Hatfield Seminar 2026

Welham Martial Arts Club

The Hatfield Martial Arts Seminar, titled "How Jujitsu Works", brought together students, instructors, and friends from across the martial arts community for a rewarding day of practical learning, technical exploration, and traditional Japanese Ju-Jitsu training.

The seminar focused on the principles that make Ju-Jitsu such an effective and respected martial art. Rather than relying on strength alone, students were encouraged to look more deeply at balance, timing, movement, leverage, control, and correct body positioning.

These are the foundations that allow a smaller person to defend themselves against a larger or stronger opponent, and they remain central to the practice of traditional Japanese Ju-Jitsu.

Leading the seminar was Hanshi Ken Culshaw, whose many decades in martial arts gave students a valuable opportunity to learn from a highly experienced and respected instructor.

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His teaching helped explain not only what techniques work, but why they work. By breaking down movement, posture, distance, and application, he gave everyone on the mat a clearer understanding of the mechanics behind effective self-defence.

Supporting instruction was delivered by a strong line-up of experienced martial artists, including Sensei Eric Marshall, Sensei Sue King, Sensei Stuart Gower, Sensei Stuart McKenzie, Sensei John Michell, and Sensei Carla Joaquim.

Each instructor brought their own experience, knowledge, and teaching style to the day, helping students see Ju-Jitsu from different angles while remaining rooted in the same core principles.

Throughout the seminar, students practised a wide range of techniques, including throws, locks, breakfalls, escapes, and defensive applications. The emphasis was always on control, safety, discipline, and attention to detail. Students were shown how small adjustments in footwork, balance-breaking, hand position, or body angle can completely change the effectiveness of a technique.

The training also reinforced the importance of attitude. Japanese Ju-Jitsu is not only about physical skill; it is also about respect, patience, confidence, awareness, and self-control. The instructors encouraged students to train with focus and humility, helping them develop both technically and mentally.

For newer students, the seminar offered a clearer understanding of the building blocks of Ju-Jitsu. For more experienced grades, it provided a chance to revisit familiar techniques with a deeper appreciation of detail, timing, and application. This made the event valuable for everyone, regardless of grade or experience.

Overall, the Hatfield Martial Arts Seminar - " How Jujitsu Works" was an inspiring and educational event. It celebrated the effectiveness, tradition, and continuing relevance of Japanese Ju-Jitsu, while bringing together a friendly and dedicated group of martial artists for a memorable day on the mat.