For an up to date list of Jitsu events click here to navigate to the West Midlands region events page in the Jitsu foundation web site. Here you will find a list of all the clubs in the region.
Nationals
Twice a year, Jitsuka from all around the country (and from abroad) gather in place for a weekend of training, competition and socialising. These are currently being held in Telford, but have also been in Birmingham, Sheffield, Slough and Manchester. Heats for the competions are held on Saturday, and the finals on Sunday. The Junior Nationals are held in the National Judo Centre in Birmingham.
Atemi Nationals
Held in November, training for all grades begins in the morning and the competitions for each grade start in the afternoon. There are two parts to the competition, a 'V' and a 'Gauntlet'. In the V, competitors must defend themselves against a continous cyle of attackers appropriate to that grade, and use any technique they have learned. This focuses on the 'Martial' part of Jitsu. The Guantlet focuses on the 'Art' of Jitsu. Competitors are not under the pressure of realistic attacks, but are required to show off their skill, control and fluidity.
Randori Nationals
Also currently held in Telford in March, this is a judo competition for each grade and those who have judo grades compete at a higher level. There are two competitions; ground fighting or newaza, where competitors attempt to pin or make the opponent submit whilst on the mat. The other is standing fighting or nagewaza, where competitors attept to get a clean throw to win. The competitions are divided up into weight, sex and grade categories. There is also an open competition on Sunday in which full judo rules apply.
Pre-grading
The pre-grading course is usually held on the weekend before the grading with other clubs from the region. You will rapidly go through the techniques you require for the grading and it gives your instructor a good opportunity to decide if you are ready to grade. Sometimes the pre-grading course replaces the regional course in the summer term.
Grading
The grading is where you can attempt to earn your next coloured belt. The grading examiner is a 3rd Dan and tests jitsuka from all the clubs in the region in one sitting, although often the grading is split into two separate halves for lower and higher grades. You will be asked to demonstrate any technique up to and including the grade you are going for in a variety of situations. Gradings usually take place in every region in December, March and June. There is also a September grading for those willing to travel further.
Regional Course
Regional courses are held once per university term. They are usually taught by a 2nd or 3rd Dan and give you a chance to train with others from your region. Sometimes two adjacent regions combine to make a bigger course. The large group means you have an opportunity to train with a wider variety of people of a similar grade to you than you would get in a normal club session.