Name: Suzanna
Dojo: London
Belt: Orange
Joined: 2 years ago
What inspired you to start practicing Ju-jitsu?
I did judo in a dim and distant past, but a colleague told me about the existence of Ishigaki. I came to a new joiners day - turns out I really enjoy punching and kicking people. Now I get to punch, kick, throw, defend standing and lying down, use weapons - you get to do everything! Love it.
What do you like about Ishigaki?
It's FUN - there's the social side, and it's also fun on the mat. It's okay to laugh at ourselves when we mess up, or just to have a giggle. Also, I feel safe here. That's not the case for every dojo - in another club, a guy attempted to adjust my gi jacket because shock horror he could see my sports bra. Another guy attacked me with far too much force and injured me - there's no need for that, I was about half his size. I don't worry about sexual harassment or deliberate injury in Ishigaki - and if it happened, I feel sure that the club would address it.
What has been a highlight of your Ju-jitsu journey so far?
Winning the annual bake-off, and getting a grant to fund the club. Oh, you asked about ju-jitsu... Hopefully my orange belt grading in a few weeks.
What would you say to anyone thinking of joining?
Do it! Especially if you hate team sports and were made to feel you were shit at sports in school. Join your fellow nerds and bullied kids! Also, the club is full of dog people, we need more cat people.
