Its all Ju-Jitsu

👊 Legend Alert: The Iron Man of Bolton – Trevor Roberts! 👊
In the world of martial arts and real-world toughness, few names command as much respect as Trevor Roberts – the one and only Iron Man of Bolton!
8th Dan Hanshi, multiple champion, master of Applied Ju-Jitsu, Sambo, and Wrestling. For over 35 years, this absolute beast worked the doors in Bolton, stepping into countless tough situations… and never losing. A true warrior with skills that have inspired generations of fighters and grapplers. 
From seminars and teaching practical self-protection to sharing his knowledge on the mats, Trevor has left a massive legacy in the UK martial arts scene. And beyond the toughness? He’s a gentleman, a born-again Christian, and a true Bolton legend. 
If you’ve ever trained with him, rolled on the mats, or just heard the stories – you know the respect is earned. 💪
Who else has met or trained with the Iron Man? Drop your stories below! Let’s give this legend the recognition he deserves.

One of the defining challenges on the path to 1st Dan Black Belt in the World Ju-Jitsu Federation (WJJF) is demonstrating the 25 Straight Throws – a fluid, continuous sequence that tests technique, timing, balance, and endurance.
These throws showcase the beauty and effectiveness of traditional Japanese Ju-Jitsu: using an opponent’s momentum against them with a mix of hip throws, shoulder throws, leg sweeps, hocks, and more.

You Old WJJF students- Can you still remember your throws ?

Professor Wally Jay (1917–2011) was a true innovator in the martial arts world. Born in Hawaii, he trained extensively in classical Danzan Ryu (Kodenkan) Jujitsu under Professor Henry Seishiro Okazaki, along with judo, boxing, wrestling, and more. But he wasn’t satisfied with tradition alone. 
In the 1940s, Jay developed Small Circle Jujitsu — a refined, highly effective system that emphasizes small circular movements, simultaneous push-pull actions, leverage, and smooth transitions between techniques. Instead of relying on brute strength, Small Circle focuses on precision, pain compliance, joint locks, and breaking an opponent’s balance with minimal effort. 
Core Principles Include:
• Using small circles for maximum effect on joints and pressure points
• Dual action (push with one hand, pull with the other)
• Avoiding direct force-on-force collisions
• Smooth flow from one technique to the next
• Combining the best elements from multiple martial arts
Jay’s approach helped him coach winning judo teams and produce national champions. His methods remain incredibly practical for real-world self-defense today. He authored books, created instructional videos, and taught seminars worldwide, influencing generations of martial artists. 
His son, Professor Leon Jay, continues to preserve and evolve the art through the official Small Circle Jujitsu organization.
“Pain makes believers!” — One of Professor Jay’s famous sayings that captures the effectiveness of his system.
If you’ve ever trained Small Circle Jujitsu or experienced one of those lightning-fast wrist locks, you know how powerful it is. Who else considers Wally Jay one of the great innovators of modern jujitsu? Drop a comment and share your experiences!

Honoring a Legend: Soke Robert Clark and the Advancement of Ju-Jitsu
Soke Robert Clark (1946–2012) was one of the most influential figures in modern traditional Ju-Jitsu. As the founder and technical director of the World Ju-Jitsu Federation (WJJF), he took a fragmented art and gave it structure, practicality, and global reach. 
Before Clark, much of Ju-Jitsu in the UK and beyond lacked a standardized, progressive syllabus. He changed that. Clark developed comprehensive grading syllabi — from beginner levels all the way through advanced black belt material — blending traditional Japanese roots with effective self-defense applications. His system emphasized:
• Strong fundamentals in throws, joint locks, groundwork, and striking
• Clear technical progression
• Practical, real-world scenarios
• Modern teaching methods while respecting samurai-era principles
He produced instructional videos, books, and ran international seminars that helped spread structured Ju-Jitsu worldwide. Many schools and organizations still teach his syllabus today and remember him as a charismatic, demanding, and highly skilled instructor who was on the mat daily. 
His advanced Ju-Jitsu material (often featured in classic WJJF syllabus tapes) is particularly respected for its depth — flowing combinations, sophisticated counters, and pressure-tested techniques that bridge traditional kata-style practice with functional application. 
Even years after his passing, Soke Clark’s legacy lives on through the instructors he trained and the students continuing his work. He proved that Ju-Jitsu could evolve without losing its soul.
“A true pioneer who modernized Ju-Jitsu while honoring its warrior traditions.”
If you train traditional Ju-Jitsu, especially through the WJJF lineage, you’ve likely felt his influence. Who else from the old guard left a mark on your training? Share below!

Throwback to a true pioneer: Miss May Whitley, the 1930s Jiu-Jitsu Queen!
In 1933, while many thought women should just faint at the sight of trouble, May Whitley was on film teaching practical self-defense using jujitsu. In her classic short “The Weaker S*x! (Sayest Thou!)”, she demonstrates how to use leverage, balance, and technique to flip attackers over her shoulder – all with perfect British composure!
Long before modern women’s self-defense classes, May was showing the world that strength isn’t just about size. She performed stage acts, taught techniques, and proved that jujitsu was for everyone.
Respect to the OGs who paved the way!
Who else loves this vintage martial arts footage? Drop a 🔥 if you’re inspired!