DCJJC Logo Est. 1999 · County Down · Northern Ireland

Down Community
JuJitsu Clubs

SELF DEFENCE & MARTIAL ARTS

A member of the Cobra Martial Arts Association (CMAA). Training across County Down — open to all ages, all abilities, no exceptions.

30+Years Experience
5Club Locations
7thDan — Head Instructor
DCJJC Training
What is JuJitsu?
JuJitsu is one of the most interesting and diverse martial art styles around. Unlike Karate or Judo, you're not restricted to just punching and kicking or throwing — JuJitsu covers it all. Punches, kicks, joint locks, throws, ground-work, and a variety of weapons. It is a complete martial art.

And unlike killing yourself on a bike with no wheels at the gym, training in JuJitsu will get you fit and build muscles (some of which you never knew you had) whilst actually having fun and meeting great new friends. Our clubs are small communities of people all there to learn, improve, and enjoy themselves — getting fit is simply a by-product.

DCJJC is totally committed to teaching the art of JuJitsu to anyone willing to learn — from young children to the elderly, and those with physical disabilities, our doors are open to all. If you'd like to give it a go, come try a trial session before committing to join. You'll be made very welcome.
JuJitsu Training
7 Reasons to Train JuJitsu
#1
Coordination & Body Awareness
Learning JuJitsu develops fine motor skills, balance, and strong neuromuscular connections that carry over into all areas of life.
#2
Discipline & Focus
Techniques are detailed and demanding. Training strengthens discipline and focus, translating into better school work and relationships.
#3
Confidence
JuJitsu gives REAL confidence through hours on the mat training real situations — not flashy moves with no resistance.
#4
Socialisation
Meet new friends, share experiences, and learn to communicate with people of all ages in a welcoming club environment.
#5
Fitness
A fun and demanding cardiovascular workout. Lose weight, gain core strength, and develop more energy and stamina — and you'll love doing it.
#6
Goal Setting
Belt grades, competition, and mastering new techniques all provide clear goals and measurable improvement. Every day: improve by 1%.
#7
Self-Defence
Real self-defence through hours of mat time — not choreographed moves, but practical techniques for real situations.
Welcome from Master Gerald McAlister
Welcome to our school—where tradition, discipline, and practical skill come together in the art of JuJitsu.

With over many years of training and experience, and having attained the rank of 7th Dan, I have dedicated my life to studying and sharing this remarkable martial art. JuJitsu is far more than just self-defence; it is a path that builds confidence, improves physical health, sharpens mental focus, and fosters respect for oneself and others.

Whether you are taking your very first step onto the mat, or you are an experienced practitioner looking to deepen your knowledge, you will find a supportive and structured environment here. Our teaching respects the rich history of JuJitsu while adapting its principles to suit modern life, helping students of all ages and abilities develop at their own pace.

I invite you to explore our website, learn more about our classes, and discover what JuJitsu can do for you. The journey begins with a single step—and we would be honoured to walk that path with you.
Master Gerald McAlister  ·  7th Dan JuJitsu
Classes
🥋 Knee High Samurai — Boys and girls aged 3–5. Martial arts-based fun designed to build concentration and confidence.

🥋 Junior Classes — From 5 years old. Basic JuJitsu skills in a fun, safe environment. Every child works at their own level.

🥋 Senior Classes — 16 and over (some younger teenagers may join senior class in certain circumstances). Full syllabus training.

Ready to Study?

Use our interactive study tool to learn the DCJJC Japanese terminology and anatomy syllabus.

County Down, Northern Ireland

Our Clubs

Five locations across County Down. Drop in to a trial session and see for yourself.

Club Photo
Club Locations & Training Times
Ballynahinch
Sensei P McAlister
Ballynahinch Community Centre
45-47 Main Street
Ballynahinch
Co Down BT24 8DN
Monday
Knee High Samurai5:30 – 6:15pm
Junior JuJitsu6:15 – 7:10pm
Crossgar
Master Gerald McAlister
War Memorial Hall
5 John Street
Crossgar
Co Down BT30 9EG
Tuesday
Junior6:30 – 7:25pm
Seniors7:30 – 9:00pm
Newcastle
Master Gerald McAlister
Newcastle Community Cinema
St Mary's Hall Main Street
Newcastle BT33 0AD
Wednesday
Junior6:30 – 7:25pm
Seniors7:30 – 9:00pm
Drumaness
Master Gerald McAlister
Dan Rice Hall
Drumaness Road Drumaness
Ballynahinch Co Down BT24 8RL
Thursday
Junior6:30 – 7:25pm
Seniors7:30 – 9:00pm
Saintfield
Master Gerald McAlister
Saintfield Leisure Centre
Ballynahinch Road
Saintfield Co Down BT24 7AB
Friday
Junior6:30 – 7:25pm
Seniors7:30 – 9:00pm
Club Photo 2 Club Photo 3
Class Categories
🥋 Knee High Samurai — Boys and girls aged 3 to 5 years. A martial arts-based class with lots of fun, designed to help with concentration, build confidence, and bring out the best in your child.

🥋 Junior Classes — From 5 years old. Basic JuJitsu skills in a fun and safe environment. Every child works at their own level with encouragement from instructors to help them improve at their own pace.

🥋 Senior Classes — 16 and over. Full syllabus JuJitsu training. Some younger teenagers may join the senior class in certain circumstances — speak to an instructor.

Come Try a Class

Trial classes available before you commit to joining. Contact us to arrange yours.

Nationally Qualified · First Aid Trained · Child Protection Certified

Our Instructors

All DCJJC instructors hold nationally recognised qualifications and use up-to-date, modern teaching methods.

Active Instructors
Master Gerald McAlister Founder & Head Instructor
Master Gerald McAlister
7th Dan
  • Senior Instructor DCJJC / CMAA
  • Senior Technical Officer DCJJC
  • Cobra Self Defence Instructor
  • Diploma in Bodyguard (IBSSA)
  • First Aid Trained
  • 30+ Years Martial Arts Experience
Master Karl Dougherty Technical Officer
Master Karl Dougherty
5th Dan
  • Technical Officer DCJJC
  • Club Coach DCJJC
  • First Aid Trained
  • 20+ Years Martial Arts Experience
Master Mairead Murphy Technical Officer
Master Mairead Murphy
5th Dan
  • Technical Officer DCJJC
  • Club Coach DCJJC
  • First Aid Trained
  • 20+ Years Martial Arts Experience
👤
Technical Officer
Sensei Patrick McAlister
4th Dan
  • Club Coach DCJJC
  • Technical Officer DCJJC
  • First Aid Trained
  • 20+ Years Martial Arts Experience
Sensei John Cahir Technical Officer
Sensei John Cahir
4th Dan
  • Club Coach DCJJC
  • Technical Officer DCJJC
  • First Aid Trained
  • 20+ Years Martial Arts Experience
👤
Technical Officer
Sensei Martin McAlister
3rd Dan
  • Technical Officer DCJJC
  • Club Coach DCJJC
  • First Aid Trained
  • 15+ Years Martial Arts Experience
Sensei Reza Shahmohammadi Coach
Sensei Reza Shahmohammadi
2nd Dan
  • Coach DCJJC
  • First Aid Trained
  • First Responder
Sensei Alex McCartan Coach
Sensei Alex McCartan
2nd Dan
  • Coach DCJJC
  • First Aid Trained
Sensei Anthony Dean Coach
Sensei Anthony Dean
1st Dan
  • Coach DCJJC
Sensei Philip Murphy Coach
Sensei Philip Murphy
1st Dan
  • Coach DCJJC
Sensei Oliver Corrigan Coach
Sensei Oliver Corrigan
1st Dan
  • Coach DCJJC
  • 10+ Years Martial Arts Experience
Get In Touch

Contact Us

For further information on clubs, courses or trial sessiones, please get in touch with Master McAlister.

Contact Details
Telephone
07799 625900
Email
gerald@dcjjc.com
Facebook
DC.JuJitsu
Head Instructor
Master Instructor Gerald McAlister · 7th Dan

For further information on clubs and courses, or to arrange a trial session, contact Master McAlister directly by phone or email. We welcome enquiries from anyone interested in JuJitsu regardless of age or experience level.
DCJJC Group Photo

Stay Connected

Follow DCJJC on Facebook for real-time updates on classes, events and club news.

Visit Facebook Page →
Official DCJJC Curriculum

Club Syllabus

The official Down Community JuJitsu Clubs syllabus for Kyu grades. Download, print, and study — your roadmap from White Belt to Black Belt.

Download the Syllabus
📄
Kyu Grade Syllabus
The official DCJJC Kyu grade syllabus in PDF format — covering White Belt through to Brown Belt. Download it, store it on your devices, print a copy for your records, and write notes to help you remember what you've learned.
⬇ Download PDF
🥋
Dan Grade Syllabus
The Dan Grade syllabus is available on request from the club office. Contact Master McAlister directly to obtain your copy. A physical copy of the Kyu syllabus is also available for a small fee.
✉ Request by Email
⚔
Study Tool
Use the DCJJC interactive study tool to learn all the Japanese terminology and anatomy from the syllabus — flashcards, drag & drop, quiz, and grading tests.
Belt Progression
BeltGradeKey Focus Areas
⬜ White9th KyuMat etiquette, breakfalls, basic blocks, strikes & kicks
🟨 Yellow8th KyuHip throws, wrist throws, shoulder locks, ground escapes
🟧 Orange7th KyuShoulder throws, body drops, wrist locks, weapons terminology
🟩 Green6th KyuKnee wheel, scissors throws, chokes, blocking kata
🟦 Blue/White5th KyuSpring throws, scoop throws, leg locks, pad work kicks
🔵 Blue4th KyuLoin throws, nunchuck, Jo kata, knife defence, sparring
🟪 Purple3rd KyuHead-hip-knee, valley drop, winding throws, stick techniques
🟫 Brown/White2nd KyuWedge blocks, leg sweeps, shoulder dislocations, nunchuck kata
🟤 Brown1st KyuRolling throws, one-handed throws, first blocking kata, bokken drills
⬛ Black1st Dan+Dan grade syllabus — contact Master McAlister

Physical Copies Available

Printed copies of the syllabus are available from the club for a small fee. Contact us to arrange yours.

DCJJC Black Belt Register

Dan Grade Registrar

The official register of Dan grade holders within Down Community JuJitsu Clubs. All Dan grades are registered with the Cobra Martial Arts Association (CMAA).

Senior Dan Grades
NameGradeTitle
Gerald McAlister 7th Dan Master Instructor
Karl Dougherty 5th Dan Master Instructor
Liz Hamill 5th Dan Master
Mairead Murphy 5th Dan Master Instructor
Martin Sherlock 5th Dan —
John Cahir 4th Dan Instructor
Patrick McAlister 4th Dan Instructor
Martin McAlister 3rd Dan Instructor
Ryan Sloan 3rd Dan —
Steven Hyland 3rd Dan —
Colin Molloy 3rd Dan —
Reza Shahmohammadi 2nd Dan Instructor
Alex McCartan 2nd Dan Instructor
Barry McEvoy 2nd Dan —
Mark Mulholland 2nd Dan —
Paul Robinson 2nd Dan —
Anthony Dean 1st Dan Instructor
Aliza McKee 1st Dan —
Terry O'Prey 1st Dan —
Thomas Mooney 1st Dan —
Matthew McKee 1st Dan —
Jack McCartan 1st Dan —
Kyle Dougherty 1st Dan —
Conan Lennon 1st Dan —
Gerry-Lee McComiskey 1st Dan —
Rory Corrigan 1st Dan —
Junior Black Belts
NameGrade
Matthew Robinson 2nd Tab
Beth Taylor 1st Tab
Emmet Johnston 1st Tab
Eoin-Pol Hillen 1st Tab
Oscar Burns 1st Tab
For the CMAA National Black Belt Register, visit cmaauk.com. Dan grade registrations are managed through Master Gerald McAlister — contact the club office for enquiries.
Etiquette · Safety · Standards

Rules & Policies

The etiquette, rules and policies of the Down Community JuJitsu Clubs training schools. All students and instructors are expected to follow these at all times.

DCJJC Dojo
DCJJC Dojo Rules
🏯 Mat Etiquette
  • 1.Bow when you enter the training area.
  • 2.Bow when you exit the training area.
  • 3.Keep a respectful posture in the training area at all times.
  • 4.Classes begin with a formal bow between instructors and students, with students lining up in descending grade order.
  • 5.Classes end with a formal bow between instructors and students.
  • 6.Bow to your partner before and after practice.
📋 During Class
  • 7.All students must get their attendance recorded at the beginning of the class.
  • 8.When the instructor is demonstrating techniques, every student must sit or stand in good posture.
  • 9.If you are late for class, stand by the side of the training area and wait for permission from the instructor.
  • 10.If you need to leave the mat or leave earlier you must ask permission from the instructor.
  • 11.Talking should be kept to a minimum and should relate to the class subject.
  • 12.Absolutely no foul language inside the Dojo.
👘 Uniform (Gi) & Hygiene
  • 13.Keep fingernails and toenails short for everyone's safety.
  • 14.The uniform (Gi) must be clean at all times. A dirty uniform is a sign of disrespect.
  • 15.Keep on top of your personal hygiene.
  • 16.The uniform (Gi) must be worn at all times during training.
  • 17.The belt represents your progress. Keep it on.
  • 18.All metal objects, jewellery, piercings and necklaces must be removed before training.
🚫 General Rules
  • 19.No shoes, food or drink on the mat.
  • 20.No cell phones in the training area without prior permission from the instructor.
  • 21.All students and instructors must wear shoes when walking outside of the training area.
  • 22.Mobile phone use should only be used in an emergency during class time.
Club Policies
🛡 Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy
Down Community JuJitsu Clubs is fully committed to the safeguarding and protection of all children and young people in our care, following the policies of our governing body the Cobra Martial Arts Association (CMAA). All instructors who teach children's classes have completed courses in child protection legislation and modern coaching methods for young people.

Our child protection commitments:
· All instructors working with children hold current, recognised child protection qualifications.
· DCJJC follows all current child protection legislation applicable in Northern Ireland.
· Any concerns regarding the welfare of a child must be reported to the head instructor immediately.
· The CMAA central Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is Andrew Morrell — contact: 07909 673894.
Download the full CMAA policies: ⬇ CMAA Safeguarding Children Policy (PDF)  ·  ⬇ CMAA Safeguarding Adults Policy (PDF)
⚕ Health & Safety Policy
The safety of all students is the highest priority in every DCJJC club.

Key points:
· Students train at their own pace — no student is pushed beyond their capability or comfort level.
· Any injury or accident during training must be reported to the instructor immediately.
· Students with pre-existing medical conditions or injuries should inform their instructor before training.
· Training areas are inspected before every class to ensure they are safe and suitable.
🤝 Code of Conduct & Equal Opportunities
All members of DCJJC — students, instructors and parents — are expected to conduct themselves with respect and integrity at all times, both inside and outside the Dojo. DCJJC follows the CMAA Equal Opportunities Policy, which is fully committed to equality of opportunity for everyone within all aspects of training and assessment.

Expected standards:
· Treat all fellow students, instructors and club members with courtesy and respect.
· The CMAA opposes all forms of unlawful discrimination on the grounds of Race, Nationality, Ethnic Origin, Religion, Sexuality, Marital Status, Age, Vulnerability or Disability.
· Bullying, harassment or aggressive behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated and may result in immediate suspension.
· Students represent the club at all times — conduct yourself accordingly.
· Any disputes or concerns should be raised directly with Master McAlister.
Read the full CMAA Equal Opportunities Policy at cmaa.co.uk/equal-opportunities
📸 Photography & Social Media Policy
Photography at classes and events:
· Permission must be obtained from the instructor before photographing or filming at any DCJJC event or class.
· Images of children must not be shared on social media without the explicit consent of a parent or guardian.
· DCJJC reserves the right to use photographs and videos taken at club events for promotional purposes.

Social media:
· Follow us on Facebook for club updates and news.
· Members are encouraged to share positive content about the club but must not post anything that could damage the reputation of DCJJC or any of its members.
DCJJC is a member of the Cobra Martial Arts Association (CMAA) and follows all CMAA policies and guidelines. Full copies of all CMAA policies are available at cmaa.co.uk. For club-specific enquiries contact Master Gerald McAlister at gerald@dcjjc.com or 07799 625900.
DCJJC Japanese TerminologySyllabus Study Tool · v3.0
Studied: 0  |  Correct: 0  |  Left: 45
White Belt
Gi
tap to reveal
Uniform / Suit
Card 1 of 45

Drag the Japanese term onto its correct English meaning

Tanden
Aikido
Hidari
How many bones in an adult human body?
Boken
Ate
Bu-Jitsu
Karate
Obi
Shiai
drop here
Left
drop here
Contest
drop here
Wooden training sword
drop here
206 bones
drop here
Belt
drop here
Attack
drop here
Co-ordination of body and mind
drop here
Empty hand art
drop here
Martial arts
drop here
Abdomen
—
What is the English meaning?
White Belt
Ju-JitsuGentle art
TatamiTraining mat
SenseiInstructor
ObiBelt
GiUniform / Suit
ReiBow
Yellow Belt
AteAttack
Bu-JitsuMartial arts
GeriKick
DojoTraining hall
Orange Belt
BokenWooden training sword
TantoKnife
TonfaWooden batons / night sticks
NunchakuRice flails
BoWooden staff
KatanaMetal sword
KamaSickles / threshing blades
How many bones in an adult human body?206 bones
How much does the average brain weigh?1/50 of body weight (approx. 3 lb)
How many bones are in the head?28 bones
How many bones are in the spine?33 bones
How many pints of blood in the human body?6 to 8 pints
ScapulaShoulder blade
ClavicleCollar bone
Green Belt
HidariLeft
MejiRight
Ritsu reiStanding bow
Za reiKneeling bow
TzukiPunch
Blue/White Belt

No new Japanese terminology at this belt — revision of all previous belts required for grading.

Blue Belt
AikidoCo-ordination of body and mind
Ate wazaAttack vitals
BudoMartial way
IpponOne point
Purple Belt
YokoSide
KyuRank below dan grade
YawaraOld name of Ju Jitsu
UshiraRear
TandenAbdomen
ShiaiContest
Brown/White Belt
Iai JutsuLive blade art
IaidoWay of the live blade
HanteiDecision
KarateEmpty hand art
KendoSport sword art
KumiteFree style sparring
Brown Belt

No new Japanese terminology at this belt — revision of all previous belts required for grading.

Bones of the Arm
⚔ Grading Test

Select your belt, test size and question style. 80% or above is a PASS, below 80% is a FAIL. A full results sheet is shown at the end.

Selecting a belt will include questions from that belt and all belts below it. For example, selecting Green Belt will test you on White, Yellow, Orange and Green Belt terminology.
6 terms across: White Belt