Articles
Self-defence training insights, guidance, and practical advice to help you make informed decisions about your training journey.
Essential Reading
What to Expect in Your First Shockwave Jujitsu Class
Nervous about your first self-defence class? Here's exactly what happens in a typical Shockwave Jujitsu class — minute by minute — so you can decide if this is what you're looking for.
This Training Is NOT for You If… (Honest Fit Check)
Rather than discover this after attending, we'd prefer to be upfront about who our training isn't designed for. This isn't about being exclusive — it's about honesty.
Who Trains at Shockwave Jujitsu (Ages, Backgrounds, Goals)
Curious about who you'd be training alongside? Our students are ordinary adults with extraordinary commitment to learning practical skills. No stereotypical 'martial arts types.'
The Reality of Self-Defence Training: What You Actually Get
Self-defence training delivers specific benefits, but they might not be what you expect. Here's the reality of what you actually get from serious training.
First Class Anxiety
First-Class Nerves: Why It's Normal (and How to Handle It)
Nervous about your first class? You're not alone. Here's why those butterflies are completely normal and how to walk in feeling prepared and confident.
Learning Self-Defence with Zero Experience: What Matters
Never done martial arts before? Perfect. Most of our students walk through the door with no background and plenty of nerves. You're not the exception — you're the norm.
For Women
Self-Defence for Women: Beyond Pink Whistles and Pepper Spray
Real self-defence for women isn't about pink whistles or pepper spray. It's about building genuine confidence through competence, awareness, and practical skills.
Why We Don't Offer Female-Only Classes (and What We Do Instead)
Many women ask about female-only classes. Here's why we believe mixed training is more effective and how we ensure everyone feels comfortable and respected.
For Teenagers
Self-Defence for Students: Real Skills for Real Independence
Heading to university? Here are the practical self-defence skills that actually help with campus life, new cities, part-time work, and real independence.
Beyond School Bullying: Self-Defence Skills for Teenagers
Traditional anti-bullying approaches often fail. Discover how self-defence training teaches teenagers the confidence and boundary-setting skills that prevent them from becoming targets in the first place.
For Adults
Martial Arts for Adults Over 40: What to Expect
Thinking about starting martial arts after 40? You're not too old — this may be the best time in your life to begin. Discover realistic expectations, injury-conscious training, and why most of our students are over 35.
From Karate Kid to Grown-Up: Returning to Martial Arts Without the Ego
Trained martial arts as a kid but want to return as an adult? Here's how to start fresh with practical goals and leave the ego behind.
Martial Arts Insights
Self-Defence vs Sport Martial Arts: The Key Differences
What's the difference between sport martial arts and self-defence training? Competition trains you to win; self-defence trains you to survive and escape.
Cross-Training Self-Defence: What Sport Arts Don't Teach
Already training BJJ, boxing, or karate? Here's what sport martial arts don't teach you about real-world self-defence and why cross-training matters.
You Don't Need to Compete to Be a Martial Artist
Think you need to compete to be a 'real' martial artist? Here's why building capability, confidence, and character matters more than tournaments.
Cultivating a Growth Mindset Through Self-Defence: How Confidence Compounds
Discover how self-defence training builds more than physical skills. Regular training develops a growth mindset that creates lasting confidence in all areas of life.
Safety & Preparation
Injury Prevention & How to Be a Good Training Partner
Learn our comprehensive approach to injury prevention and training partner etiquette. Safety is everyone's responsibility in our mature, professional training environment.
Equipment List: What You Need for Safe Training
Everything you need to know about training equipment: what to buy first, what the club provides, and how to get started for under £100.
