Practical Self-Defence in Bristol
Realistic, pressure-tested training designed for real-world situations — not sport competition
What You Will Learn
Our primary focus is teaching you how to stay safe in real-world situations, particularly against unprovoked or unexpected attacks. Training is built around awareness, decision-making, and practical responses — not theory or choreography.
Verbal De-escalation
Learn how to recognise danger early and defuse situations before they become physical. The best fight is always the one that never happens.
Pre-emptive Striking
When avoidance and verbal skills fail, learn how to act decisively. Training covers effective pre-emptive striking to create space, disrupt intent, and give you the opportunity to escape safely.
Unarmed Defence
Defend against common unarmed attacks including punches, kicks, grabs, and holds. Techniques are adapted to work against attackers of different sizes and strengths, using timing, positioning, and leverage rather than brute force.
Armed Attack Defence
Practical, realistic responses to common weapons such as blades, bottles, bats, and improvised objects. Training focuses on awareness, distance management, control, and survival — not unrealistic disarms.
Core Jujutsu Techniques You'll Master
"If you want a practical way to defend yourself in any circumstance, this is the place. Combat Jujutsu concentrates on real life situations..."— Roland Chandler
Our Instructors
Learn from experienced black belt instructors with decades of martial arts expertise.
Kevin O'Hagan
Chief Coach
8th Dan Full Master
Jay Newton
Head Instructor
3rd Dan Black Belt
Ross Mackenzie
Instructor
1st Dan Black Belt
Combat Ju-Jutsu vs Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)
Combat Ju-Jutsu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu share common historical roots, but over time they have evolved with very different goals and training priorities.
Both systems are effective within their intended context — the difference lies in what they are designed to prepare you for.
| Combat Ju-Jutsu | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Self-defence | Sport |
| Positioning | Stay upright & mobile | Ground fighting |
| Striking | Integrated | - |
| Weapons | Defence against blades, bottles, bats etc. | - |
| Scenarios | Multiple attackers | One-on-one |
| Mindset | Awareness, control, and safe disengagement | Points, submissions, and positional dominance |
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an outstanding sport and an excellent way to develop grappling skill, fitness, and discipline. It excels within a competitive ruleset and has produced some of the most effective ground-fighting techniques in the world.
Combat Ju-Jutsu, by contrast, is designed specifically for self-defence in uncontrolled environments — where strikes, weapons, multiple threats, and uneven conditions may be present.
Neither approach is "better" in general terms. They are simply built for different purposes.
If your goal is practical self-defence for real-world situations, Combat Ju-Jutsu is structured around that reality from the ground up.
Try Combat Ju-Jutsu — First 3 Classes Free
No pressure, no obligation.
Train with us and see if realistic, pressure-tested self-defence is what you're looking for.
Training at Combat Ju-Jutsu Bristol
Combat Ju-Jutsu classes in Bristol are taught in a structured, supportive environment focused on realism, safety, and steady progression.
Training is pressure-tested but controlled. Students learn at their own pace, with techniques adapted for different levels of experience, fitness, and confidence. Whether you're new to martial arts or have trained elsewhere, the emphasis is on understanding, application, and personal development — not ego or competition.
Classes are guided by traditional Ju-Jutsu principles and taught within the lineage of Sensei Kevin O'Hagan (8th Dan), while remaining firmly grounded in modern self-defence realities.
If you're looking for honest, no-nonsense training in a respectful environment, Combat Ju-Jutsu Bristol offers a practical and welcoming place to train.
Classes
Join our friendly self-defence classes at Impact Gym, Bristol
Saturday
10am – 11am
Led by Ross Mackenzie
All levelsWednesday
7pm – 8:30pm
Led by Jay Newton
All levelsSunday
9am – 12pm
By appointment
Private sessionsMembership
Membership gives you access to structured Combat Ju-Jutsu training, a supportive and respectful training environment, and regular open mat sessions for additional practice.
Classes are taught with realism and safety in mind, allowing students to progress at their own pace while training alongside mixed experience levels.
Memberships start from
£30/month
View Membership OptionsSilver Membership — £30 / month
- One structured class per week
- Open mat access for additional practice
Gold Membership — £45 / month
- Two structured classes per week
- Open mat access for additional practice
Where We Train
All our classes are based at Impact Gym in Bristol - a professional training facility with quality mats and equipment.
Impact Gym
Hayward Rd
Bristol BS16 4NY
Get DirectionsWhat Our Students Say
via Google"Jay and Ross are both brilliant teachers. Able to explain complex concepts simply and cater to individual needs. You can really see their passion for martial arts and teaching. The system itself has a focus on practical application..."
— Mike Atkins
via Google"Great environment; useful, practical, and you'll benefit from Jay's & Ross's respectful and encouraging teaching style. Would definitely recommend."
— Mel Hancock
via Google"If you want a practical way to defend yourself in any circumstance, this is the place. Combat Jujutsu concentrates on real life situations..."
— Roland Chandler
via Google"Combat jujitsu is a complete fighting system with a structured and progressive martial arts curriculum primarily focused on self-defense. Super fun and supportive class..."
— Jay McIntosh
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? We've got answers. Here are some common questions from new students.
Do I need to be fit to start?
Not at all! Our classes cater to all fitness levels. You'll build fitness as you train. Many of our students started with no athletic background.
Is it suitable for women?
Absolutely. Combat Jujutsu is ideal for women's self-defence. We have female students of all ages, and our techniques don't rely on size or strength.
What should I wear to my first class?
Just loose, comfortable clothing like jogging bottoms and a t-shirt. Bring a bottle of water. We train barefoot, so no special shoes needed.
Still have questions? Message us on WhatsApp
Try Your First 3 Classes Free
No commitment, no experience needed. Come and see if Combat Jujutsu is right for you.
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