What Does A Ju-Jitsu Class Consist Of?

Stretching and conditioning are obviously an important aspect in addition to the actual techniques and are therefore done prior to each and every class.  The techniques learned break down as approximately 1/3 blocks, kicks and punches; 1/3 throws and 1/3 defensive techniques.  The techniques include, but are not limited to:

Falling/Rolling
           Rolling from left or right side, front-fall, back-fall, side-fall, free-fall, etc.
           If you've ever fallen, you've recognized that the ability to fall correctly and
           safely can save you from serious injury.  Because so many techniques involve
           falling (e.g., sweeps, throws, takedowns), we practice this every class. 
   
Defense from Grabs/Pushes
           Wrist grabs (cross or same side), lapel graps (1-hand, 2-hand), shoulder,
           arm locks, full-nelsons, etc.

Defense from Chokes
           16 basic defenses plus variations that include: Front, side, rear, etc.

Defense from Bearhugs
           Front, side, rear, and over-arms/under-arms where applicable.

Defense from Headlocks
           Front, side, rear.

Defense from Hairpulls
           Front, rear.

Blocks
          Inside, outside, rising, lower, etc.

Hand Techniques
          Punch (jab, cross, hook, uppercut), palm heel, forearm & elbow strikes.

Kicks
          Front, side, roundhouse, knees, etc.

Throws
          Front, rear, side from grabs, chokes, punches, lunges, shoulder, hip,
          head, etc.
    
Sparring- For speed and agility

Ronduri or Grappling (Ground Work)

Defense against Weapons
          Knife, gun, club, etc.- 16 Basic defenses plus variations
                          
Techniques are learned one at a time and lead up to combinations.  The techniques are typically practiced in pairs.  The uke initiates action, like throwing a punch or being the aggressor, and the tori performs the technique.  The uke is the one that is thrown or swept.  We also regularly practice so students understand what techniques feel like against live, compliant, semi-resisting and sometimes resisting opponents.  This gives a student a better understanding of what applying a technique may be like during an actual confrontation in an uncontrolled setting.