This Training Is NOT for You If… (Honest Fit Check)

We're not for everyone — and that's completely intentional.

Self-defence training requires physical contact, consistent effort, and genuine commitment to skill development. Some people thrive in this environment. Others discover it's not what they're looking for.

We'd rather you know which category you fall into before attending your first class, not after.

If You're Looking for a Fitness Class

You want: A workout routine, cardio training, or strength building as your primary goal
What we offer: Skill development that happens to improve fitness as a byproduct

Self-defence training will make you fitter, stronger, and more coordinated. But that's not why we're here. We're here to teach you how to handle dangerous situations.

If your main goal is fitness, you'll be better served by a gym, fitness class, or dedicated martial arts program focused on conditioning.

If You Want to Talk About Self-Defence

You want: Lengthy discussions about crime statistics, safety tips, or theoretical knowledge as the main focus
What we offer: Physical practice of techniques under realistic pressure, with occasional safety discussions when relevant

We don't spend most of our time analyzing crime data or having extended conversations about safety awareness. When local incidents occur, instructors will use them as teachable moments — but this is event-driven, not our primary focus.

If you prefer seminars, workshops, or educational discussions as the main content of personal safety training, this isn't the right fit.

You want: A friendly community, social club atmosphere, or casual group activity
What we offer: A respectful training environment where community forms around shared commitment

Yes, you'll meet like-minded people. Yes, friendships develop. But this happens because we're all focused on the same serious goal — not because we're trying to socialize.

If your primary motivation is meeting people or having a social outlet, you'll find better options elsewhere.

If You're Uncomfortable with Physical Contact

You want: To learn self-defence without any physical interaction
What we offer: Controlled sparring and partner training that requires contact

There's no way around this: self-defence training involves physical contact. We practice escapes from grabs, chokes, and holds. We do light sparring. We train on the ground.

All of this is controlled, respectful, and supervised — but it's still physical.

If the idea of any physical contact makes you uncomfortable, this training won't work for you.

If You Need Immediate Results

You want: Quick fixes, "learn in 6 weeks" solutions, or instant confidence
What we offer: Skill development that requires consistent practice over time

Real self-defence skills take time to develop. Real confidence comes from proven competence, not quick wins or motivational speeches.

If you're looking for shortcuts or expect to feel dramatically different after a few sessions, you'll be disappointed.

If You Can't Handle Structured Learning

You want: Constant action without instruction, or purely instinctive training
What we offer: Step-by-step skill building with demonstrations, practice, and correction

Learning self-defence requires patience. You'll watch demonstrations. You'll practice techniques slowly before applying them. You'll roleplay scenarios. You'll receive corrections.

If you're fidgety, need constant action, or can't handle the stop-start nature of learning, this isn't for you.

If You're Looking for Spiritual or Philosophical Training

You want: Deep martial arts philosophy, meditation, or spiritual growth
What we offer: Practical skills with a focus on legal and ethical application

We teach you how to defend yourself within the law. We discuss proportionate response and de-escalation. But we're not a philosophy school.

If you're seeking enlightenment, ancient wisdom, or spiritual development through martial arts, look elsewhere.

If You Can't Be a Good Training Partner

You want: Individual attention without responsibility to others
What we offer: Partner-based training where everyone depends on each other

Your training partners need you to be present, focused, and safe. You can't be selfish, aggressive, or careless.

If you can't control your ego, follow instructions, or care about others' safety and learning, you'll be asked to leave.

If You're Not Ready for Reality

You want: Movie-style self-defence or techniques that always work perfectly
What we offer: Honest training about what works, what doesn't, and when

Real self-defence is messy, unpredictable, and sometimes unsuccessful. We prepare you for reality, not fantasy.

If you need guarantees, perfect techniques, or reassuring fiction about personal safety, this training will frustrate you.

The Hard Truth

Self-defence training isn't for everyone — and that's okay.

We'd rather you know this upfront than discover it after attending a class. It's better for you, better for other students, and better for the training environment.

Who This Training IS For

If you've read this far and still think Shockwave Jujitsu might be right for you, here's who typically thrives in our program:

People who want practical skills more than quick fixes
Adults who can handle physical contact in a controlled environment
Students who value consistency over immediate results
Individuals seeking competence rather than just confidence
People who can be patient with the learning process
Training partners who care about others' safety and progress

Your Choice

If anything in this article made you think "that's exactly what I don't want," then you've saved yourself time and disappointment.

If you read through this and thought "yes, that's what I'm looking for," then you might be exactly who we're designed to help.

Still interested? Continue with the next essential article to see who you'd be training alongside.

Have doubts? Trust them. There are many excellent fitness programs, social clubs, and discussion groups that might be better fits for what you're actually seeking.

We're not for everyone — and we're completely fine with that.

Next: See Who You'll be Training With

Continue exploring if you'd fit with the actual Shockwave Jujitsu student community:

Article 3. Who you'd be training with

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Still have questions?

This is Article 2 of the 4 Part Essential Reading series.