Combat Ju-Jitsu-The core System

Combat Jujitsu is the primary martial art taught at Kenka Combat Academy. Rooted in the Combudo system, it blends striking, clinch work, takedowns, positional control, and submissions into one cohesive, principle‑driven style. It is often described as “MMA in a gi” — combining the realism and adaptability of modern mixed martial arts with the structure, etiquette, and discipline of traditional training. This is a complete martial art designed for real skill development, honest pressure, and long‑term progression.

What is Combudo?

Combudo is a hybrid martial arts organisation founded by Lee Hasdell, one of the pioneers of modern full‑contact martial arts in the UK. Hasdell’s experience spans shootfighting, Japanese hybrid martial arts, early‑era MMA, full‑contact competition, and cross‑discipline training.

His vision for Combudo was to create a system that respects traditional martial values while embracing modern training methods. It focuses on principles over techniques, encourages adaptability, and promotes pressure‑tested, realistic training that develops well‑rounded martial artists.

Combudo is not a single style — it is an organisation and framework built around striking, clinch work, takedowns, ground fighting, submissions, realistic pressure, and continuous improvement. At Kenka Combat Academy, we follow the Combudo ethos closely, honouring its lineage, its principles, and its commitment to producing capable, disciplined martial artists through honest, functional training.

What Is Combat Ju-Jitsu/Kakuto Ju-Jitsu?

Combat Jujitsu is the grappling‑focused expression of the Combudo system. It integrates striking into grappling, clinch fighting, takedowns and throws, positional dominance, submissions, escapes and reversals, pressure, timing, and realistic transitions between ranges.
It is not traditional jujitsu, it is not BJJ, and it is not sport‑only grappling. Combat Jujitsu is a complete fighting method that teaches you how to move, think, and react under pressure — standing, clinching, or on the ground.

Why It’s Often Called “MMA in a Gi”

Combat Jujitsu captures the realism of MMA while maintaining structure, etiquette, technical progression, and a safe learning environment. Students learn to blend striking, grappling, clinch work, ground control, and submissions in a way that feels natural, fluid, and adaptable.
This makes Combat Jujitsu ideal for beginners, hobbyists, experienced martial artists, people who want real skill without the chaos of full MMA, and anyone who wants to build confidence through honest training.

What You’ll Learn

Striking

  • Punching, Kicking, Elbows, Knees and the ‘Combatitive’ Head Butt
  • Defensive movement
  • Striking entries into clinch and takedowns

Clinch & Stand‑Up Grappling

  • Pummelling
  • Underhooks and overhooks
  • Body locks
  • Trips and sweeps
  • Clinch control

Takedowns & Throws

  •  
  • Judo influenced throws
  • Wrestling‑style takedowns
  • Off‑balancing and timing

Ground Grappling

  • Positional control
  • Escapes and reversals
  • Submissions
  • Pressure and transitions

Principles & Concepts

  • Timing
  • Pressure
  • Structure
  • Base
  • Movement
  • Adaptability

Combat Jujitsu for Juniors

Our Juniors programme teaches the same core principles of Combat Jujitsu — timing, balance, movement, control, and confidence — but delivered in a way that is age‑appropriate, safe, and structured.

Safety Adjustments

  •  
  • No Head Contact
  • Controlled, technical striking (where appropriate)
  • Safe clinch and grappling drills
  • Clear boundaries and etiquette
  • A strong focus on discipline and respect
  • Progressive resistance suited to age and ability
  • Confidence‑building through achievable challenge

What we don’t do is water the system down. Juniors learn real movement, real grappling, real control, and real principles — without unnecessary risk.

Benefits

  • Confidence
  • Coordination
  • Discipline
  • Resilience
  • Respect
  • Problem‑solving under pressure

Why Train Combat Jujitsu at Kenka Combat Academy?

  • Built on the Combudo ethos
  • Direct lineage to Lee Hasdell’s organisation
  • Over 40 years of martial arts experience
  • Conflict‑management and behavioural understanding
  • Pressure‑tested training methods
  • Safe, structured progression
  • Supportive, inclusive environment
  • Suitable for adults, teens, and juniors
  • Based in Macclesfield, serving Cheshire and surrounding areas

Competition Format

Combudo Combat Ju-Jitsu competitions are split into a cadets group and three separate adult categories for male and female competitors; A, B & C, designed to let you enter the one best suited for your own experience and level, each one allowing you to progress up to the most challenging. Each category has separate age and weight categories, along with there own rule set and safety equipment.

‘Combat Ju-Jitsu’ is Unified Amateur Rules – mixed martial arts in a Gi on the Tatami Mats.

Competitors will wear competition standard Gi’s, Black 7oz MMA Gloves, Groin Guards, Mouth Guards and Black Elasticated Shin & Instep. Red or Blue Belts, ( the Cadet category has a separate equipment list)

Final Word

Combat Jujitsu is more than a martial art — it’s a pathway to confidence, resilience, and capability. Whether you’re a junior, a complete beginner, or an experienced martial artist, this system gives you the tools to grow through hard, honest, principle‑driven training.