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Jitsu Gold for Reading – University of Reading

The University of Reading's fantastic sporting year continued in the recent BUSA (British Universities Sports Association) Jitsu competition. Natalie Lockyer, University Jitsu Club President, won gold in the orange belt category. A wonderful achievement for her and one which also earned more valuable points for the University in the BUSA league. Reading is one of 130 university clubs nationwide that belongs to the Jitsu foundation, of which over 80 competed in this year's competition. From Reading, 15 club members and two instructors took part in the tournament, held at the Aston Villa Sports Centre in Birmingham. The event lasted for two days and entailed training for all grades each morning. Participants then put their skills to the test in the afternoon when the serious stuff began. Reading's entrants included seven novices who only received six weeks training prior to competing. "I don't think anyone can imagine the guts it takes to stand up and be watched by nearly a thousand other people when you have had so little practise," said Natalie. "Every single one of them did their best. It was just unfortunate that this time there were more experienced people on the mat." Jitsu is a predominantly defensive martial art based on locks and throws. It does not require brute strength but uses techniques which redirect an attacker's force. This makes the martial art suitable for people of all builds. By adapting traditional techniques to modern situations, Jitsu teaches how to defend against a wide range of attacks. Natalie added: "This is the first year BUSA has recognised our competitions, so now we not only compete for ourselves but also for our universities. It has taken a long time to gain this recognition and is a big step for the Jitsu foundation." If you would like to find out more about Jitsu at Reading please visit http://www.rusu.co.uk/club_homepage.asp?clubid=6573 or email Natalie at sau04nel@rdg.ac.uk