University of Gloucestershire student, Cailtin Richard-Jones had never participated in Jiu-Jitsu before joining university and is now a huge advocate for the sport, competing and training both inside and outside of the University.
“My boyfriend wanted to give it a go at first and I wasn’t too keen on it,” but after some persuasion, Richards-Jones went to a session and realised that, “it’s really quite fun to do.”
“I think it was the fact that you can learn self defence in a safe environment […] and the people there are really lovely, that’s what made me want to stay and continue doing it.”
Despite her reluctance to join the sport, the student now finds herself training three times a week with the Jiu-Jitsu society, training both Jiu-Jitsu and Judo.
Richards-Jones is now preparing to compete in November, with the student describing her upcoming challenge as “very nerve wracking.”
“I haven’t done this competition before. I did a competition back in March but this one works a little bit differently.”
“One of the main things we do in jiu-jitsu is learn how to defend ourselves mostly from punches and strikes.”
The competition works on a points system, where competitors are scored based on how well skills are executed – “It’s a very high-pressure situation.”
With her competition taking place next month, Richards-Jones is not only preparing physically, but must also mentally prepare for her upcoming challenge.
“Before a competition I will put my headphones on and not speak to anyone, because I’m freaking out on the inside, so I just try and calm myself down so that I don’t freak out on the matt.”
Regardless of her hesitant start within the sport she has become a huge advocate for jiu-jitsu, saying that “people should absolutely give it a go.”
The UoG Japanese Jiu-Jitsu society aim to equip students with the tools to defend themselves in the unfortunate event that something bad should happen to them, “It’s very good for learning how to defend yourself as we replicate very real scenarios, for example walking back from the club and someone has got too drunk and decided to swing for you.”
“It’s very good for defending yourself in scenarios, but it’s also very good for mental health and it’s a great community of people.”
