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Filipino Martial Arts

Combining both weapons based and empty hand training, the Filipino Martial Arts are incredibly well rounded with all ranges of combat fully addressed. The two approaches to training are complimentary with the weapons based approach magnifying the body mechanics that can later be translated into the empty hand phases.

With no restrictions, the entire body is used to strike and deflect in a continuous flow of motion; there is almost a total absence of any blocking in the traditional sense. The variety of options found within the weapons practice includes single & double stick, single & double knife, stick and knife, and flexible weapons. The length of the weapon directly affects the type of body mechanic enhanced and the emphasis on the need to flow between ranges mirrors that of its empty hand counterpart.

The empty hand phase includes the sub-sections of Panantukan and Pananjakman that cover use of the upper and lower limbs for striking and off-setting of balance to influence the opponent's position. The translation of weapons based movements to empty hand allows for a unique approach to destroying limbs prior to attacking the major targets so as to facilitate a more humane approach to a combative situation. This phase also includes the practice of 'Hubud', a flowing exercise used to both develop sensitivity and to recreate the combative energy feel of a centre line attack.

Jeet Kune Do

Jeet Kune Do refers to a set of concepts laid down by the late Bruce Lee to govern effective Martial Arts practice. With the development of the individual as its ultimate goal it is this quest that can often lead an individual to investigate a number of Martial Arts systems. Heavily grounded in the training of attributes such as timing, and distance awareness, it is often felt that Jeet Kune Do practitioners view the Martial Arts as a menu from which that which best suits them can be picked. However, if someone finds all they need to be effective within one system then that is every bit as valid an example of Jeet Kune Do as those that draw from more than one art. Bruce lee once said of Jeet Kune Do, "it's just a name, don't fuss over it", that advice still seems valid today with the process being more important than its name.

Jun Fan Gung Fu

Jun Fan Gung Fu takes its name from Bruce Lee's Chinese name of 'Lee Jun Fan', combined with Gung-Fu, the Cantonese spelling of the term Kung-Fu. A definable system comprising both 'Jun Fan Kickboxing' and 'Jun Fan Wing Chun' (Lee's modified version of the art) its practice includes the use of punching, kicking, trapping, take-downs and groundwork. Drawing heavily on Western Boxing and the more traditional kicking methods found within Japanese and Korean Martial Arts, 'Jun Fan Kickboxing' is a fine 'base' system for anyone later interested in delving further into the JKD concepts. It allows for the development of the basic tools of combat as well as the attributes which need to be developed for their effective execution. The use of training equipment such as focus gloves and kicking shields allows the practitioner to move away from static drilling and develop within an environment closer to the unrehearsed atmosphere of combat.

Brazilian (Gracie) Jiu Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a cutting edge fighting art developed from traditional Jiu Jitsu by the Gracie family of Brazil. Even though Brazilian Jiu Jitsu contains stand-up techniques for winning a fight, it is famous for its devastating ground fighting techniques. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was specifically developed to allow a smaller person to defeat a larger person by sophisticated application of leverage and technique. Gaining superior position on your opponent and applying a myriad of chokes, holds, locks and joint manipulations becomes the foundation for this fun martial art. Dartford M.M.A. is honoured to be affiliated with Marc Walder BJJ/Gracie Barra. Marc teaches regular Seminars at the academy, encompassing a holistic approach and applying a friendly flexible format to his training and mentoring.

Combat Submission Wrestling and MMA (Mixed Martial Arts)

CSW was devised by former World Light-Heavyweight Shoot Fighting Champion Erik Paulson; it is a distillation of his tremendous experience as both a competitor and a teacher. Uniquely blending almost all of the ground fighting systems, the breadth of the floor portion of Combat Submission Wrestling is awe-inspiring. Erik's ability to devise drills that challenge practitioners on all levels is why he is considered by many as the 'teacher's teacher'. Comprehensive in both standing and takedown phases, Combat Submission Wrestling is a modern day Martial Art which reflects the current trend for reality based Martial Arts. Our M.M.A. Program blends a unique distillation of Training Methods, gained from training under such Greats as Marco Ruas (UFC 7 Winner), Renzo and Royce Gracie, Erik Paulson and Marc Walder to name but a few.

Muay Thai (Thai Boxing)

Like its Western counterpart, Muay Thai has its roots in reality but is able to offer a greater variety of tools with elbows, knees, and shins all being thrown into the mix. Guro Inosanto's early observation that "the secret to Thai Boxing is that there is no secret…just hard work" pays homage to the work ethic that sets this art apart. The 'tie up' or 'plumb' position is almost an art in itself and this, allied with the brutal onslaught of punching and kicking combinations, has led to it being recognised and respected by practitioners of all arts.

Many people have incorporated the use of the 'Thai Pad' into their repertoire thereby allowing them to blend technical training with what is arguably one of the toughest cardio-vascular workouts that the Martial Arts can offer. The Academy Thai Boxing lineage comes from Guros Inosanto, Bob Breen and Terry Barnett.

Western Boxing

Whilst it is widely known as a sport, the 'noble art' of Boxing is, in its purest form, a no nonsense highly effective art which has developed through being tested 'in the fire' almost everyday, somewhere in the world. A perfect example of the 'less is more' approach, its simplicity is one of its greatest assets but in this case 'simple' should not be mistaken for 'easy' as the art requires the development of attributes which are at the very core of our being.

With the element of contact ever present, the reality of its training methods (including sparring) has lead to it being incorporated into a number of modern day approaches to Martial Arts. Many Martial Artists consider their ability to deal with the Boxer's arsenal one of the ultimate 'acid tests' within their training.

Contact Dartford BJJ

Find Dave Birkett and Dartford BJJ at:
West Hill House
62 West Hill
Dartford
Kent DA1 2EU
Mob: 07775 927352

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Traveling to Dartford BJJ

Southeastern operates regular services from London Bridge to Dartford. A taxi rank is available at the station. Alternatively, the club is a 10 minute walk from the rail station:

• Upon leaving the station walk forward to the stairs leading to street level
• Follow the stairs down, you are now on Highfield Road N
• Turn right and follow the road for 5 minutes as it curves to the left
• Turn right at the intersection with West Hill
• Walk up the hill 3 minutes to the cross walk
• Cross over the street to arrive at West Hill House
• Turn right and take the first left onto Tower Road
• Follow the past the pub parking lot to the driveway entrance on the left
• Continue to the end of the parking area
• The club is accessible via stairs to the roof

About Dartford BJJ

Dartford BJJ has been established since 2004. Our program is open to the complete beginner as well as experienced martial artists of either sex and offers phased classes, from novice to black belt and beyond. Our training is aimed at producing rounded and effective martial artists capable of reacting to whatever they have to face: from self-defence through to international competition. Juniors are taught from the age of 8 through to 15. With over 25 years training and teaching experience, in a variety of martial art disciplines, we hope that you will join us in our friendly, relaxed and recently refurbished academy.