Written by: University of Plymouth Jiu Jitsu Club https://www.upsu.com/sports/clubs/jiujitsu/
On the 25th and 26th of November, the University of Plymouth Jiu Jitsu club travelled to Sheffield for Atemi for a BUCS competition for traditional Japanese Jiu Jitsu.
University of Plymouth Jiu Jitsu Club member, Sam, shared an overview of the team’s time at Atemi and BUCs open tournament...
"Our Sensei and 12 remarkable Jitsu Ka showcased their skills on the international stage, participating alongside more than 500 other Jitsu Ka at Atemi.
This competition, open to all members of the globally recognised Jiu Jitsu Foundation, primarily caters to national competitors and BUCs entrants. Given the influx of novices this year, white belts engaged in initial group stages, with an impressive five securing victories and advancing to the semi-finals in their respective belt groups.
Notably, our Orange belt, Mike Heazelton, and Green belt, Gabe Newman, both reached the finals in their belt groups.
In addition to the standard Atemi tournament, two of our purple belts participated in the BUCs open competition, exclusively for those with purple, light blue, dark blue, brown, or black belts.
The Atemi tournament structure comprises two stages for each round: the gauntlet and the V (or square for white belts). During the gauntlet, a single Jitsu Ka (the Tori) gracefully navigates between two lines of Jitsu Ka (the Ukis), facing attacks launched one at a time. This phase emphasises showcasing the art and flow of the Japanese martial art, scoring participants on maintaining a strong stance and executing fluid, precise moves to defend against incoming attacks.
Conversely, the V stage is less aesthetically pleasing but equally demanding. Here, the Tori faces a relentless barrage of attacks from two lines of Ukis in a V formation, directed by a Sensei or high-grade Jitsu Ka at the tip of the V. The objective is to demonstrate impulsive and reactive Jitsu, showcasing the ability to avoid harm while maintaining control and safety for oneself and others through Jiu Jitsu techniques."
We take immense pride in the dedication and performance of everyone who seized the opportunity to compete. Their impressive displays earned recognition from esteemed Sensei's, and we eagerly anticipate their achievements at upcoming gradings, alongside the accomplishments of our club's many talented members.
You can read about the Jiu Jitsu Club's first grading of the academic year, which took place on December 4th here.
Get in touch and find out more about the Jiu Jitsu Club:
Email: plymjitsu@gmail.com
Get in touch and follow them on Facebook here and on Instagram.
Find out more and get your membership here.