Yoshinkan Dojo (Japanese Jujutsu)

Yoshinkan Dojo (Japanese Jujutsu) is a traditional Japanese martial arts school located in Crondall, between Fleet and Farnham in Hampshire. Originally established in 2012, the Dojo recently moved into its own purpose-built facility. The Dojo takes pride in its friendly and no-nonsense approach to training, conducted in a safe and traditional manner. It caters to all individuals, whether they are beginners or experienced martial artists, and regardless of age, size, or current fitness levels.

Unlike other organisations, Yoshinkan Dojo focuses on real-life self-defence skills, prioritising a serious and common-sense approach to actual fighting. The aim is to equip students with practical physical and mental skills that instil confidence and enable them to handle themselves in potentially violent or life-threatening situations. The Dojo draws inspiration from the skills used by the Samurai for generations to stay alive in a culture where death and killing were an accepted way of life.

Both adult and children's classes are offered at Yoshinkan Dojo, fostering a real family-like atmosphere where parents and children can train together, creating a unique opportunity to bond over a mutual interest. For parents, this serves as a chance to connect with their children while learning something useful and practical.

Yoshinkan Dojo maintains a direct connexion to its Hombu Dojo in Japan, allowing students to regularly visit for training and experience the country's unique culture. Yasumoto Soke, the head of the Motoha Yoshin Ryu school of Jujutsu, has also visited the Dojo, offering additional expertise and adding a unique flavour to the style of practise at Yoshinkan Dojo.

Jujutsu is the main passion of Yoshinkan Dojo, but the school also incorporates other elements of Japanese Budo, such as Bojutsu (techniques of the wooden staff) and Kenjutsu/Iaijutsu (techniques of the Japanese sword). While these may appear as different martial arts, their practise at Yoshinkan Dojo intertwines them as different parts of the same whole, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of Japanese martial arts.

Apart from the physical techniques, training in martial arts provides students with numerous benefits that extend beyond the dojo. The constant movement involved in martial arts practise improves fitness and overall health. Students can enhance their flexibility and correct their posture, especially important for individuals who spend long hours sitting at a desk. The mental discipline and focus required in martial arts can improve concentration, resilience, and self-control.

In addition, martial arts training can develop valuable life skills such as discipline, respect, and perseverance.

Yoshinkan Dojo prides itself on offering authentic Japanese martial arts rooted in tradition and practicality. With its emphasis on self-defence skills and the opportunity for families to train together, Yoshinkan Dojo provides an enriching and rewarding experience for individuals of all ages and fitness levels.