The Academy

The Peter Morton Academy of Judo Jujitsu Karate is designed for people of all ages. It is a discipline that emphasises mental, physical and emotional development.

Concentration, confidence and self control are developed through the study of the art. Physical fitness, flexibility, co-ordination, and endurance are improved through training. Negative emotions such as fear, anger, and anxiety are controlled through constant practice.

Translated, Jujitsu means 'gentle art'. It was developed to meet the needs of a constantly warring feudal society and to give warriors an unarmed system of fighting to combine with, and complement their weapons based systems on the battlefield.

Jujitsu incorporates methods of offence from Japanese Atemi, or striking techniques, as well as defensive movements. It features an assorted mix of strikes, blocks, evasive manoeuvres, grappling, imobilisation & joint locks, choking and strangulation, application of pressure points, dislocation techniques, throwing & breakfalls.

Emphasis is on defence. A majority of the techniques taught uses the force of the attacker to the defenders advantage. These defensive strategies aim to initially evade, then to disable attackers and finally immobilise them.

Classed are conducted in a friendly semi-formal environment. Instructors donate their time freely and only charge fees to cover the running costs of the clubs. Students are encouraged to develop themselves as individuals, not champions.

"Be Master of Yourself"

Hughes Branch

Renshi Kevin Barrie, Yondan (4th Dan) began instructing in Yarralumla in 1974, before opening the Hughes Branch in 1978. Renshi Barrie Began studying under Shihan Morton in 1963 in the Queanbeyan Branch, where he quickly gained respect. Renshi Barrie gained his 1st Dan accreditation in 1977, and went on to take up the position of Vice-Principal of the club, holding it until his retirement in 1992. We have had four of our students go on to gain their Black Belts: Simone Witchard, Caroline Webber, Simon MacNab and David Tuckfield.

Sensei's MacNab, Yondan (4th Dan) and Tuckfield, Yondan (4th Dan) are the current instructors at the Hughes branch. Sensei Tuckfield is the Chief Instructor of the Junior Classes, and Sensei MacNab is the Chief Instructor of the Senior Classes.

Sensei MacNab, Yondan (4th Dan), started training at the Hughes branch in 1981, started teaching as a blue belt in 1983 and also gained his black belt in 1989. Sensei Tuckfield, Yondan (4th Dan) started training at the Hughes branch, in 1984, started teaching as a blue belt in 1986, and achieved his black belt in 1991.