I started training in Ju Jitsu in 1991 in the club that gave birth to Ishigaki. Although not a founder member I was at Ishigaki's first class.

I was already training at a judo club in West London when I saw an advert in the London gay press for Ishigaki. The change in discipline to jujitsu and a better social mix brought me to the club.

I originally went to a self defence class that was run by Sensei Simon. Ishigaki Ju-Jitsu seemed a great alternative to the gym which would keep my mind busy while keeping me fit. The fact that it was a gay run club was incidental.

I’d done various forms of exercise over the years, but they were always the solitary kind. When I came to London in 2001 I wanted to find something a bit more sociable.

I Had done some Judo and kick boxing before but never stuck with it. A friend of mine at the time recommended Ju Jitsu as an ‘all round’ martial art and shortly after that I saw the club advertised on a notice board where I used work so decided to give it a go.

I hadn’t long moved to Brighton and was looking for ways to get out & meet people. I’d done a bit of ju-jitsu before, so when I saw Ishigaki advertised in the local gay press I knew I had to try it!

I wanted to do a martial art and preferably in a gay friendly group. Ishigaki came up on google.

I was interested in starting judo again, but Ju Jitsu looked interesting, varied, and the club seemed to be a fun place to train.

I was given a flyer at brighton pride in 2003 but never had regular work hours to be able to go along, then i moved to london and was able to. It was one of the first things I did when I moved.

It was amazingly easy to fit in. There were other people starting at the same time so that is always great because you’re in the same boat and it is immediately bonding.

Certainly one of the most amazing achievements of my life. It was also one of the most focused and intensive 6-12 months of my life.

I had been interested in learning a martial art for many years and was unsure what to do. I saw this advertised as an LGBT group and that made up my mind, to train in a safe space.