Andre Diaz
Jujutsu:First Principles
Jujutsu · Tsutsumi Hozan-ryu · Tsutsumi Hozan Ryu International (THRI)
Where Jujutsu starts.
Mon, 11 Jan – Sat, 16 Jan4 daysSelf Defence Central Dojo$139
12 places left
A structured four-lesson course for complete beginners. Built from the Tsutsumi Hozan Ryu curriculum — the same art taught in the regular adult programme, from the beginning. A walk-in trial is available any time if that's what you're looking for. First Principles is something different. Four lessons Structured. Skills built session by session.
It starts Mon, 11 Jan. Can't wait? Start now
This course leads into our Open Access Jujutsu classes. You're welcome to start there.
Who it's for
- You want to start something real, not sample it
- You're ready to wear a gi from the first session
- You want to understand why a technique works, not just copy its shape
- You'd rather be in a small group with real instruction than a packed class where you figure it out yourself
- You've been curious about a traditional martial art and want a structured way in
- You've trained in another art and want to understand what is underneath it
- A taster before deciding whether jujutsu is worth your time
- Fitness with a martial arts theme
- To be eased in gradually before anything real is asked of you
- A course where the uniform comes later, once you've decided you like it
What you'll learn
- 1Lesson 1 — Position and movement
- 2Lesson 2 — Balance Before Technique
- 3Lesson 3 — Adaptability under pressure
- 4Lesson 4 — Reading, responding, integration
Dates and times
- Monday 11 JanuaryLesson 1 — Position and movementEvery technique begins with position. You'll learn kamae — ready posture — and two fundamental movements: irimi (entering) and irimi senkai (entering with rotation). From the first session you'll train with a partner, learning how to attack safely, receive safely, and perform your first jujutsu technique against a genuine attack.6:00 pm–7:00 pmSession 1
- Tuesday 12 JanuaryLesson 2 — Balance Before TechniqueTechnique doesn't create success — good positioning and unbalancing do. This lesson explores how balance is taken, how resistance reveals mistakes, and why effective technique feels effortless when the conditions are right. Your first joint lock is introduced here, along with the partner communication required to train safely.6:00 pm–7:00 pmSession 2
- Wednesday 13 JanuaryLesson 3 — Adaptability under pressureWhat happens when you're late? This lesson introduces nagashi (flowing) — the ability to flow with an attack rather than meet it head-on. You'll discover that the same technique can emerge from many different attacks when the underlying principles are understood.6:00 pm–7:00 pmSession 3
- Saturday 16 JanuaryLesson 4 — Reading, responding, integrationThe final lesson brings everything together. Strikes and grabs. Patience, recognition, response — according to what is actually happening rather than what you expect. Reflex training: an attack you don't know is coming. Taisabaki first. Then whatever the position makes available. That's jujutsu.10:00 am–11:00 amSession 4
Don't worry, each lesson begins with revision so you will catch up.
Where
Self Defence Central Dojo
44 Hutton Street, Osborne Park
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What to bring and wear
Bring a water bottle and comfortable clothes. No shoes on the mat.
First time on our mat
Please arrive about 10 minutes early.
What happens
Come up the stairs and an instructor/senior student will introduce themselves.
What to wear
New to martial arts: Comfortable clothing, no jewellery
Trained before: Own gi and belt
Etiquette
Remove shoes before bowing on to the mat All students line up facing the instructor of the class, that will be with your back to the windows. The order is from most senior student to beginner.
Your instructor
Andre Diaz
3rd Dan
His approach during class is observation-based — watching what students are actually doing with individual correction.
More about Andre DiazPrice
$139
Payment details come by email once your place is confirmed.
Refunds: Full refund if you cancel 7 days or more before the course starts; after that, no refund. Missed sessions aren't refunded. If the course is cancelled, you get a full refund.
Questions
Is this a trial?
There's a difference between trying something and starting it. A trial class lets you sample — you see the room, you meet the instructor, you get a feel. That's real and it's available here any time. But a trial doesn't teach you jujutsu. It shows you jujutsu from the outside. First Principles is structured from session one as the beginning of the art — not an introduction to whether you might want to begin. A sequenced four weeks where each lesson earns the next.
What the first session is like
You'll arrive, get changed, and meet the other students in the group. Andre will explain what the four weeks covers and what's expected of you — briefly, without over-explaining. Then you move. By the end of the first hour you'll have done your first jujutsu technique against a genuine attack, and taken your first sideways breakfall.
Who teaches it
First Principles is taught by senior instructors of the dojo — the same instructors who teach the dojo's regular jujutsu classes, and occasionally guest instructors from related lineage dojos. Every one of them holds rank in the tradition and trains weekly themselves. Every cycle of First Principles is taught by one instructor from start to finish.
What happens after the course?
The course ends with a clear picture of what comes next — regular classes, the grading pathway, and a continuation offer if you want to keep going. There's no obligation. You'll know what feels right once you've done it.
Ready? It takes a minute.
Reserve a placeHave a question?
Message Andre directly.