Getting up aggressively to escape
The other thing this drill does is teach both fighters to get used to the balance being tipped either way. One second you're winning, the next, you could be losing.
But when the balance does tip against you, the key is to protect yourself effectively.
#jujutsuselfdefence
#jujutsu #selfdefencedrills
Do you know what to do if someone tries to drag you backwards to an unknown location?
If you dont, you're in trouble.
Join my self-defence classes on Saturday mornings and you can learn not to be an easy victim.
Saturdays 11am-12:30pm
In Bishops Cleeve, Cheltenham @gl52fitness
£10 per class
Bung me a message to book a space.
#selfdefence #jujutsu
Super proud of this kid.
My Guide Son Felix (like a God Son but without the religion) played drums at The Cheltenham Jazz Festival this weekend in front of quite a big crowd, and absolutely nailed it.
The performance even included some great drum solo parts too.
His ability as a drummer is accelerating fast as well as his volume!!
Next week, his metal band is supporting my old band 4ft Fingers at The Steam & Whistle in Cheltenham.
Play loud with no apologies.
And to top it off, he has great taste in camouflage trousers!!!
#drummers #youngdrummer #reignoffury #4ftfingers
Its always nice to have a student that cares about their opponent during practice and drills.
Here, Sam is working on his Osoto Gari (Major Outer Reap) from a double hand shove.
As he gets the Kazushi, he makes a small adjustment then nails a great throw...which caught me slightly off guard as I thought he was going to straighten back up.
Our breakfalls our drilled into us from day 1 so that we can land safely, but its nice to know Sam's instinct was to check that Im ok.
In TJK, one of our aims is to keep training, so we all try to look after each other when we practice.
The more we care, the more we train.
#jujutsu #self-defence
What Ive noticed about street confrontation:
• It can be terrifying
• It can come out of nowhere but sometimes the signs telling you an attack is about to happen are staring you in the face
• It takes about 2 to 3 seconds to actually process whats going on. (Even if its an active shooter).
• Some people actively turn their back on the threat as they try to move away
• If you ignore the threat or turn your back as you walk away, this usually prompts the possible attacker to escalate things further
• The average untrained person's muscle memory actually makes them worse off
• Sometimes, controlled violence IS the answer.
Surprisingly, its doesn't take much training to make you safer. All you need to do it start coming to class.
Only you have the power to make the first step.
Bring a friend with you and you can train together.
Saturday Mornings
11am - 12:30pm
@gl52fitness Bishops Cleeve, Cheltenham.
£10 per class.
#selfdefence #jujutsu #jujutsuselfdefence #becomebetter
The Moon (converted to B&W) passing overhead 7pm Thursday 23 April 2026.
Amazing how the lack of humans makes it seem so peaceful.
Well, it won't be long before we start killing each other over that too.
If you find yourself on the ground in a self-defense situation, something has not only just gone wrong...its just got a whole lot worse!
So learning to be good at ground fighting is essential.
This month we've been looking at side control escapes.
But escaping a hold down is only one small part of it.
You also need to know how to counter-attack from different positions on the ground so that you can tip the "scales of self-defence" in your favour.
Saturday Mornings
11am - 12:30pm
@gl52fitness Bishops Cleeve, Cheltenham
DM to start your self-defence journey.
At TJK Bishops Cleeve we understand the importance of good practice.
We also understand how hard it can be to find mat space that allows you the freedom to work on the techniques, strategies and drills that YOU want to work on.
As we are a small club, we have some space on the mat to allow TJK members from other areas to come and practice at your own pace (or join in with the main class if you wish).
Sensei Dave is always there for tips, ideas and to keep everything running safely.
If this interests you, bung me a message to book on, grab your favourite training partner and pop along.
Saturday mornings
11am-12:30pm
£8
At @gl52fitness , Bishops Cleeve, Cheltenham.
If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail.
Becoming less of an easy victim takes time, effort and commitment.
Those that want to become better dont find the time to practice and prepare, they MAKE the time.
If you can commit to one class per week, you will be on the path to becoming a harder target for people intent on causing harm.
One class is 1.5 hours long.
If you're genuinely interested, send me a message, I'll answer any questions you might have and point you in the right direction.
#jujutsu #selfdefence #martialarts
When you become a member of TJK, you get access to extra seminars to learn, hone your skills further and meet other TJK members.
Yesterday, Sensei @leetjk ran a 3 hour "Grapple and Strike" class. With tips on striking, counter striking, takedowns and what to do when you've been taken down.
Then we spent the last half hour practicing what we'd just learned, sparring with everyone and passing on tips of our own to each other.
The friendships and bonds you create during these sessions are strong and last a life time!!
Thank you Sensei Lee for another great session.
