Sensei Martin Hunnable (Head Coach)
Name and grade?
Martin Hunnable – ROKUDAN (6th Dan)
When did you start training with Fenland Ju-Jitsu?
I started learning the Jikishin Ju-Jitsu syllabus in 1994 & Set up Fenland Ju-Jitsu Academy in September 2003 when I moved to the Fens
Why did you choose Ju-Jitsu?
I have been training the the Martial Arts since i was 6 years old and finally setteled on Ju-Jitsu as for me it was the most complete Martial Art I had ever tried
Did you do any other sports before Ju-Jitsu?
I have participated in the following: –
- Judo
- Aikido
- Tang Soo Doo
- Football
- Weight training ( in my younger days)
- High Board Diving (at county level)
Tell us about your first class.
My first class with in Ju-Jitsu was great i was hooked right from the start
Was it easy to fit in?
Yes,
Was it difficult to learn?
No not really, some aspects are more difficult than others but everybody finds that certain things are easier than others but I firmly believe that anything worthwhile takes effort and Ju-Jitsu is no exception.
Why do you like Ju-Jitsu?
Because it is a practical, effective self-defence system as well as being good exercise and a good way to make new friends
Ever had to use Ju-Jitsu for real?
Unfortunatly Yes (not something I am proud of) but I felt controlled enough to defuse the situation quickly and escape.
Do you enter competitions?
Not anymore but I had some success in my younger days and have represented the UK overseas on many occasions
Has Ju-Jitsu changed your life?
I should say so in my house it is a case of “Ju-Jitsu is my life”.
How much time does training require?
It is up to the individual but personally I teach 4 nights a week, travel down to London at least once a fortnight to train with my Instructors and try to never miss a course (usually about 6-8 per year).ROKUDAN
Sensei James Cottee
James Cottee – ROKUDAN (6th Dan)
When did you start training with Fenland Ju-Jitsu ?
March 2004?
Why did you choose Ju-Jitsu?
Ju-Jitsu has been part of my life for the last 20 years
Did you do any other sports before Ju-Jitsu?
I have participated in the following: –
- Judo
- Aikido
- Football – 5 & 11-a-side
- Squash
- Weight training
- Rugby
Tell us about your first class.
My first class with fenland Ju-Jitsu was well taught, professional as well as being fun.
Was it easy to fit in?
Yes, it was very easy to fit in and I was made to feel welcome from the start.
Was it difficult to learn?
Ju-Jitsu is not difficult to learn especially when it is taught well.
Why do you like Ju-Jitsu?
It is a practical, effective self-defence with the tradition and history of the noble Samurai.
Ever had to use Ju-Jitsu for real?
Not yet.
Do you enter competitions?
No
Has Ju-Jitsu changed your life?
As previously mentioned, I have been doing Ju-jitsu for 20 years and it forms a major part of my life, on a social basis as well as a Martial art.
How much time does training require?
As much as you are capable of giving it – and then a bit more so that you REALLY get the most from it.
Sensei Chris Ward
Chris Ward – Yondan (4th Dan)
When did you start training with Fenland Ju-Jitsu ?
September 2007
Why did you choose Ju-Jitsu?
Before ju-jitsu I practiced both judo and aikido
but unfortunately the clubs were not as good in this area after I moved or
closed down. There was a ju-jitsu club
just opened up in Whittlesey so I went along and have been training ever since.
Did you do any other sports before Ju-Jitsu?
I have participated in the following: –
-
- Judo
- Aikido
- Football – 5-a-side
- Squash
- Weight training
- Swimming
Tell us about your first class.
I was a bit nervous beforehand as I hadn’t
trained for quite a while, but everyone was very friendly and the teaching was
brilliant
Was it easy to fit in?
Yes, everyone was very friendly and had the opportunity
to train at their own pace
Was it difficult to learn?
Ju-Jitsu is not difficult to learn especially
when it is taught well and you give it 100% effort.
Why do you like Ju-Jitsu?
|
I have met a lot of different people and have |
Ever had to use Ju-Jitsu for real?
Not yet, although I have found that I am more
aware of situations going on around me and have more confidence in either
avoiding them or to deal with them before it has been necessary.
Do you enter competitions?
I used to compete at the National Championships
and the International Course and Competition that Kokorokai Ju-Jitsu and
Wakarishin Ju-Jitsu organise every year in Southend. However over the last couple of years i have
moved into the refereeing side of things and I have officiated at both of these
championships and others held by other associations.
Has Ju-Jitsu changed your life?
It totally has, I am much fitter than when I started
and I have embraced all of the opportunities that I have been offered by
attending courses and competitions all over the country and training with some
excellent instructors both at home and elsewhere. It has led me to qualify as a Level 3 Coach with
the BJJAGB and a Referee/Official. I
still enjoy it as much now as when I started.
How much time does training require?
As much as you are able to give to it .Attitude
and effort are possibly just as or more important, make the most of every
training session and all the opportunities for courses etc that come your way.
