Issue 150

UWS fighting back

04th December 2006

On Saturday 17 November the Jitsu club set off to train and compete at this year's Atemi Nationals, held in Aston Villa leisure centre, Birmingham. The Nationals, held twice a year and consisting of a mornings training followed by either Jitsu or Judo competitions in the afternoon, are the highlight of the Jitsu year, and with an attendance of some 960 people, this year was the biggest yet.

Despite the best efforts of the transportation the weekend began in earnest for all 30 of Swansea's entrants who eventually made it to the event and after a hard 3 hours training it was time for the competitions to begin.

At the Atemi Nationals these competitions consist of two parts: a 'V' (or square for novices) and a Gauntlet. The 'V' tests the Jitsuka's ability to survive under pressure; the competitor faces the 'V', which is made up of two lines of fellow Jitsuka armed with anything from their own fists right the way up to baseball bats and chains, and is expected to deal quickly and cleanly with each attack, with only a second separating these attacks for the higher belts.

The Gauntlet allows the Jitsuka to demonstrate skill and finesse; with more time between attacks it allows the 'art' of 'martial art' to shine through, and competitors are expected to demonstrate their flair for more involved and technically difficult responses to attacks. Swansea had success in two of the belt categories, with novice Phil Dunn reaching the final nine out of around 400 others, and club captain Nick Barley reaching the final of the dark blue competition before having to withdraw with a shoulder injury. Unfortunately neither came away with a Jitsu medal, although Nick and fellow dark-blue belt Frank Lewis won silver and bronze BUSA medals respectively.

Swansea was on the mat in force on Sunday, and after a mornings training it was time for the finals. The standard was high across the board, and the much-anticipated Open-Competition was a shining example of the speed, skill and technique needed to achieve the higher grades. Following the presentation of medals it was time to make the, thankfully drama free, trip back to Swansea, and the club is now concentrating on applying what was learnt at the Nationals in preparation for the up-and-coming grading on the 10 December.

Anyone who wants to learn some practical self-defence and join a club with a lively social scene should come along to the Pavilion Gym in loose, comfortable clothing on a Wednesday (5-7), Friday (4.45- 6.45) or Sunday (12-2) and give Jitsu a go: your first session's free so you've got nothing to lose!

Nick Barley