Yellow Belt WJJF Ju-Jitsu Syllabus - 1980s Vintage Video - with Prof Robert Clark

Vintage video from the 1980s, featuring the late, great Prof. Robert Clark - Complete Yellow Belt WJJF Jiu-Jitsu Syllabus

Chapters

00:00 Intro
00:05 Hip Throw with Shoulder Arm Lock
01:10 Hip Throw with Cross-Over Arm Lock
03:16 Defence against Kicks to the Head while on the Ground
04:57 Three Arm Locks from Standing
08:01 Three Wrist Locks
10:51 Wrist Throw with Lock
12:08 Reclining Leg Throws
13:11 Breaking Strangles on the Ground

The Yellow Belt syllabus in WJJF Jujitsu, taught under the guidance of Robert Clark, represents a student’s first formal step into the technical and philosophical foundations of Japanese Jujitsu. At this level, emphasis is placed on safety, discipline, correct posture, and the development of basic but effective self-defence skills.

Training begins with dojo etiquette, correct bowing procedures, awareness, and respect for instructors and training partners. Students are introduced to fundamental stances, movement, and balance, learning how to remain stable while delivering or defending against attacks. Correct footwork is essential, as it underpins all throwing and locking techniques taught later in the syllabus.

The Yellow Belt syllabus focuses heavily on basic breakfalls and rolling, ensuring students can train safely and build confidence when taken to the ground. These skills are reinforced throughout grading preparation, as safe falling is a core principle of traditional Jujitsu.

Self-defence techniques at this grade include escapes from single wrist grips, clothing holds, and basic pushes, using natural body movement rather than strength. Students are taught simple joint locks and off-balancing techniques, applying leverage and timing rather than force. Basic throws are introduced in a controlled manner, often from static grips, to develop understanding rather than power.

Striking is kept simple and practical, with basic atemi such as controlled punches, palm strikes, and kicks used to distract or unbalance an opponent before applying a technique. All strikes are taught with strict control and awareness of distancing.

Under Robert Clark’s instruction, the Yellow Belt syllabus is delivered with a strong emphasis on realistic self-defence, personal confidence, and progressive learning. By the time a student achieves Yellow Belt, they will have demonstrated commitment, basic technical competence, and a clear understanding of WJJF Jujitsu principles—providing a solid foundation for future grades.