Sensei John Michell

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Sensei John Michell, also known as Shihan John Michell, is a senior traditional Japanese Ju-Jitsu instructor and Chief Instructor of Seishin Ju-Jitsu in Southgate, North London.

With almost three decades of training and teaching experience, Sensei Michell has built a strong reputation for practical self-defence, technical detail and traditional martial arts values. His teaching focuses on discipline, respect, confidence, fitness and the responsible use of Ju-Jitsu.

Martial Arts Background

John Michell began training in Japanese Ju-Jitsu in 1996 at Total Self Defence, where he studied under Professor James McDade and Professor Steve McDade. After many years of dedicated training, he achieved his Black Belt in 2002 and later became one of the senior instructors within the organisation.

During this time, he developed a strong technical foundation in traditional Ju-Jitsu, including throws, locks, restraints, escapes, groundwork, chokes, strangles and practical self-defence applications.

Seishin Ju-Jitsu

In 2015, John Michell co-founded Seishin Ju-Jitsu with Sensei Carla Joaquim. The word Seishin means spirit, mind or mental attitude, reflecting the club’s belief that martial arts should develop character as well as physical ability.

As Chief Instructor, Sensei Michell teaches adults of all levels, from complete beginners to experienced martial artists. Classes are structured, friendly and realistic, with an emphasis on practical Japanese Ju-Jitsu rather than sport competition.

Rank and Recognition

Teaching Style

Sensei John Michell teaches Japanese Ju-Jitsu as a complete martial art and self-defence system. His classes include striking awareness, throws, joint locks, standing controls, ground controls, escape techniques and defence against common attacks.

Students are encouraged to understand not only how a technique is performed, but why it works. Balance, leverage, timing, movement and control are all central to his teaching approach.

Traditional Values

Although the training is practical and realistic, traditional martial arts values remain central to Sensei Michell’s instruction. Respect, humility, discipline, patience and perseverance are encouraged in every class.

This balance between practical self-defence and traditional Budo values has helped Seishin Ju-Jitsu become a welcoming and well-respected club for adults looking to learn Japanese Ju-Jitsu in North London.

Contribution to Japanese Ju-Jitsu

Over many years of training and teaching, Sensei John Michell has helped students develop confidence, fitness, awareness and effective self-defence skills. Through regular classes, gradings, seminars and inter-club training, he continues to support the growth of traditional Japanese Ju-Jitsu in the UK.

His commitment to high standards, technical knowledge and student development has made him a respected figure within the martial arts community.

Summary

Sensei John Michell is a dedicated Japanese Ju-Jitsu instructor whose martial arts journey spans nearly thirty years. As Chief Instructor of Seishin Ju-Jitsu, he continues to teach practical self-defence while preserving the values, discipline and spirit of traditional Japanese Ju-Jitsu.