About Tuff City Jiu Jitsu
Tuff City Jiu Jitsu is a martial arts club in Tofino that specializes in Shorinji Kan Jiu Jitsu, a self defence focused martial art originating from Japanese Jiu Jitsu. Our style encompasses locking, throwing, and striking techniques to provide an effective defense system. The techniques taught involve using the attacker's movement and momentum against themselves. Our experienced instructors focus on helping students develop technique, balance, and confidence while improving their physical fitness. We offer classes for adults, and we welcome students of all skill levels.
Meet Our Instructors
Seumas Finlayson (He/Him)
Lead Instructor
Instructor & Manager
David Corbett (He/Him)
Seumas Sensei started training in 2007 in Edinburgh, Scotland. He spent some time in Reading, England as Sempai before returning to Scotland. He achieved his brown belt (1st kyu) in 2016 and joined Tuff City Jiu Jitsu in September 2020. Seumas Sensei was awarded his Hakama in April 2022
David Sempai started training in Shorinji Kan Jiu Jitsu in September 2013 in Birmingham, England. He achieved his purple belt (4th kyu) in March 2018 before moving to Tofino and founding Tuff City Jiu Jitsu in July 2018. David graded to light blue (3rd kyu) in April 2022 and is looking forward to his next grading.
What will my FREE first session look like?
We start the session with a warm up involving some light cardio, stretching, and some conditioning exercises.
We then formally start the session before moving into some break falling (teaching you how to fall safely) then we aim to teach three different techniques each session. This will be a mix of strikes, joint locks and immobilizations, ground holds, and throws.
We then show off what we've learnt, formally end the session, tidy up the dojo, and normally head out for a social (optional).
Below you'll find some suggestions of what you'll need to bring with you to your first session.
Comfy Clothing (workout gear or t-shirt & sweats)
Remember to remove your jewellery too!
Sneakers or Track Shoes
We will be barefoot on the mats, so clip those nails!
A Water Bottle (and any medication you take)
Jiu Jitsu is exercise after all!