Jujitsu
Jujitsu (also known as jiu-jitsu or jujutsu) is the name of the martial art we practice. Ju means 'pliable' - to use any necessary means to overcome our attacker, seen or unseen. Jitsu may be translated as 'warlike art' or 'science'. The combination of Ju and Jitsu is formidable, making it possible to meet an attack with any type of defence: kicks, strikes, throws, chokes, locks or takedowns.
This style of self-defence concentrates on the attacker's weak points, such as eyes, head, major organs and joints. The effectiveness of these techniques means that it is not possible to practice jujitsu as a sport, so during training the techniques must be performed with care and control to ensure that no injuries are inflicted.
The Club
Shuho Jujitsu was established in 1979 by Sensei Colin Elgie, 9th Dan.
Although it is a western style of martial art, it has its roots firmly placed in Japanese tradition.
True budo (Japanese martial arts philosophy) is practised in the dojo. Sensei Colin takes a personal interest in each of his students, teaching them according to their own individual strengths and requirements.
Although based in traditional etiquette and philosophy, our style of Jujitsu is contemporary, extremely practical and effective. This means that regardless of factors such as size, gender, age and strength there will always be an effective technique to be able to put into practice.
Our dojo has many highly experienced, black belt instructors; these are students that still choose to train with Sensei Colin (even though they are experts themselves) because they know he won't compromise our technical standard. This is why our club has a renowned reputation which continues to grow.
Shu-Ho means “Superior Peak” or “Mountain”
Soke Hayabuchi is headmaster of Arakimuninsai Ryu of the Dai Nippon Keitensha Dojo (based in Kobe, Japan). Soke Hayabuchi's own interpretation of Shu-Ho is that students should train hard and strive to rise up from the sea of students to become like a mountain, raising our technique and understanding ever higher. This principle is evident in our training, where students are always encouraged to produce their best and then to improve on this, with demonstrations and guidance from the instructors.
Shuho Jujitsu is a member of NAKMAS (The National Association of Karate and Martial Arts Schools) UK governing body.
Sensei Colin Elgie
Sensei Colin is the founder and head (Soke) of Shuho Jujitsu Ryu and is a 9th Dan in Jujitsu, 6th Dan Renshi in Iaido, and teaches Shuho Ryu Jujitsu and Araki Muninsai Ryu Iaido.
He has been involved in martial arts since the 1960s and started teaching Jujitsu in the 1970s, and Iaido in the 1980s.
Sensei Colin has taught thousands of students throughout his career, including hundreds to black belt and beyond. Within the South East London area, Colin is now almost certainly the most experienced person teaching Jujitsu and Iaido, with the longest unbroken run in passing on his knowledge and skills of these disciplines to students.