Gillian

We discovered a superb Ju-Jutsu class in Verdun two years ago, and I cannot recommend it highly enough! Some people travel all the way from St-Bruno to attend classes each week. It's worth travelling, believe me!

Jukaido-Kan is a form of Ju-Jutsu that was developed by a Montrealer in the 1960's, and the style is currently being taught by his son & his son's stepson. It's a very family oriented style, and the program for kids is good.

This form is excellent for women & girls because it uses a lot of close-up techniques, and it teaches students to get maximum impact from minimum effort. It instills a confidence that will serve a woman well if she is ever assaulted - and the statistics say 1/3 will be sexually assaulted. It's also great to know our kids are not "good targets" for predators, and that they wouldn't be afraid to fight back if someone did try anything.

The classes are twice a week (Tues-Thurs evenings) and they are mixed gender, mixed age (7 years - adult) and ability level. This is a year-round course with intake anytime; there is a brief summer break & another at Christmas, but the rest of the year classes are ongoing for anyone who can make it. It's a good group, with very patient teachers. The more advanced students are supportive of the newer ones; as I said, it's a family operation.

Fees are very affordable and there are family discounts. The focus is on learning the techniques hands-on (you gotta be willing to fall - it's not about kata!) Safety is good, and the belts are really earned - no belts for time served. The workout is great! Parents are most welcome to join with kids.

There hasn't been much focus on competition the last few years, though the option is always there when there are students interested. This is an extra, though, as are camps and weekend (usually 1/2 day) seminars with Kancho Bedard, the founder of the style.

Check out http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=jukaidokan for some videos. Keep in mind, of course, that a lot of the demonstrations are with masters & higher level students! The newer students start off with techniques designed to teach safety & increase flexibility, balance, strength.

If anyone is interested, please contact me & I'll put you in touch with Shihan Bedard.