Who Trains at Shockwave Jujitsu (Ages, Backgrounds, Goals)

I wonder if I'll fit in...

If you're curious about who you'd be training alongside, here's the reality: our students are ordinary adults with extraordinary commitment to learning practical skills.

No stereotypical "martial arts types." No gym warriors or adrenaline junkies. Just thoughtful people who've decided they want to be prepared.

The Professional Mix

Our current students work in diverse fields:

Builder — Physical work background, but learning structured technique
Surgeon — Precision and calm under pressure translate well to self-defence
Management Accountant — Analytical mindset applied to systematic skill building
Social Worker — Deals with challenging situations, wants practical backup skills
IT Professional — Desk job, seeking physical competence and confidence
Accounts Professional — Detail-oriented approach to learning complex techniques
Criminology Student — Academic interest in crime, practical interest in prevention
High Schooler (Army Cadet) — Young but serious, preparing for service and adult independence
Marketing Professional — Communication skills, now adding physical capabilities
Police Officer — Supplements their professional training with broader skillset
Teacher — In their first teaching post, new to the area and wanting to feel confident in unfamiliar surroundings
Trainee Nurse — Completed a women's course and is keen to join weekly training when her busy schedule allows

What they have in common: They're all serious about learning, respectful to train with, and committed to consistent improvement.

Age Ranges: Mature Students

Most of our students are between 25-55 years old, with a few younger students who demonstrate exceptional maturity.

Some are in their mid teens (like our army cadet), preparing for adult independence and service
Some are in their 20s, starting their careers and wanting life skills
Many are in their 30s and 40s, often with families to protect
Several are 50+, proving it's never too late to start

What this means for you: You'll primarily be training with mature adults with real-world responsibilities. Any younger students have proven they can train seriously alongside adults.

What They've Discovered Through Training

"My confidence, focus and resilience have grown so much"

Since starting my training with Shockwave Jujitsu three years ago, I've noticed a positive change in myself. My confidence, focus and resilience have grown so much, not only on the mats but also in everyday life. The club has continually pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way, while also giving me a supportive community that feels like family.

— Teri

"I've learnt to stay calm and analyse situations"

"In Shockwave not only did I build up my strength but also my technique. I have learnt to stay calm and to analyse situations and with the right move take down men triple my size and double my height. Since starting, I have become stronger in both my body and mind and am more spatially aware."

— Zara

"My fitness level increased, my confidence has grown significantly"

"I started training at Shockwave Jujitsu as an alternative way to improve my fitness. Not only has my fitness level increased, my confidence has grown significantly. Whether you are a beginner or already at an advanced level, Shockwave Jujitsu will hone your skills and reward you with a sense of achievement, all whilst training in a relaxed environment with a great bunch of people."

— Marc Godden

"8 years later, I'm still hooked and learning something new every week"

"If you're looking to get back into martial arts and want to focus on developing practical self-defence skills rather than competing in tournaments, Shockwave Jujitsu is the ideal place to be. I found them through a Google search for martial arts clubs in Ipswich and was seriously impressed by the breadth of their mixed martial arts syllabus that offers a wide range of techniques to keep things fresh and exciting. Fast forward 8 years, and I'm still hooked and learning something new every week."

— Adam Crowe

What They Expected vs. What They Found

Expected: "I thought it would be more intimidating."
Found: "Everyone is helpful and focused on learning, not showing off."
Expected: "I worried about being out of shape or uncoordinated."
Found: "Instructors meet you where you are and help you progress at your pace."
Expected: "I thought there would be more 'tough guys' trying to prove themselves."
Found: "It's remarkably ego-free. Everyone just wants to get better."
Expected: "I assumed I'd need to be naturally aggressive or fearless."
Found: "They teach you how to access appropriate aggression when needed, but most training is calm and controlled."

Common Motivations That Keep Them Training

Practical Preparedness

"I want to know I could handle myself if something happened"

Not paranoia — just the peace of mind that comes from capability.

Transferable Confidence

"Learning to stay calm under physical pressure helps me stay calm under work pressure"

Skills developed in training apply to other stressful situations.

Physical and Mental Challenge

"It's the hardest thing I do each week, and that feels important"

Adults who want to be challenged in ways their daily lives don't provide.

Community of Serious People

"I like training with people who are committed to something difficult"

Friendship built around shared effort and mutual respect.

Fitness Levels: All Over the Map

The Surgeon: Excellent cardiovascular fitness, learning to apply it martially
The Builder: Strong from physical work, developing technical precision
The IT Professional: Started out of shape, now significantly fitter
The Social Worker: Decent fitness, focusing on technique over strength
The Accounts Professional: Inspired to take on extra fitness classes

The point: You don't need to arrive fit. You need to arrive committed to getting fitter through training.

What They Appreciate About Shockwave Jujitsu

No Bullsh*t Atmosphere

"We're here to learn real skills, not play martial arts dress-up"

Instructors Who Actually Teach

"They break everything down and make sure you understand before moving on"

Training Partners Who Care

"Everyone wants everyone else to improve — it's not competitive, it's collaborative"

Practical Focus

"Everything we learn has a real-world application — nothing is just for show"

Who Doesn't Stick Around

To be honest, some people try a class and don't return. Usually it's because:

They expected a fitness class and found skill training
They wanted to socialize and found focused work
They weren't prepared for the physical contact involved
They thought it would be easier or quicker
They couldn't handle the learning curve

This isn't a failure — it's the system working. Better to discover the mismatch early than waste everyone's time.

The Bottom Line

Shockwave Jujitsu students are ordinary adults doing something extraordinary: committing to learn skills they hope never to use.

They're not tougher, braver, or more athletic than average. They're just more prepared.

If you're a working adult who wants practical skills in a respectful environment, you'll likely fit right in.

If you're looking for something else — fitness, socializing, quick fixes, or ego-boosting — you probably won't enjoy training with this group.

Your Decision

Does this sound like the kind of people you'd want to train with?

Are these the motivations that resonate with your own?

If yes, you'll likely find your place in this community.

If not, that's perfectly fine — but it's better to know now than discover it after attending.

Ready to meet them? Complete the essential reading series first. The final essential article will clarify what you'll actually get from training.

Next: Understand What You'll Actually Get

Complete your exploration with:

Article 4. What you'll actually get from training

Understand what self-defence training actually delivers versus what people often expect.

Prefer to book now?

Still have questions?

This is Article 3 of the 4 Part Essential Reading series.