Thursday 25 May 2017

May Gradings and Long Service Awards

On Sunday the 25th May we held club gradings at Middleton Arena. Everyone did fantastically well demonstrating why Katana is so well known for its technique and skill. Everyone who graded should be incredibly proud of their performance. Congratulations from everyone at Katana on your achievement.
 Congratulations to everyone who graded 

We also saw Maxwell Leighton promoted to senior black belt shodan (1st Dan). It is a fantastic achievement and we all look forward to seeing Maxwell continue and progress.
Maxwell Leighton receiving his senior black belt.
After the grading presentation we also saw our long serving members being recognised by Hanshi Riley for their service and commitment to Katana. It was a proud moment for those receiving their certificates and we would all like to thank Hanshi Riley for his recognition.
Sensi Bernard being recognised for his service to Katana Jiu-Jitsu.
To see all the long service award photographs please see our photo section.

Tuesday 23 May 2017

Would your club like to join us?



Katana Jiu-Jitsu club has a long history of success. Under the leadership of Hanshi Riley the club has established itself as one of the world’s elite and regularly teaches at international courses. Katana Jiu-Jitsu has three clubs based in Manchester and a fourth at the University of Bradford where it is the longest running sports club in the University. Hanshi Riley and Katana Jiu-Jitsu have a wealth of experience in running successful clubs.

Hanshi Riley has developed his own syllabus with a unique combination of the traditional style and effective modern self-defence techniques. The syllabus is constantly evolving to meet the needs of the modern day and covers all grades from junior white belt to senior 8th Dan.

If you run a Jiu-Jitsu club or are thinking of starting a club Hanshi Riley would love to offer his support and the support of Katana Jiu-Jitsu.  His experience in starting clubs from scratch, turning around struggling clubs and continuing the success of established clubs is second to none.

Support from Katana Jiu-Jitsu includes:

  • Cover and insurance of a national governing body- the Amateur Martial Association
  • Coaching qualification- includes: COSHH, risk assessment, working with children/ vulnerable adults, duty of care, first aid, biology of warm ups/ downs, session design and teaching techniques.
  • A modern syllabus for both Jiu-Jitsu and Kobudo.
  • Regular grading’s for both Kyu and Dan grades.
  • Expertise and advice of Hanshi William Riley (9th Dan).
  • Membership of a family run and orientated organisation that focusses on good technique and the evolution of Jiu-Jitsu.
If you are interested in joining our organisation or would like any further information please do not hesitate to contact Dr Alex Surtees on 07960013480 or katanajj@gmail.com.

Monday 15 May 2017

National course for Sensei Bernard Bagshaw



On the 28th of October 2017 Katana Jiu Jitsu club will be holding a national course in honour of Sensei Bernard Bagshaw at Middleton Arena. As most of you are now aware Sensei Bernard has been very poorly after a serious illness. In honour of his service, loyalty and friendship to Katana we have decided that the best way to pay tribute to Sensei Bernard and to thank him for his years of friendship was through a course demonstrating the best of Jiu Jitsu. A junior course will run from 2.30pm – 3.30pm followed by the adult course running from 3.30pm until 5pm. The course is priced at £10 for juniors and £25 for seniors.

If you are interested in the course please book your place through Hanshi Riley or Sensei Alex Surtees. This promises to be a great day and a fantastic opportunity to thank Sensei Bernard for his years of coaching and friendship. 



Wednesday 3 May 2017

Katana on Tour

Several members of Katana attended the International Course in Livorno, Italy this weekend. It was a fantastic weekend and a great course, enjoyed by everyone. A special thank you must go to our host Stefano Mancini for his hospitality and hard work in organising the event. Thanks also to Hanshi Riley for inviting us to join him for the event.