Canadian Jiu-Jitsu

Canadian Jiu-Jitsu, as it is known today, owes much of its development and form to Shihan Ron Forrester, who played a pivotal role in transforming this martial art into a comprehensive system tailored to the needs and context of Canada.

Ron Forrester's journey into martial arts began when he transitioned from Judo under Frank Hatashita to Jiu-Jitsu under Henk Jansen in 1958. His foundational training in Judo provided him with a strong grasp of grappling and groundwork, which he carried into his Jiu-Jitsu practice. However, it was his shift to Jiu-Jitsu that marked the beginning of a new chapter, both for him and for the martial art in Canada.

In 1962, Ron Forrester began to formulate what would become the Canadian Jiu-Jitsu System. Recognizing the potential of Jiu-Jitsu beyond its traditional focus on grappling, he sought to create a more holistic martial art that incorporated striking, throwing, and submission techniques. His approach was revolutionary at the time because it combined elements from various combat systems into a cohesive martial art that was effective in self-defence and competitive settings.

Forrester's version of Jiu-Jitsu emphasized adaptability and practicality, which made it particularly suited to the Canadian context where martial arts were just beginning to gain widespread popularity. He integrated techniques that could be applied both in real-world self-defence scenarios and in sportive competitions, making Canadian Jiu-Jitsu a versatile and robust system.

Recognizing the need for an organized structure to oversee the development and dissemination of Canadian Jiu-Jitsu, Forrester founded the Canadian Jiu-Jitsu Association. This body was instrumental in setting standards, organizing competitions, and providing certifications, thereby ensuring the art's growth was systematic and maintained high standards of quality and integrity.