The Purcell family in Sunnyridge have excelled in ju-jitsu, also known as jiu-jitsu.

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Armed with techniques passed on by the Budoshin Ju-Jitsu in the USA, they define ju-jitsu as a tool of self-defence.

Budoshin is a contemporary style (ryu) of ju-jitsu rooted in ancient Japanese techniques. The art itself consists of punches, kicks, throws, ground-grappling and weapons.

Sensei Joshua Purcell last won seven gold medals at the South African National Championships which were held in October 2021.

Joshua said in the past 12 years he has dedicated his time and effort to learning and growing ju-jitsu.

“There is fun in learning new and exciting techniques. Ju-Jitsu keeps giving more and more to the martial art space,” said Joshua.

“I love the fitness you develop with martial arts and above all the discipline. The sport is humbling and it’s a joy to compete in,” he said.

“I enjoy the Budoshin style of Ju-Jitsu with its simple and effective techniques,” said Joshua.

Sensei Rebeca Purcell said she was introduced to ju-jitsu when she was fifteen.

“It’s important to know how to fall, throw, and defend yourself.

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“I got interested in how to fall and not injure yourself and how to get up quickly,” said Rebeca.

“It was fun as a woman being taught how to defend yourself. We are most vulnerable walking along the streets.

“It doesn’t matter how big someone is along as you can hit the right pressure points,” she said.

“I have obtained my national colours, and have won silver and gold medals at the SAs,” said Rebeca, who is grading for her second Dan (Nidan) this year.

Sensei Gary said ju-jitsu teaches one to be calm and channel one’s aggression and anger to being positive.

“My son was picked on a lot at school in he was in Grade Eight and Nine. Today he has won on provincial, South African, and world platforms.

“He is a South African black belt champion and so the bullies have started to back off,” said Gary.

“Continuously we see jiu-jitsu being used in a lot of movies by actors such as Keanu Reeves.

“We also trained on the use of weapons like Katana (sword), Bo (stick), Nunchaku, Tonfa and Sai, which is a weapon believed to have originated as an agricultural tool used to plough fields or plant rice,” said Gary.

He said one day they would like to open their school to pass down their knowledge.

Gary, together with his daughter and son, competed in the 22nd annual United Nations Ju-Jitsu World Championships on October 4 and 5.

It was hosted by South Africa at the Barnard arena in Kempton Park in 2013.

They participated at blue belt level. Gary was defeated by his daughter to win a bronze medal in the random attacks division.
The siblings collected the following medals at the event.

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Rebeca: silver (pairs kata green-blue belt), silver (random attacks), silver (ground fighting).

Joshua: silver (ground fighting). silver (kumite), silver (random attacks green-blue belt).

Other achievements the family has racked up in the sport are as follows:

Gary: SA and provincial colours, two bronze medals at the Gauteng provincial championships and now a third Dan.

Rebeca: SA and provincial colours, three gold medals at the provincial championships, one silver and a bronze at SA’s and currently first Dan.

Joshua: SA and provincial colours, one gold and a bronze medal at provincials, three gold medals for SA’s and now a third Dan.