Name: Sue
Dojo: Brighton
Belt: Black (3rd Dan)
Joined: 21 years ago
What inspired you to start practising Ju-jitsu?
I had done a short kickboxing class and a couple of boxing sessions and I wanted to do more. However when I started looking into it, there were so many different styles and disciplines to choose from. So, when I moved to Brighton and I saw an advert for Ishigaki in the classifieds of a free local magazine, an LGBTQ+ martial arts club, it all made sense. Somewhere I could do a martial art without comment or judgement.
What do you like about Ishigaki?
Ishigaki adds structure to my week and it is a down time where I can let the rest of the week go.
I love the fact that it gives me focus and when I need to feel more confident in my everyday life, I just think of everything I have achieved over the years and it reminds me how determined I can be and to think ‘yes I can’ and I do. This is very empowering for me.
Importantly, I have met some wonderful people over the years, who have taught me a lot and of course I have made lifelong friendships.
What has been a highlight of your Ju-jitsu journey so far?
Achieving 3rd Dan has been a huge highlight for me. I was hoping to grade when we went into lockdown. I trained hard and went for it and I had an amazing amount of support all around me.
However, looking back over the years, I would have to say that every grading I have done has been a highlight. I have felt the achievement of reaching each new level in my training, knowing that for someone who could not have been less sporty growing up, I have achieved something incredible for myself.
But the highlights are not just about me. I also love seeing students grow as they learn new skills and they become more confident as they make their own journey into ju-jitsu. It is amazing to see someone go from being shy, insecure and questioning to seeing them work things out, learn to move and see then own their own space.
What would you say to anyone thinking of joining?
If there are any women reading this, wondering which martial art to do, come and give us a try. It can’t hurt..that much
