How to optimise your online work out.

By Andy Dickinson | April 8, 2024 |

I have a program on my elliptical stepper call “i fit.” It has trainers from all over the world running or walking with me, motivating me as best they can. It is great to train in locations that have spectacular scenery.  Last week I ran in Lumpinee park in Bangkok, power walked in Cairns and…

Read More

Training with Sensei.

By Andy Dickinson | March 4, 2024 |

I am often asked, why should I train with you on the online academy or in person with you in a private lesson. Good questions. The thing is, I put together the entire Northstar Ju jitsu syllabus. It is based on my years of fighting. For those of you that have done one of my…

Read More

2024

By Andy Dickinson | February 6, 2024

There is a freshness in the air. I walked outside this morning, and it hit me like a tsunami. The holiday season is well and truly over. Should I try and extend it to Valentine Day, or how about Easter. I can then make it to my birthday. Wait, here’s an idea, why don’t I…

Read More

Where the police a little rough?

By Andy Dickinson | May 22, 2023

There is no doubt that the police were a little rough on the 95-year-old in the nursing home. From what I can make out is this innocent woman with dementia was shuffling towards the police in her walking frame carrying a large knife. As a survivor of being in a real situation and being attacked…

Read More

The importance of repetition and training every day.

By Andy Dickinson | January 30, 2023

The importance of repetition and training every day. Well, the year has officially begun. With Australia day over and schools going back this week, it is all forward into the year. I’m not sure how much training you did over the break, but regardless, if you are still keen it is time to recycle and…

Read More

Time for Black Belts to step up

By Andy Dickinson | October 12, 2022

The black belt does not exist as a symbol of excellence. The concept of a black belt is something that was invented by Judo Founder Jigoro Kano when he took the concept from the traditional martial arts that predominately wore a white belt to hold their pants up, to a colour system that gave certain…

Read More

Martial Arts near me.

By Andy Dickinson | March 20, 2021

For quite some time I have wondered how I am going to write a blog post on martial arts near me. When I get the google analytics each month for the Northstar website, by far “martial arts near me” is hands down the most used search term in looking for martial arts schools. I have…

Read More

Are you a Mc Dojo.

By Andy Dickinson | January 29, 2021

Just for a minute, let go of everything that you believe about martial arts tuition. Just take your blinkers off and ask yourself. Who wrote the rule book on how martial arts should be presented? It takes courage to step outside of the norm in anything you do. But it is we few pioneers that…

Read More

Ju Jitsu Lessons Online

By Andy Dickinson | September 15, 2020

Ju Jitsu Lessons Online. The idea of learning such a detailed skill such as Ju Jitsu on line may be a completely new concept for you. Especially as a beginner. What you may be thinking is; “doesn’t Ju Jitsu rely on throwing and other moves that require a partner?” Well the answer is yes and…

Read More

Learn Martial Arts Online.

By Andy Dickinson | September 10, 2020

For the last 40 years I have spent my time learning, seeking, developing and refining my interpretation of martial arts. The term “martial arts” was first used as a western concept in recent history. I first began to notice martial arts in the early 70’s, watching Bruce Lee movies. Once I started watching the ground…

Read More

Ju Jitsu v’s Judo

By Andy Dickinson | October 1, 2019

Both of these martial arts systems are great forms of martial arts and yes, they are related. Ju Jitsu originated in Japan.  The traditional martial arts of Ju Jitsu evolved in japan along 2 main lines. That which was designed and used on the battle fields, the empty hand techniques were a supplement to the…

Read More

The good samaritan and the milk crate.

By Andy Dickinson | August 26, 2019
Defend yourself

The Good Samaritan. In Sydney last week, we all had a bird’s eye view of a man blatantly wielding a long knife as he stalked people on the street. The scene unfolded in what could have easily been a scene from a movie shoot. The attacker appeared onto the street after he killed a woman…

Read More

Ju Jitsu Mums.

By Andy Dickinson | July 6, 2019

The modern-day mum has a lot to take on. The days of the stay at home mum is an out dated model as more and more mothers are continuing to contribute to and remain in the work force as best as they can. Supported by their partners and a healthy dose of sheer will, mums…

Read More

Why is Northstar Ju Jitsu referred to the art of peace

By Andy Dickinson | May 29, 2019
Northstar Ju Jitsu the art of peace

Why is Northstar Ju Jitsu referred to the art of peace when the techniques you learn are designed to hurt some one? My perception of martial arts prior to joining Northstar Ju Jitsu had been that it contained a lot of aggression and violence. This was very different from my character and therefore I had…

Read More

What’s missing from modern Ju Jitsu.

By Andy Dickinson | March 19, 2019 |

What’s missing from modern Ju Jitsu? Off the bat, I use the Ju Jitsu spelling for modern Ju Jitsu because it is easier for people to read and say. The correct translation from the Japanese calligraphy is in fact “Ju Jutsu”. It is not Jiu Jitsu or any other interpretation that people use. Modern Ju…

Read More

Getting a Black Belt

By Andy Dickinson | November 20, 2018

Before I commenced my current dojo; Northstar, I was employed full time and also ran a dojo called Fight Club, and you probably guessed right as it seemed to attract only fit men between the ages of 17 and 25. It was a fighting dojo and reflected the stage that I was at with my…

Read More

The best style for self defence. Judo, Boxing or MMA?

By Andy Dickinson | September 24, 2018

The best style for self defence Over the weekend, I kind of over dosed on fighting sports. I watched the incredible destructive power of the current world champion heavy weight boxers. Apparently, the heavy weight competition is the best that it has been in years. The ruthless knock outs that I watched by these destructive…

Read More

Martial Arts in Sydney

By Andy Dickinson | June 30, 2018
Martial arts sydney

Martial arts in Sydney I was in the US a couple of weeks ago and I was invited to attend one of the premier American Martial Arts competitions, The Battle of Atlanta. This was an honour as it was the 50th anniversary of the event, so it was attended by American Martial Arts so called…

Read More

Best Self Defence Styles for Women

By Andy Dickinson | June 17, 2015

Strictly speaking of the styles of best defence for women, some styles of martial arts are a lot more effective than others. A majority of martial arts techniques mainly rely on sheer strength and that might not come in handy if the attacker is physically stronger. To overcome that women have to focus on styles…

Read More