World Jiu-Jitsu Federation and Prof. Robert Clark

Hi

I am about to join a martial arts long distance learning program from the above reference organization from England. It seems a credible organization to me but I wanted to hear from the martial art community before taking the next step.

Can someone give me some references about the about organization? Has anyone heard about it? Is it internationally known?

Any help will be really appreciated.

Sincerely,

Hi Eric. I was just reading your message. I have seen some of Robert Clark's books and they seem adequate enough. Jujitsu has a fairly long history in England and his instruction is probably competent. I was just wondering why with so many decent American jujitsu practitioners around that you would seek as far as England? What is it precisely that you are interested in and searching for. Have you had previous jujitsu experience?

Eric lives in England I believe.

Sensei Bob Clarke is a well known and respected Martial Artist and has produced some excellent martial artist amongst his students. My late Master, Soke Eddie Stratton, was a friend of Sensei Clarke and always spoke very highly of him. Soke held his association with Sensei Clarke as something dear to him.

Having had the pleasure of training quite a bit with one of Sensei Clarke 1st Dans when they were working in my area for a while (they search and found us), I can vouch for there ability. The students that an instructor produces is their biggest credential. I remember being extremely impressed by the form of this particular student.

I say go for it. From what Soke told me, Sensei Clarke is as good as you are going to find in Jujutsu.

I've found far better jujitsu shodan's in the Bushido Zazen Society.

Have you ever train within that 'school'??

Yes...

They happen to be IMHO one of the best Judo/AikiJitsu societies in the UK. They are based in Deal, Kent. Not as competition orientated as the BJA but the excellent nontheless.

When have you trained Let's see. From '95 to '98 actually. A former training partner still trains with them.

Not being funny here, but what does that prove?

and have experience of training with a number of

You haven't seen many WJJF shodans then have you?

I know that the WJJF are a strong school and well worth

I've seen a guy nearly turned away from a grading because he wore a Judo-Gi and didn't have it plastered with the obligitory badges. Sessions cost £2.70 for an hour. Everyone I've *ever* talked to in the WJJF knows that the grading cert. is written out *before* the grading taken. I know one orange belt and a green in Judo who absolutely *killed* two shodan's in Newaza. When I was there two female Green belts when they threw O-goshi fell over numerous times and still got their grading. Sound like a McDojo yet? I think so...

Sorry Ian, it wasn't meant to prove anything, but just to say that I am not one of the white belts that prowl this NG. That's all.

I have seen some. So you don't like them. That is your choice, but slandering them on the web is very wrong. Live and let live. There are a lot of people who seem to take pleasure from causing upset and arguments. What do these people have to gain from this - nothing other than their strange desire to cause upset. Quite sad really!

No offense taken, I respected nearly all Dan grades I've ever met.

I do, but Eric asked and I simply gave him my opinion, I emailed him to tell him why I have those views. I also told him to give them a try, if he didn't like it he would be safe to know that there are other Jujitsu clubs around with different grading systems and regulations.

There are a

I don't like to create any upset but it's something I just had experience with. There's bad Blacks and good ones.

Just Like to say I do WJJF all my belts are done in the dojo or @ the HQ in Liverpool
i dont think any system done away from hands on in a dojo is any good if you ask me i would say find a club close to you ( any club is better than from a book or a film)

I totally agree with you, Blood

Yes it is well known, its a world wide federation and a very good one too I myself am a member of 6 years its amazing the moves you will learn.

I have known Bob since the early 70's. his techniques are good but he likes his money. Training is not as realistic as BJJ.
Don't waste your money...get real...distance learning for ju jitsu..come on.. it's a money making racket, Bobs good at that.
Get yourself a good local club and get on the mat with real people.

i to have known bob clark from the 70s befor it whent to world ju-jitsu learning from dvds and such itsnt the way forward you can learn from dvds but you need to know the basics before hand join a club get 3/4 belts in before you try to understnd and dvds i have been doing ju-jitsu for 30 years and stll learning

My son started Ju-Jitsu in the UK eight years ago with the WJJF and has just achieved black belt, my daughter is currently a green belt. I have read various comments about the WJJF and the Ju-Jitsu stle it teaches, and would like to make a few comments. Key things for children in any sport are: skill progression, recognition of achievement, and belonging. What I liked about the WJJF system is that there are a number of belts and a reasonable balance with what is expected as to the likely number of classes to attend to attain the necessary level, ie it keeps the kids interested. Also, there are the badges at the gradings which the kids love. Yes, you can look at this negatively that it is all to do with 'money making', but there is no pressure to buy badges - I looked at it as giving them a reward for the effort they'd put in, and all the kids have to meet the required standard for the grade before they are put in for the gradings. The classes and gradings are very professionally conducted, there is also a sense of belonging to something. The style teaches awareness and discipline. I am a brown belt in judo myself, but consider the Ju-Jitsu moves my children have learned with the WJJF to be far better at protecting themselves. So, I would highly recommend the WJJF if you want your children to learn a martial art that: teaches good techniques, builds their confidence and self esteem, rewards their achievements regulalry, and gives them a sense of belonging.

Old Man of Ju Jitsu that can only be Allan Tattersall of UKJJ